PIYO before and after, PIYO results, PIYO flexibility

PIYO Program in Review

August 21, 2014August 22, 20142 Comments

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.

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 – 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!!!!!

: 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!!!

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

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!

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PIYO Progress Week 8

August 20, 2014August 21, 2014Leave a comment

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:

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!!!!

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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!

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!

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!!!

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 WEEK 6 Progress

August 5, 2014August 5, 2014Leave a comment

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

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 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!!!

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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!!!

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!!!

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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!

<a href="https://coachapplication.wufoo.com/forms/m1siks6702daeqc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fill out my Wufoo form!</a>

PIYO, piyo progress, piyo sweat, piyo meal plan, shakeology, fit mom, yoga momma, yoga mom, pilates, yogagirl, yogalove, runnergirl

PIYO Progress week 4

July 21, 2014August 20, 20141 Comment

Week 4 is officially in the books…so what are my thoughts??? Well, let’s just say this week brought on a whole new level of intensity! Two new workouts were introduced – Hardcore on the floor and Drench – and for some reason I still just get can’t seem to fathom how that 22 minute Strength Interval workout packs such a punch!

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PiYO DRENCH

Every time I think I have a favorite workout I am introduced to something new but for now – we’re going to say the winner is DRENCH – and yes, it lives up to its name.

I can feel my strength improving even as I do regular daily activities around the house. That 50lb double stroller getting tossed into the back of my SUV seems a bit easier to handle!!! And going up and down and down and up the stairs around the house with a 32lb princess and 23lb little man balanced on my hips seems to come with ease. But its no secret. They’re not changing – I’m getting stronger – AND I LIKE IT!!!!

The workouts have been awesome and I’m really feeling the burn during week 4 – but like any workout regimen, the nutrition is 80% of success!!! I have learned the hard way you can do crunches until you’re blue in the face but without the proper nutrition those abs will remain in hiding!

OH…the meal planning!!!

I have found I have more success when I stick to my favorites! Meal planning is easier, shopping is easier, and I waste less therefore save more $$$ – so what’s to complain about? I like my snacks to be filling and crunchy…and take a little time to eat. I am often grabbing something and heading out to run errands during my morning snack so its usually some raw veggies or an apple – something that can be prepped ahead of time and quickly grabbed!!!

Here’s my week 4 meal plan:

Now for the workouts:

Monday – Sweat

Tuesday – Hardcore on the floor

Wednesday – BUNS

Thursday – Drench

Friday – PiYO rest day (although I did visit my local yoga studio for an awesome hot yoga session with my sister in law who was visiting from out of town)

Saturday – Strength Intervals

Sunday – Sweat

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Week 4, Day 1

Week 4 Day 5

I absolutely love the convenience of working out at home on my own schedule but I also like to take my practice into a yoga studio periodically so I can get some additional guidance and tips from someone else! Friday morning I enjoyed a great class and even got to try out some new moves! I impressed myself being able to hold crow longer than ever before and having the strength to try out some new ones! I see progress in the making!

The week closed out with a Sunday morning SWEAT session and a short cameo by my son, Colt. I love that my children get to see me in action. Children will imitate what they see not what they are told and I am going to do everything in my power to make sure they see me living a healthy happy life!

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!!!

<a href="https://coachapplication.wufoo.com/forms/m1siks6702daeqc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fill out my Wufoo form!</a>

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PIYO Week 3 Progress Update

July 15, 2014July 15, 2014Leave a comment

Week 3 is in the books!

I’ll be the first to admit I thought PiYO started off a little slow. I was enjoying the change in pace but there was a time or two that I thought to myself, is this really going to get me the results I am looking for? I LOVED the 21-day fix workouts and these were just so different but I wanted to put trust in the program. There were a lot of people who worked together to put a program schedule together with awesome workouts and an easy to follow meal plan and I want to see what I get when I follow it! As I wrap up week 3 and the intensity builds I am realizing yes, in fact these people knew what they were doing!!

I’ve found the meal plan pretty easy to adapt to…although some of you may find it a bit boring! I tend to eat the same main items throughout the week and repeat a lot of my meals – but that makes my meal plan easier, meal prep easier and I know how I feel with these foods so to me its a win win! So you’ll see, I keep it pretty simple!!

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PiYO Week 3 Meal Plan

Back to the workouts…

I like the way the program builds…there are a few main workouts during the first two weeks which really allow you to master certain moves like the PiYO cross, the PiYO push up and others that once seemed a bit tricky! But the workouts are building on eachother and as I see myself get stronger the workouts are getting a bit more challenging, always staying one step ahead so you can continue to grow and progress!

Moral of the story – I LOVE PIYO!

Week 3’s rest day was perfect timing – it fell on the day I was hosting my daughter’s 3rd birthday party with her friends – thats 25 children between the ages of 0 – 4 and believe it or not it went extremely well! I considered doing a quick workout in the morning but I continually remind myself that rest day is scheduled for a reason and I have to give my body time to rest and recover! I tend to feel a bit “off” on my rest day, especially after doing the 21-day fix for so long but I got my rest day in and was stress free at the party – score!!! OK…maybe not stress “free” but I had plenty of time to get all my stuff done prior to the start – so less stress to say the least!

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PIYO Week 3 Day 6

I had a bonus of having my family here for the weekend and my mom who recently started PiYO joined me both Saturday and Sunday morning! There’s just something about having a workout partner that helps me push just a tad harder! And this wasn’t just some workout partner – it was my amazing mama – so that made it that much more fun!

My alarm was set for 5:00am but I just couldn’t do it that day! First time I slept in in months and it felt amazing!!! Lucky me my little houseful of help lent a hand so I could stick to my goals!

We totally rocked the PiYo sweat session!! I love how we push each other to be stronger from the inside out!! I take what I’ve learned from her and do my best to put it into practice with my own little munchkin!!!

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Girls compete with each other women empower one another

I absolutely love when my kids imitate my workouts…It just makes me feel like they’re really watching me and learning the importance of a healthy and fit lifestyle!

Sunday morning, my daughter walked in the room just as we were doing the pushups into down dog in the strength interval workout. She quickly popped down and joined us – and my heart did a little happy dance! We fit in a lot of laughs and a lot of sweat in that short but effective 22 minute strength interval workout!! Fitness should be fun right?!?!

My mom and I enjoyed our back to back workouts and I loved adding the strength intervals to the mix! Its interesting to see how different our family get togethers are now that my whole family has joined me on this journey! Its not just me and my husband its my ENTIRE family and we are all focused on our health and wellness and our fitness and I feel so blessed to have this support!

If you’d like some additional support consider joining my next support and accountability group! You can never have too much support and too much motivation to help you reach your health and fitness goals!

You can create a FREE team beachbody account HERE and fill out the form below for a spot in my next accountability group! You don’t have to do this alone – so why should you???

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PIYO – Week 2

July 8, 2014July 9, 2014Leave a comment

PiYO Week 2 has wrapped up and I am SHOCKED that I am still feeling sore. I guess its a good thing – and it means I’m working new muscles and continue to push myself but I honestly didn’t expect this – but I sure do love that feeling!!!

I am following the schedule in the book although I’ll admit I’ve considered adding some cardio in here and there just because its so different from what I had been used to. But…I am going to trust the program, the creators, and all those who put forth a lot time to make this amazing program available to us – all from the comfort of our own homes!

I started the week with the 3-Day refresh but was able to continue my daily PiYO workout!

Here’s what my meal plan looked like:

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Week 2 of PiYO started off with the 3-day refresh and ended with the 4th of July weekend!

I do tend to eat similar items through the week to help save on grocery costs and reduce wastes!!!

A few months ago I really decided to commit to my health and fitness and with that went my “I’ll wake up when the kids wake up and workout later” attitude….to a “5:00am daily alarm” attitude. Its been an adjustment, but one I am thankful day in and day out that I made.

Its no secret my kids are far from “amazing sleepers” but when you’re as cute as they are, I guess it doesn’t really matter 😉

Colt decided he needed a few stretches and joined me for the last half of my workout. I was happy to have the company!

PIYO Week 2 Day 1

I had a few modifications but we got it DONE – and that’s what matters!

Tuesday was relaxing and I was able to complete it start to finish with no interruptions – victory for me!!!

I can really feel my flexibility improving along with my strength with every. single. tricep. pushup. Thanks again Chalene!

Ok – I know – this says week 3 day 3…but its really week 2 day 3…chalk that one up to the less technologically inclined 🙂 Man those side planks are killer!!!

PiYO Week 2 Day 3

Usually once a week, I trade in my home workouts for a hot yoga sweat session at a local studio, Yoga Flow. I love the flexibility of being able to workout at home when I want around MY schedule but there’s still something about doing yoga in 102 degrees and sweating your heart out! I love my Thursday morning yoga class and look forward to it weekly!!! I also love having someone else help me with my form and push me to try new things! I can already see several improvements in my strength since I started PiYO!!!

Friday – Rest Day – Thanks again Chalene!

Saturday was a tough one for me. We had gorgeous weather and were enjoying lots of family time outside. Thankfully the kids needed a rest which forced me inside and in turn allowed me to squeeze in the workout I postponed from the morning. Kind of made putting that swim suit on later a bit more enjoyable!

I workout for several reasons, one being the way I feel when its DONE – those post-workout endorphins are hard to beat. And this sweat session was no different! Thankful for pushing play!!

Week 2 wrapped up with a great CORE workout. This time I didn’t put it off. Although it was Sunday and my daughter’s 3rd birthday I still got up at 5:00am, pushed play, baked her cake and was showered before the rest of the house was up!

Two weeks are in the books – looking forward to the next two and hitting that halfway mark!!!

If you would like more information about joining my next support and accountability group, fill out the application below! Whether you’re new to fitness or just getting started, this program can fit ANYONE and who couldn’t use a little more motivation and support?!

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PIYO – week 1 progress

July 2, 2014July 8, 2014Leave a comment

So what is all this new PIYO talk?!?!

PiYo is Chalene Johnson’s latest masterpiece! Wondering if this program is right for you? YES, YES, YES!!!! It is a high intensity, low impact home workout program that guarantees great results without all the jumping around, weights, and strain on your joints! And all moves can be modified to fit any fitness level! You use your own body weight to sculpt your body inspired by Pilates and yoga moves.

How long are the PiYO workouts?

The lengths vary from 20-60 minutes each and include:

What type of results can you expect with PiYO?

The PiYO program is going to give you long, lean, muscles…a high, firm booty…and tight, flat, sexy abs. What’s not to love about that combination?!?! It works every single muscle to stabilize, stretch, and strengthen your body from top to bottom. And since Chalene Johnson cranked up the speed and the fun, crazy calories will be burned too!

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I was lucky enough to get my hands on a copy of this when it was released last week and I couldn’t wait to get started.

This workout program is so different from the previous ones I’ve been doing. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen awesome results with both T25 and the 21-day fix but it was time for something different. And I am loving the low impact aspect of this program. Here’s a recap of week 1:

Day 1: The fundamentals

This workout takes you through all the basic moves and really focuses on the proper alignment which will maximize your results. I do yoga periodically and thought I knew what I was doing but this was a huge eye opener and very valuable!

Day 2: Define Lower Body

Take all those moves you learned on day 1 and put them to use! The workout was only 20 minutes but I felt the results of every second of those 20 minutes the next morning – holy cow!

Week 1 Day 1

Day 3: Define Upper Body

Ok – so I realize this pic says lower body, but I swear it was the Upper Body workout! Holy moly – tricep push ups are not easy!!!! This is going to take some getting used to!! But, I’m up for the change and challenge!

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Week 1 Day 3

Day 4: SWEAT

I woke up to some sore arms which was awesome!!! And let’s be honest…the people naming this workout know what they’re doing. You will sweat in this workout.

DISCLAIMER – the headstand has absolutely NOTHING to do with this workout. Other than the fact that I was feeling adventurous and the yoga mat was right there so I figured why not!

PIYO Week 1 Day 4

Day 5: Rest day

This is something I’m struggling with because I LOVE working out, but I’m trying to follow the plan and today was rest day – so I did just that!

Day 6: SUPER SATURDAY group PiYO workout

My PiYO workout was enjoyed with about 400 fellow beachbody coaches at our quarterly Super Saturday event. Perhaps it was the pre-PiYO insantity workout I did but I was covered in sweat and exhausted by the time this was over.

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PIYO Week 1 Day 6 – Super Saturday

Day 7: Define: Upper Body

After one week of PiYO I decided it was time to capture my flexibility. I wish I would have done this on Day 1 but better late than never right?!?! I am pretty much at my goal weight so I’m not looking to lose much weight during these 60 days but I am hoping to gain some strength and flexibility. Here’s to seeing where we are in the next few months!!