Shift Shop Launch - Test Group

Shift Shop is the newest program being added to the Beachbody library this July!! July 13th to be exact!! And I CAN’T WAIT!!

I've had the pleasure to attend a couple workouts with Chris this week while in Punta Cana on the annual Success Trip and I am falling in love all over again with this company!! Just when I was getting into a little rut with my workout, repeating some of my favorites but also craving something new, they go and announce THIS program!!

Shift Shop is a 3-Week Rapid Rebuild program. And before you go and get scared take a few minutes to keep reading!

It doesn't matter where you came from...or where you've been.

You can always reinvent yourself. When you have someone like Chris Downing training you--someone who truly cares about you and your goals--the sky's the limit.  He is so kind and truly cares about US!! The people following his program, the people who want to do better and be better no matter where you stand today! Beachbody's newest Super Trainer is going to take you from where you are to where you want to be.

Who's it for?

•  Shift Shop is for anyone that wants to ramp up their fitness fast. In three short weeks you progress from basic 25 minute workouts to advanced 45 minute routines - all while honing your nutrition for optimal results.  

• It's great for all fitness levels. If you have a lot of weight to lose, Shift Shop will be your on-ramp to fitness. If you've spent some time away from your regular routine, Chris will lead through a fitness tune-up. It's perfect for anyone who wants an easy commitment to jump-start their regimen.

Who is Chris DowningChris Downing is a NASM-certified personal trainer with one goal in sight: to help you accelerate the change you've always wanted.

As creator of the Shift Shop fitness program, Chris' engaging, motivation-based approach helps you grow stronger both physically and mentally. It's about so much more than helping you just get fit and lose weight. It's about shifting your body and mind to a place that allows you to reinvent yourself.

Chris encourages you to envision what you want to look like and accomplish THAT. He takes the most results-driving training methods-effective for everyone from pro and amateur athletes to the everyday gym-goer-and tailors them to help you achieve a significant total-body transformation. This includes shorter workouts with exercise intervals that help you burn calories fast, and lose fat, while still increasing your strength.

Whether it's agility training, premium weight-loss moves, or the ultimate abs workout-prepare to burn fat and reshape your physique at lightning speed-all while being powered by Chris' personal philosophy: Love. Empower. Inspire.

If you're interested in being a part of my test group, a group of rockstars who will be doing this with my RIGHT as soon as it launches in July then please fill out the application below and I'll get you on the VIP list today!! Have questions? Find me over on Facebook I'd love to chat!

30 Day Clean Eating and Refresh Accounability Group

Living in a small lake community you can feel that summer is in the air pretty much anytime you step out of the house and the trucks and boats coming up the highway Thursday - Sunday is a SURE sign too! But I am sad to say that the traffic is dying down and kids are going back to school.  I am just not ready for this yet!! But change is inevitable and I'm going to roll with it!  CHANGE for anyone is hard. Getting kids back on a bed time routine, getting ourselves ready for after school activities and life at home is exhausting! And unfortunately the first thing to go is our own health, fitness and healthy eating! But this doesn't have to be the case! Why not let our own health, fitness and healthy eating be the ONE thing we can control in a world of chaos? You decide if you get up a half hour early to workout, you control whether that food you put in your mouth is nutritious or just empty calories, you decide if your family eats a healthy dinner or hits the drive thru! Those are the things that NO ONE can tell you when and where to do them. You set the tone for your own household. In fact just last week I talked about making your workouts a priority, set them on the schedule and don't cancel on yourself the same way you wouldn't cancel a meeting on your boss!

When the alarm goes off it's pretty easy to hit the snooze button and drift back off to bed. But then when I finally get up I'm beating myself up for missing my workout. Not only am I now stressed that I have to run around and get things ready but I am not feeling my best. So what did I do? I started putting my alarm clock far away from my bed. I had to get up and walk across the room. The cool air woke me up and sure I could lay back down but I'd just be tossing and turning so whats the point. I'm up and I start the workout! Yes this is still a challenge especially now that my son is climbing out of his crib and potty training. We sometimes are up several times through the night but like I said its that sacrifice I'm willing to make to feel my best through the day. If morning workouts aren't  your thing that's totally fine, I understand everyone's schedule is different but just make a point to schedule that block of time for yourself.  

Have you noticed that when you eat poorly you feel sluggish, full and tired? I know I do and I don't like it. I feel moody, my clothes fit tight and I have no energy to keep up with my son. This is usually the next thing to go right out the window when things get busy. It's so easy to hit up the fast food on the way home or on the way to football practice but how is that fueling your family? I know its fast, easy, maybe you have picky eaters or you don't like shakes, but those are all excuses. I know....I've used many of them. And honestly it was my excuse because I didn't know how to eat healthy and I didn't know where to go to find the answers. So I got a coach, and in no time flat she helped me turn my eating around and my body started to see some amazing changes!! So let me help YOU! I am living proof that you can be super busy and still achieve your health and fitness goals.

In August I kicked off my Healthy Living for the Busy Woman fitness accountability group and it is a hit! They are super engaged and loving their workouts as well as their nutrition and meal plans. But I certainly understand that some women like going to the gym, group exercise or are already in their own routine perhaps with another Beachbody program already.

So for the month of September I've decided to change things up a bit! I am hosting a 30 day accountability group that will kick off with the new 3 Day Refresh. Its a gentle 3 day cleanse where we actually get to eat quite a bit of food while cleansing our bodies for our new lifestyle. After the 3 Day Cleanse we'll learn how to plan out our meals, prepare snacks, make better daily choices, combat emotional eating and learn how to deal with that pesky temptation that seems to be lurking at every corner!

The focus this month is on meals that are under 30 minutes to make, meals you can prep ahead of time and put in the crockpot, snacks that travel well, road tips, and ways to stay on track when you already have no time.

So what are the requirements?

1.  You must be a customer of mine through my Team Beachbody Site.

2.  You must commit to 30 days of Shakeology starting with the 3 Day refresh.  

This comes in a nice little package with free shipping and a discounted price.  You aren't locked into anything at all and you can decide whether you want to make Shakeology a part of your routine after the 30 days or continue with just the new habits you have learned.  Shakeology truly was something I was very skeptical about at first but once I started drinking it for lunch each day it has kept my cravings for sweets in check, it gives me natural energy to get through my busy day and it gives me convenience when I need to be portable and on the go!  I know exactly what clean eating is and I can certainly maintain my results without shakeology but honestly its the convenience and 1 less meal I have to think about.  It's just a part of my healthy routine and I know my body is getting what it needs in the most natural state. 

3.  You must be willing to participate daily in our closed online support group. Each day you will get a tip, trick, recipe or suggestion from me and at the end of each day you log in and report your day.  You say on a scale of 1 to 5 how your food was, how your exercise went, did you drink your shakeology and any questions or comments.  This way we keep each other on track and I know how to support you better in your 30 days with me!

I have found that having this type of support and accountability was the missing piece for me. Without others to keep me motivated there were days when it was easy to just slack off! Knowing I have a community of support keeps me going, focused and determined not to let people down.

So, if you are a busy woman, struggling to juggle all your life responsibilities with ease then this is great for you!  I am inviting you to complete the application below to be considered for a spot in this group!

21 Day Fix Week 2 & T25 Week 7 Review with Meal Plan

I am excited to say that we have just finished week 7 of T25 Beta and week 2 of the 21 Day Fix! Since starting T25 we are down a combined 31 pounds!!!

These moves are still a little tricky but we're working on perfecting them. That one leg burpee gets me every time!! But I am also noticing that we are getting much stronger! I'm noticing we are able to push harder with less breaks and that we are keeping much better form! I love the fact that the Beta phase incorporates weights. I am all about lifting and this is right up my ally. Since my husband and I are working out together and only have one set of weights we are taking turn using the resistance bands and the Bow Flex Select Tech weights. I honestly feel that I get a great workout either way. So if you dont have weights dont let that scare you. You can definitely still achieve great results with the resistance bands.

During the later part of this week Ruben hurt his foot and had to sit a few workouts out. He made them up by the end of the week but it was hard to take that rest time :( We also traveled out of town but we didn't let that throw us off track. I brought my T25 and did my solo workouts and we brought our cooler full of food for the couple days we were gone. We are working VERY hard to follow these programs to a T and we aren't going to let anything get in the way!

Speaking of food...let me move over the to the 21 Day Fix week 2 update! So we were feeling a little more comfortable with the containers this week and wanted to try some new things :) We are each down another 2 pounds!!

Some of my favorites this week were the Chicken Stir Fry and the Turkey Avocado burgers!! Like I said above we were out of town a few days this weekend and had to do some planning ahead. most of my food was already cooked and portioned but because we are being so strict with our plan I found myself reviewing and re-reviewing the plan and cooler to make sure we had everything packed. But I must say that taking a few hours of the day on the weekend is a TOTAL life saver during the week. I LITERALLY grab the tupperware containers and go! 

So to summarize, this week was really a success in my eyes!! We followed the workout schedule, stuck to our meal plan while traveling and attending a baby shower!! Oh yah...forgot to say that I was the cake cutter and didn't EVEN lick my fingers after!! That is some SERIOUS will power! My one regret, and this is a BIG one, especially as a Beachbody coach, is that I did not take my measurements at the start of this program. But I can tell you that we are both dropping pant sizes and notches on our belts!! Stay tuned for week three! See you soon :)

If you are looking for health and fitness support or are interested in joining one of my on line accountability groups I'd love to chat! Please send me a friend request on Facebook or fill out the application below!

What is the 21 Day Fix?

Starting February 3rd, there's a program that makes losing weight so simple and easy to follow, you'll never have to diet again! Its called the 21 Day Fix, the latest breakthrough program from Beachbody!

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.

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.

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

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.

What's included in 21 Day Fix?
Essential Package:
• 7 color-coded portion-control containers
• Shakeology® shaker cup
• 6 easy-to-follow 30-minute workouts
• 21 Day Fix Start Here quickstart guide and workout calendar
• 21 Day Fix Eating Plan that shows you exactly what to do
• 3 Day Quick Fix Guide, Autumn's secret weapon for fast weight loss
• Dirty 30 bonus workout

What equipment is needed?
• Dumbbells or a resistance band are used in some workouts.
• A yoga mat and the Beachbody® miniMAT are helpful, but not required.
Do I have to do the workouts, or can I just follow the portion-control Eating Plan?
• Both the workouts and Eating Plan are essential to get the best results in 21 days.
• If you're worried about being out of shape, we suggest you follow the modifier and do
what you can, rather than skipping the workouts entirely. You'll feel stronger in no time.

Can I use other containers I have at home?
• No, these are custom-designed for 21 Day Fix. Other containers may have the wrong
 proportions and you will not be successful unless you follow the Eating Plan using
 these containers.
• Very few (if any) other containers come in the variety of sizes needed for 21 Day Fix.
Can I eat out at restaurants when I do 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 and wine) into the plan . . . and you can still lose weight.
What makes the 21 Day Fix workouts so effective?
• 21 Day Fix takes all of the guesswork out of working out. You know which workout to do
 each day and can be confident you're working your whole body efficiently in just 30 minutes a day.
• The workouts yield consistent calorie-burning results, unlike a treadmill workout that can have very inconsistent and inaccurate calorie counts.
• The 30-minute boot-camp style workouts keep your heart rate up throughout, so you have an effective and efficient workout that burns maximum calories.
• There's a modifier in every workout to show you how to take down the intensity while still getting awesome results.
• Trainer Autumn Calabrese created a 7-day-a-week schedule to give you the best results
 in just 21 days. Each day of the week is a different workout, all perfectly designed to avoid overtraining and keep you injury-free.


What are the workouts?
7 workouts on 2 DVDs (VHS not available)
Dirty 30 workout**
Total Body Cardio Fix
Upper Fix
Lower Fix
Pilates Fix
Cardio Fix
Yoga Fix

Do you want to be a part of the test group? 

If the answer is yes then complete the application below to be considered for a spot in my group.  The group will be a small number of individuals who are ready to commit to 21 days of focus and intensity.  I will be there to walk you through the nutrition plan, to teach you how to plan it out, how to make it work for your lifestyle and to keep you accountable. We will have weekly live video chats and fun activities to keep us all engaged on our journey!

The group is done through an online closed support group. That means that no one but the members of the group can see what is being posted.  I won't let you fail!  If you invest in me, then I will invest in you!  The only cost is the cost of the challenge pack which includes everything you need to get started.  The 21 day nutrition guide, the program manual, the workouts, free shipping, discounted price and me as your coach for the accountability, support and guidance!!!  Let's make it happen!  You are going to  look amazing this spring and summer!  Why not start now!!  You will be the next TRANSFORMATION STORY!!!

T25 Chalean Extreme Week 2 Review

My hubby fixed my weights and I am one happy girl!! I have been craving my lifting workouts and now I'm back on track! Like I said last week I tend to do better with lifting heavy and not as much cardio so my plan this week included a bit of both and I feel like I had a good mix and am starting to get results.

I wanted to share something that I struggled with this week, my routine! Last week I was on point. 5am the alarm went off I jumped out of bed, drank my E&E and crushed my workouts. This week I still got up ok, drank my E&E but got started posting in my challenge groups, chatting with challengers and coaches on my team and didnt get my workout in until noon. As much as this is a part of my job and very important things for both them and me I need to stick to my schedule. So this coming week I'm not getting on the computer until 6am when I've completed my workout!

Week 2
Monday - Chalean Extreme Push Circuit 1
Tuesday - T25 Speed 1.0
Wednesday - Chalean Extreme Push Circuit 2
Thursday  - T25 Total Body Circuit
Friday - Chalean Extreme Push Circuit 3
Saturday - T25 Cardio
Sunday - Rest

Another thing I'd like to point out about this week is that I was starving!!! I noticed it mid afternoon on Monday right after my workout. I stuck to my meal plan, drank lots of water but was just plain hungry. As soon as this started I remembered that the same thing happened when I was doing Chalean Extreme over the summer. But I was prepared.

I had actually prepared some extras snacks Tuesday when I made my meals for the week so I just grabbed a couple hard boiled eggs for Salsa Boats or peppers and hummus and was good to go. I've been really focusing on drinking at least a gallon of water each day too. Yes, this sends me running for the nearest restroom lol, but I know it will stop soon as my body will get used to it. 

This time of year is a busy one for every one but in addition to the "normal" holiday festivities we have over 10 birthdays in our immediate family between October and December where we usually get together for dinner and celebrations. So it is crucial for me to plan ahead when I will have my cheat meals so that #1 I'm mentally prepared to stay strong and not cave when I'm faced with foods not on my meal plan and #2 I enjoy it and don't feel guilty about it. This year I have done something I've been trying to do for years but haven't actually successfully done and that's bringing or making my own meal while others are eating other food. This year for my mom's birthday we had Chinese food. And as much is that is one of my FAVORITE foods it was also during the week that I had 4 other dinners. So I just talked to her and said that I would be making my own dinner as it was important to me to be there to celebrate with her but it was also important for me to stay on track with my training and clean eating. She completely understood and supported me an no one even batted an eye!! So while they enjoyed their Chinese food I enjoyed my spaghetti squash and turkey meatballs (all homemade!)

My meal plan this week was very similar to last week as I am following the Eat Clean Diet Stripped plan. I have been participating in a 30 day challenge group as a challenger instead of a coach and it is so much fun! I've forgotten what it was like to be involved from this side and my fellow challengers are just awesome! We've been sharing some great recipes, motivating and cheering each other on!

I am half way through the Eat Clean Stripped challenge group and will be starting a new 21 day TEST challenge group, Healthy for the Holidays on December 2nd to continue on my journey. I'd LOVE to have you join me. If you are ready to get a jump start on your weight loss before the year is over check out the details here and contact me to get started!!

Hip Hop Abs 6 Day Slim Down Day 5

I was pleasantly surprised with my progress so far. I'm starting to get a little sore (which I view as progress and a good thing). I'm getting more comfortable with the moves and can therefore give it my ALL and push hard. And my weight is steadying out but continuing to head in the right direction.

Fat Burning Cardio was the workout again today (Same as Day 1 and Day 3). I just love how Shaun T keeps me movin and laughing the whole time. It's not the same Shaun T as you've seen in Insanity, that's for sure!!

Another day of my favorite foods too. I could eat omelets all day so its hard to have just one. And the chicken foil packets this week have been SUPER easy for prep and clean up!!

Breakfast - Mushroom, Cheese and Spinach Omelet
3 egg whites and 1 whole egg, beaten together
1 cup spinach
1/2 cup sliced mushroom
1 oz low-fat cheddar cheese
cooking spray

Lightly spray frying pan with cooking spray and prepare omelet

AM Snack - Trail Mix
12 almonds, chopped
1 cup blueberries

Lunch - Shaun T's Tuna Salad
1 cup mixed baby greens
4 oz water-packed tuna, drained and flaked with fork
1/4 cup chopped cucumber
1/4 cup chopped tomato
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
2 tbsp chopped red onion
1 tbsp light vinaigrette

Toss together and dig in! 

PM Snack - Lite Shake
1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology
8 oz water, rice milk or skim milk
Ice & Blend

Dinner-Crazy Good Chicken
4 oz chicken breast
2 cups spinach
2 tbsp chopped scallions
2 tbsp lemon juice
Cooking spray
Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Preaheat oven to 375. Lightly mist a large piece of aluminum foil with cooking spray, pile spinach in the center and sprinkle scallions over spinach. Place chicken in center and drizzle lemon juice over the top. Wrap tightly into a pouch. Cook for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

If you've enjoyed watching my journey so far and think that something like this might be for you, I'd love to invite you to join my 30 day challenge group starting September 30th!! Send me a friend request on Facebook and we can chat :)

Hip Hop Abs 6 Day Slim Down Day 4

Soooo remember yesterday when I told you that I was up a pound, but that I totally wasn't worried??? Well that's because I wasn't and because I KNEW it was working. I didn't throw in the towel, I didn't say "forget this, I'm up a pound let's go eat Oreos". I did my workout, I ate according to the plan, I drank lots of water annnnndddd.....I lost weight!! I am officially down 2 pounds now!! You have to believe me when I say have faith in the process...have faith that Beachbody knows what they're doing when they design these programs and give it 100% effort. You WILL get results!! And I'm eating a LOT of food. There is no starvation and all of the workouts are 45 minutes or less!

Today's workout is Total Body Burn again. I really loved this one because it incorporated weights (my favorite) and it had me sweating in the first 15 minutes. But the best part is that you're dancing!! There's nothing about this program that feels like a "workout". Check out my video from Wednesday to see a few of the moves.

Today I do notice that I was hungrier than normal but that's a good sign. It means that my metabolism is reving up and working faster! I'm really liking the meal plan still. Simple, everyday foods that most of us already have in our house, with easy to prepare recipes. This busy mama doesn't have time for long workouts or super intense dinners that require lots of preparation.
Breakfast - Chocolate Delight
1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology
1 cup water, coconut water or almond milk
Ice & blend

AM Snack - Turkey Roll Up
5 oz roasted deli turkey breast
1 oz low-fat Swiss cheese slices
1 Tbsp mustard (yellow, whole grain or Dijon)

Layer and roll together, then munch away!

Lunch - Rockin Salad
1 cup romaine lettuce
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup corn
1 tbsp sliced olives
1/4 cucumber sliced
2 tbsp chopped sweet onion
1-2 Tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
4oz sliced lean meat of your choice

Toss the ingredients together and dig in!

PM Snack - Go Nuts
15-20 raw almonds or walnut halves

Dinner - Steak-Veg Throwdown
4 oz lean beef steak (hanger, skirt or sirloin)
1 tbsp chopped fresh garlic
2 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
Cooking spray
1 cup asparagus pieces
1/2 cup carrots
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Preheat grill or grill pan. Place steak in a plastic storage bag, add garlic, vinegar, and oil and marinate. Lightly mist trill surface with cooking spray and cook steak approximately 5 minutes per side or to desired doneness. Steam asparagus and carrots and serve with steak.

I'm getting excited that I'm on the home stretch of this plan. Two more days and feeling great! Do you feel like you need something to get you back on track? Give you a little boost before you take it to the next level in your life? I'd love to chat and see how I can help you. Find me on Facebook.