Results, transformation, shakeology results, accountability groups, do support groups work, online support groups, Maegan Blinka, Megan Blinka, 70 pound weight loss, weight loss results

An amputee’s journey to CONFIDENCE

I first connected with Cheryl in December 2014.

A then random connection on social media – turned into a challenger in my challenge groups – turned into one of the most INSPIRATIONAL women I’ve ever met.

Cheryl has had an incredible journey and I am honored to share it today…

In November 2012 her right arm was amputated and miraculously saved and replanted. She has no bicep, 1/2 a tricep and limited use of her hand. She had lost 60 pounds and then started having surgeries again and gained 40 back.

She is someone who enjoys exercise but needed help to get going again. That’s where I came in!!!

She knew she couldn’t always do all the moves of all the programs but she was willing to get STARTED – TRY – and use the nutrition program and daily Shakeology to fuel her body.

She had struggled with emotional eating but found exercise fills that need and she began to THRIVE…

2016-07-29-09-03-33Here’s a bit from Cheryl in her own words:

“I’m Cheryl and have been participating in Maegan’s challenge groups for over a year. She asked me to share how participating in the groups have impacted my life.

First off, I was embarrassed about how I looked and where I let myself get to. That’s what was the catalyst for me reaching out to Maegan.

So I joined a challenge group and started drinking shakeology. I swallowed my pride and become vulnerable to the process she introduced me to and when I did I was received without judgement and got support ….. REAL support!

Daily atta girls when I checked in and posted. When I stumbled I received input on how to accept my slip and make it better next time…… tools for my continued success. I realized TOGETHER we are strong!

That’s why I still participate a year later; it’s the support and knowing I’m not alone. Knowing there’s somebody in the group who has been there, is there or will be there. By participating I get help but I give help by openly sharing my journey .

I’ve come a LONG way and still have a ways to go so I still habitually post my accountability sweaty selfie and check in about how my day went because the process WORKS!

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74 pounds later I can say I’m proof!

I’m off the insulin, the blood pressure meds, the anxiety and depression meds….I’m HEALTHY, HAPPY and have met some amazing, supportive women who have my back….. all I had to do was get over myself and honestly give the process a chance.

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†Results may vary. Exercise and proper diet are necessary to achieve and maintain weight loss and muscle definition. The testimonials featured may have used more than one Beachbody product or extended the program to achieve their maximum results. Consult your physician and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program or using any supplement or meal replacement product, especially if you have any unique medical conditions or needs. The contents on our website are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to diagnose any medical condition, replace the advice of a healthcare professional, or provide any medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Beachbody, LLC is the owner of the Shakeology, Beachbody, and Team Beachbody trademarks, and all related designs, trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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These stories are what FUEL my passion as a Health and Fitness Coach and what have propelled my business to where it is today.

The stories shared – the lives changed – the confidence gained – and passions shared…its POWERFUL and leaves an impact and footprint on all those who come across!

If you’re ready to make a change or to help others CHANGE their lives…fill out the form below and I will get back to you within 24 hours.


Pick your Fix 21-Day Accountability Group

Wow – I can’t believe January has come and gone already! February is here tomorrow, February 2nd, not only brings another Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney, PA but also the release of the much anticipated 21-DAY FIX EXTREME
It may be cold and snowy here now but if February flies by as fast as January just did it will be spring in no time!  And with spring time comes shorts, flip, flops, dresses and if you’re really lucky – maybe a spring vacay!!! Its time to get ready!!! 
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I wanted to take a few minute to invite you all to my PICK YOUR FIX – Support and Accountability group – kicking off February 9th!
For those of you who are familiar with the original 21-day Fix home DVD workout program – Autumn Calabrese literally knocked this out of the ballpark! It sold out in days and we simply couldn’t keep it in stock – leaving it sold out for months! And I know this program is going to be a hit as well and I encourage you to snag it up when it is released – February 2nd – TOMORROW and be ONE OF THE FIRST to get amazing results and start your journey to a HAPPIER, and HEALTHIER YOU!
 
Between these two programs I truly believe there is a fit for EVERYONE!!! 
Start Simple – OR – Go Extreme:
If you’re still in the beginning phases of your journey perhaps the 21-day fix may be your ticket. Don’t get me wrong, these 30 minute workouts are still challenging but the low impact modifier allows anyone at any level to get started, and continue to progress as you get stronger! Simple portion controlled nutrition with these top to bottom workouts will surely help you reach your goals!!! this program is what helped me learn about nutrition and regular exercise and undoubtedly changed my life. You can read a bit more about my personal experience and this program HERE
If you’re a 21-day fix Grads or just someone up for a good fitness challenge and you’re ready to take things to the next level, then I invite you to join me with the 21-day Fix EXTREME. Autumn takes it up a few notches as she slims down the food choices from the original 21 day fix guide, adds in some new recipes and new options, turns up the intensity in the workouts and includes 2 meal plans – an Extreme 21 day guide as well as her very own bikini competition meal plan. You choose the one you want to follow and get RESULTS!!!! 
 
Regardless of which program you pick – my 21-Day PICK YOUR FIX Support and Accountability group willl help you get started, guide you through creating a nutrition plan that is going to be fit for YOU, maximize YOUR results, and serve as your support and accountability system from Day 1. 
 
We will all start together, end together and get results – TOGETHER! 
And lucky for you – both of these programs just happen to be part of the February PROMOTIONS!!!
If you’re not yet familiar with the 3-day refresh – you can check out my latest results. This little 3-day kit will be sure to start you off on the right foot and/or end your 21 days feeling amazing and naturally, REFRESHED! 
 
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***UPDATE***
I have continued to do the 3-day refresh over the last few years. Here are some more recent results
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Each month I run online accountability groups in my VIRTUAL WELLNESS STUDIO and I am excited to open enrollment for 10 new participants.
I recently finished the UPCOMING new release – SHIFT SHOP – and I cannot wait to get started with my next round of Boot campers for a 6 week TOTAL BODY TRANSFORMATION.
6 week total body and mind transformation.jpg
If you would like a spot please fill out the application below! You know what they say – THERE’S POWER IN NUMBERS – and TOGETHER, anything is possible! 

Insanity Max: 30 Week 6 in review, Week 7 Meal plan

6 weeks down and 2 to go! I can’t believe I am in the homestretch!!!

This last week was a little different but challenging yet still!

I had an absolutely AMAZING weekend in the ‘burgh for Pittsburgh’s Super Friday and our Dream Team Celebration Saturday.

I got to meet our CEO Carl Daikeler:

Carl Daikeler, Pittsburgh Super Friday

I got to meet AND workout with the creator of the 21-day fix – Autumn Calabrese and try out her new 21-day fix EXTREME:

Autumn Calabrese, Pittsburgh Super Friday weekend, 21 day fix extreme sneak peak

Of course we worked out…

Surround yourself with people who lift you higher, inspiration, live workout, insanity workout

 

But we also celebrated and ate, and ate, and ate some more!

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So needless to say I needed a jumpstart for week 6 – enter a simple little cleanse – the 3-day REFRESH!

insanity max 30 week 6 set your goals high, Insanity Max: 30 week 6, Max out cardio, Maegan Blinka

Sometimes its hard to get back in the swing of things. I’m a routine type of person. Keep me on my routine and I’m as happy as can be. Stray from that – and watch out! It wasn’t easy jumping back in…I could feel the bad nutrition choices lingering in my body but I knew the easiest way was to JUST DO IT – so I did!

Insanity Max 30 Week 6 do it anyway, Insanity Max: 30 week 6, Max out cardio, Maegan Blinka

Monday was a typical day and then I started the 3-day refresh on Tuesday. The guide says to do “moderate exercise” so I stayed with the modifier in Insanity Max: 30 on both Wednesday and Thursday but went full out Friday morning – what can I say I was feeling REFRESHED!!!

What is the 3 day refresh, 3 day refresh results, 3 day refresh with Insanity Max 30, Max 30 week 6, Maegan Blinka

If you haven’t heard of this yet or given it a try – please consider it! I am not big on diets, cleanses etc… but this is different!

You can read more about What is the 3-day Refresh on a prior post but your daily meals look a little something like this —->

You really are eating all day long – its simple, vegan, small meals, some shakes and a few really good night sleeps! Trust me!

By Friday morning, the bloat was gone, I was down 3 pounds, 3 inches, rested and ready to continue on with my healthy eating habits!

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These just goes to show you how important your nutrition is! I never missed a workout but that bloat was BAD! But hey – I’m back on track!!!

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I wrapped up the week with a morning sweat mesh with my #1 by my side. We have a jam packed weekend so I got a jump start on my next week’s meal plan and off to music class and SAMs club we go!

Insanity Max: 30 Meal Plan Week 7, Insanity Max 30 Week 6 do it anyway, Insanity Max: 30 week 6, Max out cardio, Maegan Blinka

Stay strong, be healthy, make good choices – and SWEAT TODAY!

Maegan Blinka, Insanity Max 30, Insanity Max 30 meal plan, Insanity Max 30 week 2 review, Insanity Max 30 progress, Tabata Power, Cardio Challenge, Friday Fight, Sweat Intervals

Insanity Max: 30 Week 2 Review, Week 3 Prep

Maegan Blinka, Insanity Max 30, Insanity Max 30 meal plan, Insanity Max 30 week 2 review, Insanity Max 30 progress, Tabata Power, Cardio Challenge, Friday Fight, Sweat Intervals

Another week down and another week stronger! I know it may sound silly but just two weeks in and I can already see improvements. My max out times are improving and there are moves that I couldn’t do in week 1 that I nailed in week 2. This seems crazy to me!

Maegan Blinka, Insanity Max 30, Insanity Max 30 meal plan, Insanity Max 30 week 2 review, Insanity Max 30 progress, Tabata Power, Cardio Challenge, Friday Fight, Sweat Intervals

The workout schedule follows the same from WEEK 1:

Monday: Cardio Challenge

Tuesday/Thursday: Tabata Power

Wednesday: Sweat Intervals

Friday: Friday Fight Round 1

Saturday: Pulse and Abs

Sunday: (much anticipated) REST!!!

Needless to say, I am enjoying this program!!!!

Maegan Blinka, Insanity Max 30, Insanity Max 30 meal plan, Insanity Max 30 week 2 review, Insanity Max 30 progress, Tabata Power, Cardio Challenge, Friday Fight, Sweat Intervals

 

Week 2 day 1I will admit – although I haven’t missed a workout, I had a few struggles this week with the nutrition department! I’m sure you can relate…A party here, dinner out there and the usual things that come with the week before Christmas! But boy, I can feel the difference! Even though I used my usual tactics like drinking my shakeology before I go and drinking more than my required amount of water, we had our MOMs Club Christmas party where I enjoyed a few too many cookies, we had a late afternoon trip to the mall that resulted in dinner out and a cheesecake shared with my hubby, a girls day lunch at the Olive Garde – THOSE BREADSTICKS!!!! Need I say more?! And I can’t tell you the last time I had nachos but Dave and Busters nailed that loaded platter – and my fingers can feel the increase in salt!!!

Maegan Blinka, Insanity Max 30, Insanity Max 30 meal plan, Insanity Max 30 week 2 review, Insanity Max 30 progress, Tabata Power, Cardio Challenge, Friday Fight, Sweat Intervals

So here’s to week 3! I cannot change the week before but I can certainly focus on the week ahead! It will be another challenging one in regards to nutrition but that just means I’m going to need to really focus on the first half of the week and keep my goals on top of my mind through “the most wonderful time of the year!”

So what’s my plan????

Here is my HOLIDAY WEEK GAMEPLAN and my tips for you to help stay on track:

1) MORNING WORKOUTS – I’ll be continuing with my early morning workouts, and yes, even on Christmas morning! Why not? Just because its a holiday doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your own self health!

2) SHAKEOLOGY – I’ll still start EVERY morning off with Shakeology. I know how much it helps my energy and cravings…which will need a little extra control this week! It will go with me when I travel and I’ll keep packets with me so I don’t have any excuse not to eat healthy while we’re “busy” this week! Besides, it tastes like a treat anyway!!!

3) BE OPEN – I’ll share my plan with my family – and all of you! Having others to help keep me accountable always helps me reach my goals!!! Hopefully I’ll even have some company for my workouts!

4) BALANCE – I’ll be doing a little 80/20 with my nutrition. 80% of the time I am going to be SPOT and the other 20% I will enjoy my Christmas favorites!! But that’s it – JUST my favorites. I know there will be lots and lots of goodies all around but they’re not all my favorites. So I’ll pick and choose and enjoy my indulgences. I’ll pack my snacks, especially when traveling, and load up on the veggies every chance I get!

5) WATER – Keep up with my 1 gallon per day! I’ve been drinking about 1 gallon a day for a few weeks now. I fill my Shakeology shaker cup 6 times and I’m there. Keeping my water intake up helps avoid the mistake of thirst for hunger!

6) HAVE FUN! – I will enjoy the holidays. I will enjoy the time iwht my family, I will enjoy the energy I feel when I start my day off right and fuel my body, and I will enjoy those little buckeyes – in a reasonable portion 🙂

7) PACK THE DVDs – I’ll be traveling with my Insanity Max:30 DVDs. I love how portable my home workout programs are but this one is even easier as I don’t even have to worry about any equipment! I just need a little space and I’m all set!

Insanity Max 30 Week 3 Meal plan, Maegan Blinka, Insanity Max 30, Insanity Max 30 meal plan, Insanity Max 30 week 2 review, Insanity Max 30 progress, Tabata Power, Tabata Strength, Cardio Challenge, Friday Fight, Sweat Intervals

Week 3’s meal plan is certainly a bit different but even with the holiday and travels I’m still planning out! I will not surrender and throw my hands up on the week in its entirety! (This meal plan is also 21-day fix approved in addition to Insanity Max:30 -just a little extra bonus!)

Remember – “A Sunday well spent brings a week of content”

Take a little time today to PLAN!!! I hope you all stay strong and have a VERY MERRY week!

 

 

healthy snacks, what to eat when you're on the go, grab and go snacks, 21 day fix approved, meal planning, prepping for success, Maegan Blinka

Staying on track – even on the weekends!

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Its Friday…you’ve worked hard all week, you’ve been diligent with your workouts and as you look ahead to the weekend you note: Happy Hour Friday, a busy day of soccer games and errand running Saturday followed by your best friends surprise birthday party, and a family get together on Sunday…how do you make sure you don’t undo all that hard work you just put in the 5 days prior?

Here’s my tips:

workout on the weekend, weekend warrior, 21 day fix Dirty 30, sweat, motivation

1. Treat weekend like weekday! This may seem silly – but its so important! Take advantage of the “extra” time you have during the weekend and put it to good use! What exactly do I mean? 

  • Get up at the same time you usually do
  • Get your workout in as early as possible
  • Eat the same foods you usually eat
  • Plan out all of your meals and snacks – even if you’re going to be home. This will reduce temptations to grab and go or mindlessly snack

2. Schedule in your one weekly cheat meal over the weekend. This can be at home with your family, entertaining friends or out to eat. If you know you’ll be eating out at least once over the weekend this is always a good place for your off meal/cheat meal. Be sure to stick to you plans and goals all week and the enjoy something special! If you don’t take that time to enjoy the little things eventually you’ll just cave! Just make sure its one meal and not a cheat day!!! And don’t go overboard on the portions. The meal itself may be something different from the typical foods you eat but that doesn’t mean you hit your daily caloric goal in big sitting! Be sensible. If you go out to eat, order sensible portions, take half home and/or skip at least the app or dessert-don’t get both!!! If you want alcohol, really enjoy one or two drinks-not 5! 

3. Pack snacks and take a cooler!!! You don’t want to lean back on the excuse that you just didn’t have any healthy options available – be prepared!!! You want to balance a complex carb and protein to help keep you fuller – longer!

healthy snacks, what to eat when you're on the go, grab and go snacks, 21 day fix approved, meal planning, prepping for success, Maegan Blinka

4. Drink your shake! Okay okay, but seriously – don’t skip it! I find when I drink my shake first thing, in general, I made better decisions the rest of the day! If you’re a big breakfast eater and want to take advantage of the extra time you have over the weekend maybe you do breakfast for dinner! Just make sure you fuel your body…whether its to curb those cravings, give you energy or just in general to provide you with all the nutrients you need in a day – just drink it!!

5. Take water with you if you’re not going to be home – and LOTS of it! Thirst is often confused for hunger and if you are not properly hydrated you may find yourself snacking endlessly when really it could have all been avoided with a big chug chug chug-a-lug. Here’s some additional tips on HOW TO DRINK MORE WATER. 

abs are made in the kitchen, you are what you eat, Maegan Blinka, food is fuel

6. If you have a get together with friends-bring something you know you will eat! My Southwest Quinoa Salad is always a hit! If you’re the one hosting, you have complete control of the main meal! I’ve done Fish and Shrimp tacos several times – its clean, healthy, and people can make it their own style with various add ons so its sure to be a crowd pleaser! You don’t want to be the person serving raw veggies and some plain grilled chicken all the time but healthy eating isn’t boring eating! You just have to find ways to mix it up and make it more enjoyable for everyone. Don’t  be afraid to let others know what changes you’ve made…you’re making changes so you can be healthier-be proud 🙂 

7. If you’re heading to party – remember what you’re there to celebrate! The purpose is not to see who can eat the most cookies or the biggest piece of cake! The purpose is to get together with friends or family and catch up, enjoy each other’s company, watch the kiddos play, etc… So do that! If you’re not sure what is going to be available for food, plan your shake before you leave or on the way. This way you’re not “starving” when you arrive which could lead into over eating and poor food choices!!

8. Take some time and meal plan/prep for the following week. Farmers markets are a great way to stock up on local produce, get it washed, portioned and/or cooked. This will make the weeknights a bit easier!

9. Do something to relax – or destress – relaxation goes a long way!

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Whether you’re looking for a way to get started on your health and fitness journey or if you’re just looking for some additional support – if you would like to get 1:1 coaching and support along with motivation and accountability, please fill out my challenge and accountability application below! I will share tips and recipes and I will help you with the one thing I always found so difficult – MEAL PLANNING!  Remember – your health and fitness success is 80% nutrition. You can get all the results and support you need right in your own home – and you don’t have to do it alone! 

 

21 day fix success story, 21-day fix transformation, transformation tuesday, shakeology success, home DVD workout program

21-day fix Success Story_Ann

I’m so excited to share my friend and fellow coach’s story with you! Ann and I went to high school together. She had commented on one of my facebook posts about doing the 21-day fix and after chatting a bit and I found out she hadn’t been working with a coach at all. So we hooked up, I sent her some Shakeology samples to try and she joined my challenge group and totally ROCKED it! The results of her hard work are shown below but words cannot express how proud of her I am!!! Way to go girl – this is the beginning of an amazing transformation!!! 

21 day fix success story, 21-day fix transformation, transformation tuesday, shakeology success, home DVD workout program

21-day fix Success

Meet Ann.

” I was at my heaviest weight ever even after losing my baby weight. I had no energy, I was exhausted, I was completely unhappy and my family relationships and friendships were taking the brunt of it. I saw my now coach’s amazing 21 day Fix transformation results and thought maybe that program could work for me. I had tried other weight loss programs, counted calories, worked out, but nothing clicked and I always gave up. So, I ordered the 21 day fix, committed the time to making myself better and saw a 10 lb weight loss and 10 inch loss in the first 21 days! Then I joined up with my coach and a challenge group, started drinking Shakeology, and lost another 10lbs! I’m so happy, confident, and I feel like ME again. My family says it all when they tell me the old me is back. I love Beachbody so much that I’m now starting on the coaching journey. My coach and support groups were a key to my success.”

21 day fix breakfast, peach oatmeal, clean peaches and cream oatmeal, crunchy peaches and cream oatmeal, 21-day fix meal plan

Peaches-n-cream crunchy oatmeal

Did you know Chambersburg is known for its peaches?!? Well, I for one I had NO IDEA! However my amazing Coach, Deidra, just so happens live in Chambersburg and just so happens to be from the town I currently live in. Lucky for me she was visiting her family this weekend and brought home a bunch of peaches and shared with me!!! We got a little visit in and I got some fresh peaches – win win!!!

I’ve ate fresh peaches before, liked them, made them into baby food when my youngest was just starting out on fruits but to be honest I grew up on the canned stuff. The fuzz on an actual peach kind of scared me and I never quite knew how to cut around that pit?! Every time I tried I butchered the peach! Turns out…I just don’t think I ever had the right/ripe peach! This was easy peezy – slice all the way around and pull apart! DONE!

These peaches Deidra gave me are AHMAZING! They’re so juicy and have the perfect sweetness.

So now, what to do with my peach???

clean peaches and cream oatmeal, peach oatmeal, healthy breakfast, clean oatmeal, coach, fitmom, fitfam

What to do with my peaches?

I typically start my day the same exact way everyday. Wake up, drink my E&E, do my workout, have my Shakeology and get started with my day…but I’ve decided to switch things up – insert – Peaches-n-cream crunchy oatmeal for breakfast! And no, not the artificial prepackaged stuff either!

WHAT YOU NEED:

(I’ve added the coordinating 21-day fix containers for quick reference)

  • 1/2 Cup of rolled quick oats (or your favorite oats) – 1 YELLOW
  • 1/2 a Peach, diced – 1/2 PURPLE
  • 4 Halved Walnuts – 1/2 Blue

Optional:

  • 1/4 – 1/2 Scoop Vanialla Protein Powder – This would count towards your reds…One serving of Whey Protein powder is considered to be 1.5 scoops – so depending on how much you put in would determine how to count it for your containers. I used about 1/4 and it was plenty!
  • tsp Honey

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

  1. Cook the oats according to package directions (I combined 1/2 cup oats with enough water to cover the oats completely and microwaved for 1 minute)
  2. Add your protein powder and/or honey, walnut pieces and diced peach – mix and enjoy!

21 day fix breakfast, peach oatmeal, clean peaches and cream oatmeal, crunchy peaches and cream oatmeal, 21-day fix meal plan

Perhaps the best part was – my toddler loved it! I left the walnuts out and didn’t use any sweetener but rather cooked his oats in almond milk and topped with the peaches…after the fact I thought cinnamon would have been a great add too – perhaps tomorrow!

Here’s to hoping you and your little ones enjoy!

toddler breakfast, peach oatmeal, clean oatmeal, 21-day fix

Fresh, clean and toddler approved Oatmeal

PIYO before and after, PIYO results, PIYO flexibility

PIYO Program in Review

PIYO logo

Ok, ok, so if you’ve been following me since week 1 you may be thinking thank goodness this girl is finished with these recaps!!! But hopefully not, hopefully you’ve enjoyed reading through my experience with the new PIYO program and if you think you’re up for the PIYO challenge, I want you give it a try!

I can’t say enough good things about this program. I enjoyed the switch in my regular exercise routine, my knees appreciated the break from all the jumping around that I typically do, and I noticed a significant improvement in my flexibility and coordination.

PIYO before and after, PIYO results, PIYO flexibility

Day 1 vs. Day 60 of PIYO

Some of these moves were tricky for me but I found watching my own videos of my workouts really helped me focus in on what I was doing right and wrong and where I really needed to put forth a little more effort to improve. After all, a lot of these moves were totally new!!! It didn’t happen overnight, but week by week I saw myself improving in different areas and I will happily say although my 8 weeks with PIYO are complete, the workouts will remain tossed into my regular routine!!! They’re different, fun and add a little twist to everyday exercise!!!

PIYO flip progress

PIYO Flip – beginning of the program vs. the end of the 8 weeks

Honestly – when I look back I can’t believe how BAD my coordination was in the beginning!! I remember when I did that first “PIYO FLIP”, if you can even call that top picture a PIYO Flip, and I actually thought I nailed it – WRONG!!!!!

PIYO Kick through, PIYO Progress
Learning how to move in the PIYO Kick through!!

The PIYO Kick through was another one…for weeks I had no idea what Chalene was telling me to do! My hand/feet match ups were off…but I still kept going. I pushed myself. I’d pause the DVD, rewind, watch it again just trying to understand what I was to do. And no joke – it pretty much took me up until the end but I think I finally got it 🙂 However I can’t quite say that I ever really nailed the PiYO cross…guess you can’t win them all right?!

Another important thing I learned from this program is how important your alignment is. Holding each pose  correctly makes such a difference! You have to squeeze that booty, squeeze those abs and hold it until you’re shaking and you can’t shake any more!!!

Side plank, PIYO progress

Learning how to improve my alignment – side plank

I’ve heard some people express concern that they didn’t feel like they were getting a “good workout” in with PIYO and all I can say – is trust the program!!! Like so many things in life – you will get out what you put in. So don’t just go through the motions. Focus. Commit yourself to that DVD for 20 minutes or 30 minutes or all 48 minutes of DRENCH, and be present in the moment and hold each pose as cued, squeeze each muscle and squeeze them hard. When Chalene says to squat, get as low as you can and squeeze every muscle as you stand back up. When you lunge – go back as far as you can and focus as you raise and lower back down. And I promise if you do this you’ll be shaking through that elbow plank and feeling that muscle burn and seeing the results soon after!!! 

Now, I didn’t have a crazy physical transformation – but I didn’t expect one. I was at MY goal weight when I started so I wasn’t trying to lose but rather maintain my weight while gaining strength and flexibility. And I’m happy to say I reached my goals!!! My weight dropped .2 pounds and I lost 4 inches, primarily around my hips and waist, with small decreases in my arms. I was able to increase the number of push ups I can do on my toes from 20 before PIYO to 32 at the end and my goal is to continue working on my push ups and reach 50 by the end of the year!!!

Never Give Up.

PIYO beginning to end, PIYO Program results, PIYO complete

PIYO beginning to end

 If you are interested in this program or any other workout program and would like to get 1:1 coaching and support along with motivation and accountability, please fill out my challenge and accountability application below! I will share tips and recipes and I will help you with the one thing I always found so difficult – MEAL PLANNING!  Remember – your health and fitness success is 80% nutrition. You can get all the results and support you need right in your own home – and you don’t have to do it alone!

PIYO Drench, PIYO Week 8, PIYO Progress, workout at home,

PIYO Progress Week 8

And….I….DID IT!

I successfully completed 8 weeks of PIYO and absolutely loved the change to my workout routine!!!

Week 8 went a little something like this:

PIYO Week 8 Schedule

NOTE: I pushed my rest day to Sunday because that’s what worked best for ME – the joy of making my own workout schedule at home! 

I didn’t introduce anything new on the menu this week – although I did repeat the stuffed peppers from last week and the buffalo chicken quesadillas – always a hit with the entire fam!!!!

Buffalo chicken quesadilla, piyo meal plan, clean eating

Buffalo chicken and spinach quesadilla

And per usual, turkey burgers were on the menu! I added some grilled onions and let me tell you – the additional flavor was amazing!!! A little all natural salsa (courtesy of SAMs club) and you have one heck of a flavorful dinner! And better yet – make them in bulk and you just may get some lunches and/or an additional dinner – BONUS!

turkey burgers, piyo meal plan

And the week wouldn’t be complete without my daily dose of dense nutrition!!! I truly CRAVE this stuff. Despite the fact that I’ve had my shakeology EVERY DAY since February 24th, I still cannot get over the fact that something SO GOOD for you tastes like a dessert! Craziness I say, craziness!!! And yes, I blend it nice and thick so I can eat it with a spoon – I’ll take a little ice cream for breakfast 🙂

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Breakfast of champions!

Now to the burn….Although I truly love the DRENCH workout – I find that 48 minute length difficult to commit! But no worries – I nailed it not only once – but twice!

PIYO Drench, PIYO Week 8, PIYO Progress, workout at home, PIYO Week 8 Day 6

 Of all things, I’d have to say my balance is my greatest improvement. My balance has never been bad but I find myself able to hold poses longer and balance better now that I have completed this program. And I am certainly getting stronger!!!

PIYO BUNS, PIYO Week 8, PIYO Progress

 

PIYO Week 8, PIYO Progress, PIYO sweatPIYO, PIYO Week 8, PIYO Progress, strength,

I had a great week and when I look back I am able to see how far I’ve come! Excited to get the final results together and see a complete – start to finish!!!

If you’re interested in PiYO you can create a FREE team beachbody account HERE and fill out the form below for a spot in my next accountability group! Its never too late to get started and you can never have too much support along the way!!!

PIYO buns, piyo progress, PIYO week 6

PiYO WEEK 6 Progress

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Another week down and another week stronger. I love what this program is doing for my mind and body!

One of my favorite aspects of this program and all of Beachbody’s program’s is that its all about finding what works for you! Last week we had plans to be out of town and I wanted to attend the local yoga studio for some practice outside of my home – so I altered the calendar that came with the program, switched some things around to meet my needs, and made some changes to my meal plan so that I could enjoy my weekend away without going completely off the wagon!

PIYO Calendar Week 6 vs. My Week 6

PIYO Week 6 schedulePIYO Week 6 MY schedule

 Thursday’s Sculpt was pushed to Friday….Friday’s rest day was pushed to Saturday…and I swapped Drench for a major sweat session at Yoga Flow for Thursday’s workout. Success in my book!

So finally at week 6 I’m getting a handle of the PiYO meal plan and no longer looking at foods in terms of the 21-day fix container colors! Its been a tough adjustment – but I think I’m there 🙂 The good thing is the two were very similar in terms of types of foods  it was just learning how to plan and portion in accordance with the book! In the end its all about clean eating and eating the “right” portions for your body!

Piyo meal plan, Piyo week 6 meal plan, piyo progress,

PIYO Week 6 Meal Plan

PIYO Week 6 chicken and zucchini, grilled dinnner, clean eating, leftovers for lunch, PIYO

So fresh and so clean clean

 

I really enjoyed this simple staple to my week – grilled chicken and grilled zucchini. Both heated up well and bonus – they were kid approved! Well one of my kids approved, the other, we’ll just leave out for now!

 

 

 

 

Now for the workouts!!!

The week was off with a bang with Drench on Monday. That PiYO flip still gets me but I’m getting there – and getting better with keeping my balance so I don’t go toppling over!!!

PIYO Week 6 day 2, PIYO hardcore on the floor, PIYO progress, beachbody coach, PIYO progress,

Trying my best to hold my moves just like Chalene

Tuesday I rocked out to Hardcore on the floor. And it wasn’t until I had watched myself on video that I realized I had been doing that move to the right ——–> all wrong!!! I think I’m okay now – I just need to keep practicing!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday was a 30 minute BUNS workout and I’m pretty sure I was still feeling that as the weekend rolled in. A good feeling don’t get me wrong, but man, incredible!

I’m at the point where my workouts are what I look forward to each day. When I can start my day with a workout, followed by my Shakeology to keep me full, satisfied and full of the dense nutrition my body needs and I get in some “me” time while I’m at it – I’m all set for success!!!

PIYO buns, piyo progress, PIYO week 6

Shaping those buns

Those triangle push-ups were not pretty, I modified and could barely push that last one up…but I did them-the best that I could and I know my body will feel it tomorrow!!! If it doesn’t challenge you-it doesn’t change you!

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If it doesn’t challenge you it doesn’t change you!

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Following in Mommy’s footsteps

Friday night I enjoyed dinner with one of my bestest friends and her family. We had a delicous clean dinner and just relaxed. But the best part of the night had to be when our kids all rocked the down dog on the deck. Proud mom moment for us both!

The week wrapped up with what I thought was the perfect plan – workout while one kiddo slept and one rested…and well you can see how that worked out for me! I can’t complain though. I know how my kids replicate what they see me do. And yes, Colt may have been in my way more times than not but he’s learning, I’m learning to be more flexible (in more ways than one) and we’re all getting our workout in on our own time – so what if it wasn’t the best of the best – it was done and I enjoyed the company!!!

PIYO Sweat, PIYO progress, Family workout, fitmom

Getting my sweat on with one of my biggest fans

If nothing else – I’m learning A LOT. Not only about being active and working out or eating healthy but all about life in general.  There’s a compound effect in life. I’m making changes in so many aspects in my life and really focusing on when life give me lemons you better bet I’m making some lemonade!

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BE POSITIVE

If you are interested in PiYO or any other workout program and would like to get 1:1 coaching and support along with motivation and accountability, please fill out my challenge and accountability application below! I will share tips and recipes and I will help you with the one thing I always found so difficult – MEAL PLANNING!  Remember – your health and fitness success is 80% nutrition. You can get all the results and support you need right in your own home – and you don’t have to do it alone!