2014 Resolution: Increased Health and Fitness

I love the new year, as it often is a time for people to focus on their health.This is wonderful, but sometimes I wish people had the right mindset about it. I wish people would focus on their health as a WHOLE and their fitness as a WHOLE instead of looking at the numbers on the scale.  Of course weight can be affected by a person's fitness level, but it is not a telltale measurement of health. For me, it's easier to focus when I don't worry about the clothing sizes and numbers. When I remind myself that food is fuel and I think about my cells, muscles, lungs, bones and other aspects of me that are all affected by my health. When your journey to fitness is put into perspective; where you are looking at your physical, mental, and emotional health, then you are building the groundwork for long-term changes. 

As you start out, remember each body is made differently. Do not compare your physical attributes and capabilities to that of another person. Aside from the fact that this isn't healthy, it also isn't realistic. It is difficult at times not to compare yourself, especially if you are a competitive person. If you find yourself in the comparison junkyard, then turn your mindset around! Turn that comparison into an inspiration. Instead of beating yourself up because you can't do the same amount of push-ups as your friend, set a goal for yourself to be able to do X number of push-ups. Instead of looking at fitness models and feeling awful about yourself, use that as inspiration and a reminder as to why you are focusing on your own fitness goals. We all have to start somewhere, so don't be upset if you are first beginning this journey. Each person has a different level of fitness and your goal is to increase yours. Focus on you. You are who YOU are and that's what makes you special. Simply strive to be YOUR best.

If you are interested in starting your own journey and don't know were to start. Or maybe you simply want to change up your current routine - then I would love to be your personal fitness coach with Beach Body. I have several challenge groups beginning in 2014 - Turbo Fire, P90X3, and T25. Contact me or go ahead and pick your program and I'll be in contact with you!

Today is the last day for the P90X3 special - perfect timing for my challenge groups starting Jan 6th!

Turbo Girl

I have been missing my Turbo Fire program, lately. As you know, I have been doing a P90X and Turbo Fire Hybrid. I've decided I might just be a Turbo Girl at heart, because I've missed my dancey workouts every day! So, I decided to start Turbo Fire ALL over again from Day 1. I've got my BEST results from Turbo Fire. It's a lot of cardio, HIIT workouts, and it definitely builds and tones your muscles. Yesterday was Day 1 with Fire 30 and Stretch 10. I also tacked on Ab Ignitor, which was a bonus DVD that came with my program. I woke up this morning and I couldn't wait to roll out of bed for my HIIT workout. That's what I love so much about these programs - you aren't doing the same workout over and over. So, forget muscle memory! Programs like Turbo Fire will keep your muscles guessing and your metabolism on fire! Also, like many people, workouts can be largely a mental battle. That's why I went back to the full Turbo Fire program, because it's so fun to me!

Aside from effectiveness, people often ask me about cost associated with programs. These programs are something you can do over and over again - just like I am! Aside from the convenience and results, you don't have to worry about monthly fees or memberships expiring at your local club. 

 Chalene Johnson, who is the creator of Turbo Fire, has a line of workout attire called "Turbo Wear." I must have this shirt!

2014 is right around the corner...

so here is to a new year and a NEW YOU! At the end of each year, I find myself looking back at the events over the year and wondering what the upcoming one has in store for me. I'm sure many people do this, but it is still awe inspiring to look at our struggles and triumphs and how He has seen us through it all. Last year, I was in Dubai and reflecting over my mom's sickness through the years and the loss of her in 2012. This year I find myself looking at how strong my family has become and our faith has endured the storms, and also how drastically my life has changed in the past 12 months. I went from being a technical writing in corporate America to a school teacher in 2013. In 2013, I also found myself in the best shape of my life - literally. None of it has been easy, but all of the babysteps were a part of a long journey. I couldn't be happier than I am right now, my career, my family, etc are all where God wants us (right now). 

In 2014, I aim to focus quite a bit more on my overall health. Does that mean losing weight? Yes, but that's not my primary goal. I just want to be FIT and HEALTHY. I learned my son may have some more food intolerances, so that pushes me even further to be the best role model for him I can be. This focus is also not just for me, but for helping others. All of that being said, I am excited to have SEVERAL challenge groups starting January 2nd! I am SUPER excited one of these is P90X3 - which is released TODAY! I love P90X, but sometimes I don't have time for an hour-long workout. P90X3 is 30 minutes! I also will have a T25 and Turbo Fire group, too. You can JOIN my groups and workout from the comfort of your home. That's one thing I love about Beach Body progress, the recent winter weather did NOT deter my workouts. Gym, shym! :) 

Sign-up up for a FREE membership with me as your coach on my site, http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/pieceloveandpb. Send me a message, if you would like, or I will contact you about my upcoming groups! :)

An injury interfering with my fitness program and how I'm healing... and a GIVEAWAY!

This week has been pretty hectic, since it we were back to school after a week-long Thanksgiving break. It was much needed and now I'm counting down the days until Christmas break! Late, I've been filling my days (and tummy) with Starbucks. A tall, Skinny Vanilla Latte. Yes, this has a lot of sugar (13g) in it but it also kicks a with 9g of protein at 100 calories. Not too shabby for the holiday treat!

While I always log my food, I am EXTRA diligent lately. Why do you ask? Well, I was doing my TurboFire HIIT workout on Black Friday and I ended up rolling my ankle. Coinicentally, I had just ordered new sneakers for myself for Christmas, as I knew my other pair were losing their support. I KNEW I was bound to roll my ankle if I didn't replace those shoes. My ankles are pretty weak because of past injuries like this that I didn't treat properly when I was younger. I'm an old hand at it now, so I spent much of my weekend RICE-ing. If you aren't familiar with RICE, it stands for:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation.

RICE is what many healthy professional recommend if you injure yourself like I did. Of course, that doesn't replace seeing your doctor! I learned about RICE in health class during my freshman year of high school. :) Clearly, I was listening!

I also have a brace that my doctor gave me from the last time I sprained my (other)ankle. Between RICE and the brace, I am healing SO quickly. Which makes for a happy girl!

Since my ankle is sprained, and I don't want to do further damage to it I've been focusing my fitness efforts on other areas. Hello, (girlie) push-ups, pull-ups, etc. :)

It's not quite where I want to be, but SOME progress is better than NO progress! Since my injury, I've been using the following programs and tweaking as needed if something would aggravate my ankle.

• TurboFire Core 20 
• Turbo Fire Tone 30
• Turbo Fire Sculpt 30
• Turbo Fire Abs 10

• P90X Shoulders and Arms
• P90X Chest Shoulders and Triceps
• P90X Chest and Back
• P90X Ab RipperX

If you are interested in starting your own program, or if you simply just having questions and have NO idea where to start CONTACT ME! :) I would love to you discover your own fitness, become stronger, healthier, happier and reach YOUR goals. Remember, your goals are YOURS. Each person's level of fitness is different, and each body looks different. I want you to be YOUR best. :)

GIVEAWAY

Now, I have a SPECIAL surprise! ::::drumroll:::: It's a giveway from Zevia! I absolutely LOVE Zevia, and checkout my review of their products. Zevia is a natural soda sweetened with stevia. To enter the contest, do the following:

• Comment below and tell me why you want to try Zevia! If you've tried Zevia before, tell me why you love it and what is your favorite flavor!
• Please include your name and email, so I can contact the winner for your shipping info.
• Deadline to comment is Saturday, December 7th 2013 at 11:59 PM cst. 
• For an extra entry, "Like" my Facebook page.

Busy times... Fitness updates

Whew - I've been INSANELY busy lately, but yes I'm still here. :) Between grad school and my own homework at the end of the semester, and teaching with rounding out the end of the semester there - I am one crazy lady. I have several new recipes (new to me, at least) that I will post soon! Homemade granola, anyone? Yes - that happened.

I'm ROCKING out my P90X/Turbo Fire program. It is crazy how strong your body gets! P90X Plyo is probably my favorite workout. It kicks my butt, but I get so excited when I see it on my schedule! It is the "mother" of all P90X workouts, because it works you so hard and is a major calorie burner! I LOVE IT! There is one exercise called "hot foot" that was always a killer for me. Partially because it was hard on the leg that I injured ( see my post on Injury and Set Backs), and because it just took so much strength and balance that I didn't have - plain and simple. There I was in my workout and I saw it was "hot foot" time. UGHHH - then the next thing I knew, I was doing it! And doing it right without problems, mind you. Just that small feat showed me just how far I have come in my fitness.

What feats (big or small) have showed you how far you have come in your own journey?

A change of pace and exciting adventures

For years I've doted on Beach Body products and I've been a devoted to the programs they offer. Currently, I'm doing a P90X / Turbo Fire Hybrid.




I've done both programs individually before, and LOVE them. After years of doting, I finally decided to make the jump and become a health and fitness coach with Beach Body. I'm so excited about this opportunity. Not only can I help others meet their personal goals, it will also help keep me accountable!

 

And there's a CRAZY deal for P90X. Check it out!

 

Life Lessons

As I was perusing Pinterest, I saw this..

 

It really resonated with me this week. Weary, I am. Rest, I need and crave! You know how I was complaining about being so tired? Well, apparently I was getting sick. (Can I blame the time change for that, too?) Yesterday, I was barely able to drag my butt out of bed for a shower, let alone to work out! So, last night I decided I would get my fitness on! TurboFire - Fire 60, sounds like a good place, right? HOLY MOLY! I officially decided that Chalene Johnson is a former dancer (I don't know her background at all). At one point I was thinking, "I was cheerleader. Pssh... I've got this!" Wrong, Erin. You're oh so wrong.

Legs were flailing, arms were flying (waving them in the air like I just don't care) Sorry, I had to say that. :) After 40 minutes, I decided to stop. I was so tired, I simply didn't have it in me to keep up. My hair was soaking wet, which was good and I was satisfied with that! 

Life Lesson #1: I have to remind myself, rest days are just important to my health as my workout days. This is even MORE true when you are sick. 

Life Lesson #2 (totally unrelated to the above topic): Denial is never a good thing. Don't test your limits to see what you can get away with. Sounds dangerous, right? Well, I guess it was if you consider a nice warm bowl of oat goodness to be dangerous! When I was doing our grocery shopping over the weekend, my inner bargain shopper overtook my gluten free senses.

 $1.24 for old fashioned oats vs. $5 (and some change) for a bag of gluten free rolled oats

You're right, the $1.24 bag won this round. "Oats are gluten free," I told myself. "What are the chances they are contaminated," I asked myself in a deniable fashion. "Do I really need to spend $4 more for oats to be gluten free? It will be just fine." I was wrong on each and every level. The aforementioned $1.24 oats have now been bequeathed to a friend. Enough said. So, I imagine I will feast on breakfast quinoa until I have gluten free oats back in my cupboard.

 

TurboFire - Core 20

Again, I woke up late. I was just barely able to get a 20 minute workout in. But let me tell you, this workout packs a HUGE punch. You better believe if they are making a 20-30 minute workout, they will make each and every move count. "I think I can, I think I can." And I did, for the most part.

Breakfast

Chunky Monkey Peanut Buttery Oatmeal

1/2 Cup of Oatmeal, topped with the following
1 TB Peanut Butter, natural
1/2 Banana
1/2 TB 60% Cacao chips
1 TB Ground flax seed

 

 Hot, black coffee to sip on (YEAH!)

Lunch

Arbonne Chocolate Protein Shake 

Mixed with

Arbonne Fiber Boost

2TB PB2

Dinner

Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie from PB Fingers ( I have to try this sucker out!)

Snack

Arbonne Fruit Nutrition Snack Bar

 

Don't forget the Zevia giveaway!