P90X2 Here goes!!!

Ok, so Rich and I are about to start P90X2 on Monday!! Time for me to shake it up a little, and get the scale moving down again. I am going to follow the nutrition plan, since that is where I know I need to focus my efforts to get the scale going!!

Excited and nervous about the challenge!! Rich and I aren't really that good at getting up early in the morning, so hopefully between the two of us we can motivate each other when the 5 AM alarm sounds.

Although I really really love Turbo Fire (definitely my soul mate workout as Chalene says), it will be nice to workout with Rich, since I know I wouldn't be able to get him to do Turbo Fire. (LOL)

I'll let you know how our first day goes.........

Day 116 of Turbo Fire/CLX Hybrid, Bodybugg, and Happy Turkey Day

Ok got up and put the Turkey in the oven at 7 am.

Yesterday was a bit like an early Xmas!! My BodyBugg and my Scentsy kit showed up. I wasn't even sure which one to play with first. The Bodybugg needed to be charged, so I had to wait on that one!! I also heard a rumor from the wonderful Premiere Lady, Kelly that my Premiere jewelry from the party I had at my house will be here on Friday.

My husband, Rich got me a BodyBugg for my birthday. I have a lot of friends who have them and love them. They have the ones that work with smart phones. With my corporate blackberry, I can't download any Apps so I needed to get the version where you can upload to your computer and/or get the digital display. Being the savy shopper, I googled and found a coupon code to save $30, and found it on sale so I was able to get both. I am still working on synching the digital display, but I have it figured out where I can see how many calories I burned with I hook to my computer. It is a psychological thing, but I am finding myself moving a little more, hustling a little quicker, and doing random exercises (No one else is awake to see me, LOL) to see how many calories I can burn. Hopefully soon I will figure out why the digital display isn't synching!!

Today was Core 20, and I will get to that here soon. I did Turbo Fire HIIT 15 to see how many calories I burned. I was at 158. It is my favorite quick workout when short on time (15 minutes). I like the 10 Minute trainers and the Great Body (10 min workouts), but the HIIT 15 is by far my favorite of the short workouts.

Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

My review of Body Gospel Live

So I got this dvd of Body Gospel live, I don't have the full Body Gospel program. I wanted to check it, so I got just the one disk.

I have been doing Chalene's hybrid program of Turbo Fire and ChaLEAN Extreme. I am about 111 days! I totally love the program, and am not bored with it. It is just every once awhile it is nice to mix it up.

So the first few minutes of the program (keep in mind I am used to the fast pace of Turbo Fire), I think this really isn't challenging enough for what I am used to. Then about 12 minutes in, I think, "Man, my calves are starting to burn a little. Ahhh, the marching is a little different than my body is used to. Hey, all this arm swinging may help tone up the arms some." It is definitely a low impact workout. I think the moves are repetitive enough for a beginner. They do have level two moves to make it a little challenging.

It was a little different than the TF that I am used to, but it was a nice change of pace to mix it up. The church choir music and the instructor are uplifting. The last few minutes with the Body Gospel line dance was kind of fun, and found myself laughing a little while doing it.

104 days of ChaLEAN Ex/Turbo Fire

104 days in and still loving this workout program combined. I am definitely getter stronger.

I am really excited about starting Chalene's Push program with her book release. I made a lot of like-minded friends last night through the Push party. I really need to push past this plateau and take it up a notch, and happy to have interacted with some people on the same course. It is really great to be able to motivate and encourage others while they are also helping to do the same for you.

I started with Day 1 of Chalene's program last night of identifying my 3 top priorities. Today I need to work on 10 goals I want to accomplish. I completed her her 30 day challenge a few months ago and absolutely loved the motivating videos and assignments.

I am resisting the urge to jump ahead with her program and just complete the process. It is tough, since I feel like a kid in the candy store.

Happy 100!!

Well I officially hit 100 days of ChaLEAN Extreme/Turbo Fire Hybrid. For the most part, I followed the exercise schedule pretty religiously. There were a few days I missed, and some days I did more.

As I mentioned before, my 119 lb boxer is also on a diet. As I measured out her food, I thought man this is so much easier for her than me. She kind of has to take what she is given. It is perfectly measured and portioned. No sneaking in the fridge for snacks, no relaxing with a glass or two of wine, no one bringing in office goodies, etc. For me it is a matter of will power, probably about 80-90% of the time I have it right, and I am still working on the other 10-20%. I may never get to a 100%, but at least I keep trying and acknowledging the need to improve.

I tried Dreamfield's healthy carb pasta (Bought it at Giant Eagle.) It was totally yummy and would never had guessed that it was a healthy carb pasta. They make it several types. To name a few: Penne, Macaroni, liguini, lasagna noodles, and spaghetti.

Excited to watch to Chalene's Push book launch on Friday!!
http://www.chalenejohnson.com/pushjumpstart/

Day 96 ChaLEAN Extreme/Turbo Fire Hybrid (Replace your bad habits)

So I have entered the Lean phase of ChaLEAN Ex/Turbo Fire Hybrid. My biceps/triceps were a little sore from Lean Circuit 1, so I was thankful that yesterday was a Turbo Fire workout, and today Lean Circuit 2 focused on shoulders and back. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the sore feeling. I know that sounds wierd, but it means that I pushed myself farther, challenging myself, and that the muscles will improve.

Towards the end of the workout Chalene said something to the extent of identifying your bad habits and replacing them with good.

One of the bad habits that got me out of shape while I was going to college was relaxing with a few glasses of wine. Then that would turn into some mindless munching. I have replaced that with a more regular schedule of exercise. Of course, I didn't give up that habit completely, but stress relief is back to being exercise again.

Another bad habit is my Coke Zero. I know water is better for me, and I really need to cut down on the pop. Although I should, I don't think I can completely cut this habit out. So everything in moderation is what I should shoot for.

I used to have the bad habit of smoking, but I kicked that 10 years ago. I am really happy about that and honestly don't miss it. At the time, I replaced that habit with running. During that period, I decided to train for a marathon to keep myself busy, to not gain weight from quitting smoking, and to see if I could do it.

My point is that there are always things you can do to improve yourself whether it be for your health, mind, body, etc. I am looking forward to reading Chalene's Push book that is coming out shortly.

Think about it........ Is there a bad habit that you have that you should work on replacing with a better one?

Day 94- Chalene Extreme/Turbo Fire

Although last week with travel wasn't perfect and I didn't get in all the workouts from the schedule, it was still SO MUCH better than where I was. Sometimes we become hard on ourselves if we don't follow something perfectly. I love the feature on the beachbody profile page where you can review your previous months workouts. This helps put it back in prespective for me. I compare where I was in the beginning of 2011 to how much more regularly I exercise now. I still have work to go to get back in shape, but compared to when I got back on track in 2011... I HAVE COME A LONG WAY!!

I start the Lean phase of ChaLEAN Extreme and looking forward after to picking the weights back up after the Cardio Round of the Chalene Extreme/Turbo Fire Hybrid.

Still working on the diet, but I think for me that will always be the thing that I work on. Again, looking back where I was to where I am.. I did have a yummy fish taco on a low carb tortilla for lunch. Ok lunch time is done and time to go back to work....

Day 84: Still working on a lighter Lisa and time to work on a leaner Zoey (our dog)

Well I am 84 days into my Turbo Fire/ChaLEAN Extreme hybrid journey. Have I mentioned lately I love this program!!!

I can tell I am building muscle, but I still need to burn some fat. Chalene said at the end of one of her Abs videos unless you clean up your diet your 6 pack will never show. I really need to clean up and get a little more real about the rest of the day.

So let's take a look at my day:
Shakeology for BREAKFAST.

I do eat healthy SNACKS while people at work may be munching on doughnuts and the freshly baked sweets. Sometimes it is a hardboiled egg, string cheese, an apple, 90 calorie Fiber One brownie.

LUNCH for the most part I run home and eat something light.

I really think my problem is the NIGHT TIME eating. I think the meals are for the most part pretty healthy. I may need to measure the portions. I think eating out is also to blame.

In Texas, we ran with the runners club. I realized when I first moved here to Ohio, exercise was replaced by glasses of wine while relaxing on the porch. The stress of finishing school, while moving across country, and a busy work schedule didn't help matters.

THE DOG

In Texas, the dog weighed 97 lbs. She is a pretty tall boxer, and we were told her father was around 128 lbs. I still wonder if she is mixed with Bull Mastif. In May 2011, she weighed 112 lbs. So we decide, we need to get her exercising a little more. This week, I take her back to Pets Mart to weigh her, 119 lbs. The scale went the wrong way!! The vet says switch her diet, measure her food, and get her exercising more. Hmmm, sounds familar??

There really is no magic bullet: EXERCISE MORE and EAT LESS/EAT RIGHT

Fear of the Before Picture

I keep debating on whether I am ready to post my before picture. I ask myself what am I afraid of? Is that I haven't quite made it to my "after"? Is it that I embarassed of the "before"? Is it hard to admit to myself that after keeping weight off for 9 years that a hard year of college and a cross country move derailed my previous efforts?

It is almost like when you try to quit smoking and you backslide. You are disappointed in yourself. You are afraid of what others will think. You start by sneaking the cigarettes. After awhile you can't hide it anymore and you are right back where you were. At least with the smoking, I am happy to admit that I made it 10 years.

The weight I was close to maintaining for 9 yrs, but unfortunately trying to crank out my Bachelors degree in a short amount of time didn't leave much time for exercise. Although I still have some to go, I have taken almost 20 lbs of the gain off and getting back in shape.

Once I work up the courage, I will post my "before" pictures. Until then, I will just keep working on my "after"!

Woo Hoo!!

Ok, today was a Woo Hoo Day! Well technically everyday above ground is a good day, but some days just give you a little extra Woo Hoo!!

I get this newsletter this morning from Pam Young talking about a game her and her husband played about telling each other what they were thankful for about the other. She said at the end of the day although it was a game that she really enjoyed hearing what her husband was thankful for about her. All too often, we may forget to tell the people around us how much we do appreciate them. (Even little things). Well I decided to unofficially play the game and let some people know about things I appreciated. Woo Hoo!!

By lunch time, I get a phone call from my neurologist. I have MS and have to get MRIs every few years to ensure the medicine is keeping the disease at bay. The nurse said that my MRI results were the same as 2009 and as 2006. She said your disease is stable. This means I have had no new disease progression in 5 years. That is a major Woo Hoo!

I get home, my son tells me he did good on his spelling test. Last week, he was upset saying he wasn't going to ever get out of first grade, because he didn't think he could pass the test. Woo Hoo!!

Yesterday I decided to switch my workout day off from Wednesday to Tuesday, since I was a little sore from weekend workouts. Today I realized I hit 200 workouts this year in WOWY. Woo Hoo! I may have done more workouts for the year, but these were the ones that I actually tracked. I like tracking them, because I can look back and see what I have done.

I also made it 66 days into ChaLEAN Extreme/Turbo Fire Hybrid and about 2 1/2 weeks in to Brazil Butt Lift. Woo Hoo!!

day 58

Well, I am 58 days into ChaLEAN Extreme/Turbo Fire Hybrid and 10 days into the Brazil Butt Lift workout. The numbers on the scale may have slowed some, but I am starting to see some muscle tone.

My husband is lucky enough to be able to practically just touch a weight and end up looking sculpted. Me on the otherhand have always had to push hard to get results.

I have started to run a little again. My dog who also gained weight when we moved to Ohio is enjoying it as well. My son this summer had decided he was done with training wheels, so he now can ride along side while I run. We went through that period where he rode in the jogging stroller when he was little to the point where he was too big for it. Unfortunately, that and a few other reasons put my running on hiatus for awhile.

Sometimes if you just hit the play button...................

Ok, so fun day of meetings!! I thought, "Do I really want to go home cook dinner & exercise? OR tell Rich and Nathan that I want to go out to eat. Technically, I told myself it is my rest day of the Chalene hybrid program. As I held my internal debate, Rich started his Power 90 and P90X workouts (He is doing both simultaneously.)

Him starting his workout was enough to convince me that I just needed to start. I am on my 5th day of Brazil Butt Lift and today was a rest day of the ChaLEAN Extreme/Turbo Fire hybrid (52 days completed). As usual a few minutes in, I was happy I chose the workout instead of skipping it.

Day 50

Woo Hoo made it to Day 50 of the TF/ChEx Hybrid. I've done other workout programs, but this is one of my favorite combinations.

I just received Brazil Butt Lift. Since the hybrid I am doing is mostly weights, I am working in the Brazil Butt Lift. I made it to Day 3 of The BBL program. The BBL is a month long program, so not too bad.

It comes with a pencil to do this test. If the pencil stays put then you fail. Well I passed the test. I told my husband, and he said your butt is not saggy it is just big. LOL, he's right, so I didn't take it personal.

day 48

I missed my day 47 workout. I don''t know why I do it maybe it's my competitive nature, but I almost feel like I let myself down.

I was trimming my hedges and I seen this vine (luckily I had gloves),so I pulled it out. About a day or 2 later, I figure out by looking at my forearm that was poison ivy. I have always gotten a pretty bad reaction to poison ivy. Who would've thought I would find poison ivy in my front yard!! Only me would that happen to!

So Thursday, I had to go for my every few year MRI checkups for my MS. Imagine having to try to lay still for 2 hrs, when your arms are itchy from poison ivy. Thursday night I didn't sleep well so I decided to try to sleep in a little bit Friday morning. The plan was to do my workout before we had to bring Nathan to his PJ party for a parents night out. Well, when we get home from Nathan's school, he hands me a note about having a rough day at school. The long discussion with Nathan took up the planned workout time.

I keep reminding myself that I have added extra workouts on some days and even worked out on rest days. I plan to knock the day 47 and day 48 workout today. One was Turbo Fire 30 (cardio) and the other is Push Circuit 3 (weights).

Day 41

Well, I made here to Day 41 of the ChaLEAN Extreme/Turbo Fire Hybrid. It's amazing that many times before I get started that I don't really feel like exercising. Yet when I am done, I am always glad that I did!

Since it is good to keep changing your routine,I am trying to decide what program I want to try next. I am considering either Brazil Butt Lift or Slim in 6. Anyone tried either one?

If I was going to give myself a grade on well I am doing with the eating, I would say about an 85%. I do drink the Shakeology everyday, since it is extremely healthy I get high marks for that. I do extremely well at work with two healthy snacks and lunch. I even do well when they bring in the doughnuts and unhealthy treats. So where do I need to focus on?: Nighttime! I have been trying to make our dinners consist of more vegetables and lean protein rather than pasta or starchy carbs. I am even trying to cut back a little on wine and Michelob Ultras. I have been keeping a food and exercise journal on the free site: www.myfitnesspal.com

I really like using Beachbody's workout calendar where you can auto populate your workout schedule. I know ahead of time what my workout will be and have no excuses for the amount time I spend working out. I just know that this is the workout that I am supposed to do on that day! It also helps on the days when I think I really don't feel like working out, because I am somewhat competitive with myself and feel disappointed in me if I don't stick to my schedule or least try to.

It is kind of like when you run 5K's, 10K's, half, or marathons. There is something in running called a PR, which stands for Personal Record. Many runners always try to push themselves to beat their previous time to keep bettering that PR. When I stick to the schedule or push myself to lift the next heavier weight, or crank out that extra push up, I know I am only going to improve my fitness level.

Also when you auto populate your calendar, in a way I am mentally pushing myself to finish that workout schedule much like when I signed up for a Race. If you have ever ran a 5K or marathon, etc, you know you can't just show up on race day and start running. It always gave me an incentive to run knowing that I had a race I signed up for, and knowing I put my schedule in my workout calendar I know I need to PRESS PLAY!!

Day 39 TF/CH EX Hybrid

This morning was ChaLEAN Extreme Push Circuit 2.

I can kind of do a pull up now without the chair. I can pull up and down, but can't pull back up so not sure if that counts. My point is that I am getting closer, and it gives me something to push for. Still a little rough on the tricep push ups, but I'll get there too. I still have more work to go, but at least I am seeing some progress. This helps keep me motivated!

Although I have never been much of an early morning person, I have been doing really well at getting up early to workout since Nathan's school started. I just find that most days if I don't if I don't get the workout done before I start the day that the rest of day kind of gets in the way of itself. Then before I know it, it is time to go bed. Definitely works better for me as much as I don't like to drag myself out of bed.

Doing pretty good at making sure I am making healthier eating choices for the most part. One of my Admin people even remembered when she went out for doughnuts for the group to grab a fruit n yogurt cup for me. I guess they are kind of getting used to me trying to eat better. :)

Keep Pushing Play

Well I am completing day 38 on my ChaLEAN Extreme/Turbo Fire Hybrid. I have completed about 154 WOWY workouts for the year. It is not an easy process to get yourself back on track after being derailed, but I have really committed myself to it this year. After being on track for so long (Fitness/Health wise), once you let yourself get derailed, it requires a lot of push and internal shove to get yourself back there. The last eight months, I have pushed myself to get back there. I am a slow loser, but I continue to press forward to try to regain where I was before I got DERAILED so to speak.

I have pushed myself to do things I didn't think I could do, so I know EVERYTHING is possible. I ran a marathon just a year after quitting smoking (2002). _Quit date 7/31/01. In between then and now, ran another full marathon and about half a dozen half's. I ran a half (2007), a year after being diagnosed with MS (Multiple Schlerosis). My point is that I continue to prove to myself that I can push myself to achieve things physically that I didn't think possible. The pursuit of completing my Bachelor's degree (2010) was a physical setback, but I know that if I keep at it I WILL get back to where I need to be!!

Day 35 of Turbo Fire/Chalene Extreme Hybrid

Today is Turbo Fire 45 EZ, and after I get some coffee it will be time to get to it. Need to get the workout done, before it is time to watch Hungry Girl on the Food Network. Really enjoying her show.


Yesterday, I did Push Circuit 3 and even managed to get in a 30 minute run! There aren't as many races that I have found here in Columbus, Ohio as compared to Dallas-Fort Worth. You literally had your choice of almost a half dozen races every weekend there. I really miss the Fort Worth Runners club races. My small town of Grove City doesn't have a runners club.

I did find a FIT CLUB in Grove City at Putt N Play, which I have met some great people. It is kind of hard when you move to meet people, and I am thankful to have met some people that are trying to do the same thing to improve their health.

Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend.

DAY 32

This morning was a little tougher to get up early, but I still managed to get up early enough to get most of the Push Circuit 2 done before I had to get ready for work. I finished up the last few minutes when I got home from work.

Did really well I what I ate today. The new water cup with the straw has really helped up my water intake. I have been reading the Clean Eating magazine, and saw a few recipes that look really yummy.

Really exciting day with all the hoopla with the P90X2 prelaunch. I already pre-ordered one for Rich for Xmas!!! It looks intense!!

Day 30 CH Ex/Turbo Fire & Water

Ok, made it through 30 days of Turbo Fire/Chalene Extreme. It goes by fast, since Chalene's workouts are fun!! Tomorrow is a rest day, but I am almost so used to getting up and working out that it may be hard not to. I also tend to have more energy on the days I get up early and work out first.

I was able to do one unassisted pullup (no chair or help) on our pullup bar. Still working on the tricep pushup, but I'll get there.

I could probably have a garage sale with just Water bottles if I wanted to. Well, I am exaggerating a little.... I have do quite a few different ones in the quest to find one that helps me drink more water, keeps the water cold, fits in my car cup holder, etc.

Amazingly the one that works the best so far was $5 at Walmart. It looks just like a regular plastic cup, but has a screw on lid, and a plastic straw. It is also double barrelled, so it helps keep the water cold and doesn't sweat all over the place.

For some reason, I find that if the water is ice cold and I drink it through a straw that I manage to drink more. So far this week, I have been doing really good at making sure I am drinking enough water.

Day 28

On Day 28 of ChaLEAN Extreme/Turbo Fire Hybrid. Today, one of my favorite of the Turbo Fire workouts: FIRE 45. The music in all the Turbo Fire workouts is great, but this one is really fun. At a point in the video where you think you are getting tired with about 15 minutes to go, the song "Boom I Got Your Boyfriend" comes on and gets you going again.

So I have a small confession to make: I like reading magazine articles about nutrition, diets, and exercise. I have subscriptions to a few magazines: Shape, Fitness, Clean Eating, First, Women's Health, All You, etc. And I still may buy magazine in the checkout at the grocery store when I see something that interest me. My husband asks after I buy yet another Woman's World, "Why Do you Buy these things?"

This is a much better habit and cheaper than when I used to smoke. (Woo Hoo! 10 years ago). But to answer the question of Why do I buy these things?.......

First off, I will be the first to tell you there are NO quick fixes when it comes to weight loss. I don't believe in gimmicks and also don't try everything I see in the magazines. Some of the articles are based fads and quick fixes, but I am smart enough to decipher that. I guess I still enjoy reading about them from a knowledge of what's out there standpoint. It also kind of helps me to continue to be thinking about my diet. It also gives me ideas for recipes and different exercises.

Yesterday

Really took advantage of days off from work. Yesterday did HIIT 15, and went for a 30 min bike ride. After that went to Fit Club in Grove City and did HIIT 30. I am a little sore from both HIIT workouts. Today is supposed to be a rest day. I have to go back to work later this afternoon, but I am contemplating a quick bike ride with my son. When I was marathon training years ago, it really helped to ride the bike after long runs.

I am really doing good about sticking to my exercise schedule. I am working on the diet. Water is my worst area, so I guess I should really just stop and go get myself a glass !!!

day 23 ChaLEAN Ex/Turbo Fire Hybrid

Nice having a couple days off from work. Been able to sleep in (ok at least til 7:30 am)and then get up to exercise!

Today I am about to start Day 23 of the Hybrid. I am on the Turbo Fire week in between the Burn Circuits and the Push Circuits. Today is one of my favorites, HIIT 15. Yes part of it is because it is only 15 minutes, but also because it is an intense 15 minutes with the interval drills.

I am getting closer to being able to do the tricep pushups. I still need to keep working on the pull up bar to be able to do the pull ups without the chair. I can do one, but I am kind of jumping so it probably doesn't count.

Doing pretty good on the diet side of things, need a few more tweaks and got to work on my water habit. I am kind of sporadic on that, so I need to work on improving.

My fitness story from January 2011

I wrote this back when I first got involved in Beachbody, but I thought I would put it on my blog. Since writing this, I am down 18 lbs, but for me that is good. I still have more to go, but I continue to work on getting back to where I was before going back to college to finish my degree.

Here’s my Fitness story:

On July 31, 2001, I quit smoking and joined Weight Watchers. I really had a great leader and enjoyed the meetings. I lost about 45 lbs and kept it off. I started running and ran 2 marathons, about half a dozen half marathons, and more 5 and 10K's than I can count.

In 2005, I had my son, Nathan. I returned to Weight Watchers, lost the weight, and continued to exercise.

In 2006, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Although it could be a grim diagnosis, I maintained a positive attitude, followed the doctor’s orders, and continued to exercise. At this point, I really consider it more of blessing then a curse. It really helps me keep my health and well-being at the top of my list. If I get too stressed or off track on my exercise path, I am reminded of how important it is to my health to keep it all in balance.

Towards the end of 2008, my employer asked me to pursue my Bachelors Degree. I received my Associates in 1991, so I had been out of the school scene for quite a few years. So with a high paced full time job as a lab manager and a young son, I went back to school on-line. Thanks to my husband and a whole lot of time in front of the computer, I completed my degree in August 2010. I even graduated with honors (Magna Cum Laude).

In March 2010, my employer let me know that I needed to transfer from Texas to Ohio. I was about to start my last semester, which I was enrolled in 3 classes in effort to finish that summer. Luckily my house in Texas sold quickly, and we were able to find a house quickly. This left a whole lot of things on my To-DO list in addition to a full-time class load: the move, the, organizing a busy lab that was about to go in to the process of a remodeling and restructuring, getting my son registered somewhere for kindergarten, and hoping my husband would find a job in the new state quickly.

.... All of this left very little time for exercise. Unfortunately the scale crept back up to where I was before Weight Watchers. I tried to go back, but the meetings just didn't click with my busy schedule. The meetings here reminded me of a fat camp for retired people (and I really don’t mean that in a bad way just trying to describe the scene at these particular meetings). This atmosphere may work for some people, but I need support and motivation to pursue a healthy lifestyle. When we walked in to the meetings here in the new state, people were sitting at tables eating chips, and it just didn’t have the same energy I had experienced previously at other WW meetings.

I knew I needed something else. In Texas, we had belonged to the Fort Worth Runner’s Club, and all the great people and regular group runs kept us motivated to exercise. When I searched for a runner’s club, the closest I could find was one in Columbus (yes, I know that far from Grove City). Unfortunately the weather here isn’t as pleasant as Texas, which makes winters runs not quite as pleasant.

My neighbor, Takako knowing that I was trying to get back in shape suggested I try Shakeology. I was a little skeptical at first, but I was quite familiar with some of Beachbody’s other products such as P90X, Turbo Jam, and Hip Hop Abs. After contemplating and reviewing the information, I decided to give it a try. Thanks Takako for the jump start I needed to get back in to working out!! I appreciate the gentle push more than I can express.

I had bought Turbo Jam years ago, and really enjoyed the music and the combination of dance moves, kicks, and punches. Because of this, I decided to try Turbo Fire. I really love the music and how fun the workouts are.

I have met some of the other Beachbody coaches on Facebook and have picked up some great tips and ideas. To track my diet and exercise, I started using the free website: www.myfitnesspal.com

I have met a lot of nice people, since becoming involved in my journey towards getting back in shape. Kassie, Aaron, Jodi: What you guys accomplished so far on your weight loss and fitness journey is amazing! Thank you to everyone who continues to motivate and inspire me to Keep Pushing Play!!!


P.S. I am approaching my 10 years of quitting smoking and I can honestly say, "I haven't killed anyone yet!" LOL- Just kidding!!

DAY 17 ChaLEAN Extreme/Turbo Fire Hybrid

Day 17 was a rest day on the schedule, but I decided to play tennis with my 6 yr. old!! It was fun and still got in some exercise. Been following the Beachbody meal plan. Although not perfectly, but I still feel good that I have been able to stick with it and not be hungry. Our power went out at work, and the girls decided to go get treats for everybody. They forgot their boss is trying to eat healthy, but I must say I didn't even take a bite!! I went to my lunchbox in my fridge and grabbed the snack I planned for! GO ME!!

Tomorrow is Burn Circuit 2 and Turbo Fire Stretch 10. I am starting to notice that my arms are getting thinner and slightly more muscular, so pretty happy about that. Rome wasn't built in a day, so I keep at it :)

I was looking at the post about the website www.FOODFACTS.com where you could put in foods and see where they rank on how healthy they are (100 being the best). For fun, I went to the site and checked out different foods. Shakeology scored 97, whereas not suprisingly a Big Mac scored a 0! I think the Whopper with Cheese scored a little higher than the Big Mac!! Pretty neat website.

DAY 13

Ok today was Chalene Extreme Burn Intervals!

Lets just say I was skeptical when she mentioned only using 5 lb weights in this one after she had me up to 15-25 lbs in the others. I realize that is was more reps, but still I thought... Ok I will do 10 lbs. Well after the first few intervals with 10 lbs, I conceded and switched to 5 lbs. I loved the plyometric drills in between the weight training or muscular endurance training as she called it.


Aside from the Chalene workout, I tried again to do a few pullups without the chair as support. Still not there yet!! I can do ONE, but seriously I am cheating by jumping a little. I have got the pushups down without being on my knees, but the tricep pushups I still struggle with.

2 weeks Chalene Extreme/Turbo Fire Hybrid

Ok, so I am two weeks in to the CH Ex/TF workouts. Must say, I actually enjoy these workouts if there is such a thing, LOL!! Me, so not the morning person, has been getting up to fit these in to get them done in the morning instead of hoping to fit them into a hectic day later.

I actually have been following the meal plan this week and dropped 0.6 lbs. Still have about 20 or so to get me back to where I was before the college and the hectic cross country move. The important thing is that I am moving and the M.S. is doing well!! Getting back to a consistent exercise routine has done wonders for the stress levels.

A few people who only known me for a short period, "You lost a lot of weight" whereas a lady from work, who hadn't seen me since the college craze said, "I hope you don't take this bad, but you gained a lot of weight." Luckily I am smart enough that I didn't need someone to tell me that, so it didn't bother me. It actually gives me more incentive to "Keep Pushing Play".........

rest day on Chalene Extreme/ Turbo Fire Hybrid

It's the rest day of Chalene Extreme/Turbo Fire Hybrid.

I am almost getting so used to the activity that it feels wierd to take the scheduled and much needed rest day.

I have been trying to follow the Beachbody meal plan this week. I do extremely well during the day and some nights. It's the night time or dinner meal that is usually my problem. Take last night for example, we had dentist appt at 5, son's baseball practice at 6, and Fit Club at 7. Husband asks, what are we going to do about dinner? well I had the meal all cooked previously, but we weren't home to eat it. My plan of eating later when we got home really wasn't a good plan. Unfortunately, McD's ended being dinner. That is rare that it happens, but when I am trying to follow a meal plan strictly to break a plateau.... Well, you know how that goes. Anyway much calmer today with work, after work activities, and day off from workout, so looking forward to cooking.

Ok, Lunch time is over, back to work...

Meal Plan

Ok, so I decided to bite the bullet and try the Beachbody Club membership to get the Meal Plan. I have been monitoring my diet, but I needed the extra little help. It's only $2.99 a week. (www.beachbodycoach.com/lthom784). I used to spend that on a pack a cigarettes a day when I used to smoke 10 years ago.

It was actually pretty cool when I signed up and started playing around with it. We needed to go grocery shopping anyway, so I printed off the shopping list for this week's menus. I made all three meals for today. Nate and Rich even liked them. Since tomorrow is going to be busy, I went ahead and did all the meals for tomorrow. My biggest problem is by the time I get home from work, I don't always feel like cooking.... That's when we end up going out to eat.

Today was Day 7 of the Turbo Fire/Chalene Extreme Hybrid. I may even try to get up early tomorrow before work to knock the workout out of the way before the day gets in the way.

Chalene Extreme /Turbo Fire Hybrid

Ok so on Day 6 of Chalene Extreme/Turbo Fire Hybrid. I am actually enjoying this one. Like that some of the workouts are a little shorter in time, but still really a good workout. And Chalene? She is such an awesome motivator to help you keep pushing yourself.

Still working on cleaning up the diet, but for the most part I am on track.

Rich and I have been drinking Shakeology for breakfast for about 7 months. He got his cholestrol retested and it dropped 90 points. The doctor cut his medicine in half.

If you want to know more about shakeology:

www.beachbodycoach.com/lthom784
Or

www.shakeology.com/lthom784

Yummy Dinner

So I seen this photo above on another Beachbody coaches facebook page. I really can identify with this. When I was doing marathon training for my first marathon a few years back, I actually gained weight. "How do you gain with such an intense amount of exercise?", I used to ask myself. It wasn't that I was overeating or eating bad things. It was really that I stopped paying as much attention to what I was eating. They taught us in training that we needed extra calories, but I really didn't put as much focus on my calorie count then before the intense physical training. I did gain some muscle, but it wasn't all muscle.

So what's for Dinner? I decided to make Chicken Bruschetta over Green Beans from the Chalene Extreme workout/diet program. It was really yummy and I feel full without that bloated feeling.

I am thinking about trying the Chalene Extreme/Turbo Hybrid since those are two of my favorite programs. I tried to do the p90x schedule, but trying to carve out an hour for something I just wasn't excited about wasn't as enjoyable. I will add the P90x workouts in to my schedule, because I do find them challenging. But for some reason, I tend to lose track of time a little more when I do a Chalene workout. As people say, "If you find something you enjoy you will be more likely to stick with it."

Eating light

Paying a little stricter attention to the diet and working on the exercise. Always room for improvement... What do you do when it is time to try to push past a plateau?

Fit Club in Grove City

Tonight we did P90X Plyo at the Grove City Fit Club. Love going to the Fit Clubs since it kind of takes the WORK out of workouts and makes the time go faster with all the camaderie. I was even able to convince my husband, Rich, to go. YAY!! Nathan had a blast playing video games and mini golfing.

Finally got most of stuff unpacked from the business trip.

Was nice being able to cook in my kitchen and sleep in my own bed. Don't mind travel, but always makes me appreciate HOME. Really need to go grocery shopping, but it makes me creative in the kitchen you have to get resourceful until shopping.

last day of Travel

Ok, last day in DFW heading back to Columbus tonight!!

I managed to work in Turbo Fire HIIT 15 and walked to get coffee instead of driving. I haven't been on my scale at home for a week and half so a little nervous. For the most part, I think I did ok on the diet and exercise. I plan to commit to fine tuning the diet next week to push past my plateau. I definitely need to cut back on the diet pops and up the water intake.

Looking forward to going home and getting back in to normal routine. Miss the husband and the dog. Thankfully my mom let me do some laundry so that will help a ton on getting back settled.

Hope everyone has a good week!!

Reading about Health and Fitness

So I am sitting on the plane reading about the bizillionth article about diet, health, exercise, etc, and I am thinking why do I always read these articles. I truly believe there is no quick fix and that fad diets don't work. I guess I read them, because it keeps my mind on task and sometimes I can find a good tip or two such as a new recipe or new exercise. I do also subscribe to some of the healthier ones such as CleanEating, Shape, and Fitness, but I really do read a lot of different magazine articles on diet and exercise. I think for me it helps keep me motivated by reading about diets and exercise.

It also helps to surround myself with people that are also trying to accomplish the same things. That is really my motivation for becoming a Beachbody coach. I know it has to be a way of life and stepping of the train for even a short period can set you back. I had lost the weight before and kept it off for 9 years. It was when I started back to college .....first the exercise started to slide, then the diet was a little more lax, and for the stress; wine replaced the running.

In January, I really started taking a look at my exercise routines and knew it was time to get it back. I loved Turbo Jam in the past, so Turbo Fire sounded like a fun plan. The music was so fun, and it made the time pass. I have tried a few other of the Beachbody programs to mix things up: P90X, Insanity Asylum, 10 min trainer, Chalene Extreme, and Slim in 6 Express series. I have also started to try to work in some running again and got a bike to ride with my 6 yr old son.

I know that exercise is only part of the equation, so I started tracking my diet on the free site: myfitnesspal.com

Last day in Portland

Ok, only half a day left in Portland then 3 hr and 50 min flight to DFW. I was able to get a Slim in 6 Express workout done yesterday. The dinner at the Portland grill probably wasn't the healthiest, but..... I am trying to make overall life changes, so the occaisonal dinner isn't going to derail the effort.

Today my be tough to sneak in a workout, but I am going to see where I can work in or walk extra at the airport.

Have a great day!!


Update:

I managed to sneak in 10 Min Trainer Total Body, and will work on fitting more in during the day at the airport and when I get to DFW.

Had my Shakeology in the shaker cup. Really missing my blender........... I do have a small portable one, but since I was going for a week and half my suitcase was already pushing 49 lbs......

I decided to work on a blog to discuss my weightloss and fitness journey. Hopefully in time I will begin to improve the blog as well as the content of my post. Here goes, wish me Luck at both the Blog and my Health and Wellness quest.