PIYO Journey #2

September 27, 2015October 2, 2015Leave a comment

Do you ever get to the point of doing something repeatedly to where you barely have to put forth the effort to take action?

Two weeks ago – before beginning the PIYO program – I felt like that.

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE the 21-day fix. The workouts are spot on and the nutrition guide cannot be beat but – after doing it for so long – I needed a change and I am so thankful I went with PIYO! Its low impact yet still intense…so I am a nice sweaty mess at the end which always help support that I am getting in a good workout!

In just these first two weeks I am noticing a significant improvement in my strength, flexibility and there’s a wee bit of ab definition starting to pop through – which is pretty darn exciting!

I have been following the “strength” workout calendar and am 1/4 of the way through the 8 week program.

I enjoy all the focus the core and the fact that I don’t need any equipment – just ME!

My tricep pushups are now done with ease.

I can hold my poses with more stability and focus.

And my daughter even likes to pop in here and there for some fun!

I have decided to stick with the 21-day fix meal plan throughout the program for a few reasons: 1) Its what I know. Its how I look at food and its how I think about nutrition. 2) It works for me! And honestly it will work for just about anyone but I know what foods maximize my mentality, my functionality and my energy levels and I like the way I feel on this program! 3) Its easy for me…I have been eating clean, balanced portions for over a 18 months now. This is how I see nutrition plus the containers are pretty cute too 🙂

4) It allows me to schedule in some treats and cheats here and there and that BALANCE is key in my success for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle! I sure do love my cookies!!!

People are always asking about meal planning and trust me, I get it, it is intimidating but I promise once you get into the swing of things its just a party of your week!!!

Here’s my week 3 meal plan as an example:

Clearly – I repeat a lot of the same meals! It makes my shopping, prep and day to day decisions easier – so why complicate things?!?! I like to prep in advance and use my crockpot AT LEAST once a week (hello salsa chicken!!!)

Plus I’ll admit – all my challengers really help keep me on my toes and committed to my daily healthy lifestyle so I can lead by example for all of them! Its a combo effort no doubt!!!

If you’re interested in joining one of my upcoming accountability groups were you can get the 1:1 support with your meal planning, support on your journey to a happier & healthier you and start LIVING out your life then fill out the application below!

I promise there is a program out there for everyone! You just have to find what works best for YOU!

If you’re interested in learning more – FILL OUT THIS FORM.

Remember: There’s POWER in NUMBERS

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November Beachbody promotions-PIYO

November 5, 2014Leave a comment

Its back….

So, with every new month comes a few new promotions from Beachbody designed to help you reach those health and fitness goals and I couldn’t be more excited about the PiYO KICKSTART Challenge pack available this month! I know how hard it is to get started with a new program but this refresh is the best jumpstart into feeling energized and ready for the new challenge! You will get the chance to kickstart your workout with the 3-day Refresh and get long and lean while building strength and flexibility with PiYo! I’ve completed the PIYO program as well as the 3 day refresh and you can see my thoughts, reviews and results as well!!!

Even if you’re not ready for the refresh but ready to rock it with Chalene – the PiYo challenge pack is also available without the refresh for just $10 on top of your monthly cost of shakeology. Give it a try and see what all the buzz is about! This program will truly benefit ANYONE and EVERYONE!!! And remember – there’s always a full money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied! I challenge you to prove me wrong 🙂

PIYO before and after, PIYO results, PIYO flexibility

Day 1 vs. Day 60 of PIYO

Not familiar with PiYO???? From celebrity trainer Chalene Johnson, PiYo is a low-impact, high-intensity 60-day body transformation program. It uses the most effective pilates and yoga inspired moves set to a fast pace to help burn fat and sculpt long, lean muscles. Its a cardio program like nothing else out there!!! Carve every inch of the body without jumps, weights, or strained joints.

I invite you to read more about the PIYO program and specific workout details and see if you think this is right for you!!! I can’t say enough good things about it!

With the new month comes our shorter days and colder weather and you may find it a bit more difficult to get your day started, get up and get moving!!! I know how hard it is to stay away from all the temptations lurking around, pumpkin spiced lattes, cookies and cakes at weekend parties, etc…, so if you need accountability, please, please, please fill out the form below! I have a new Clean Eating and Shakeology challenge group starting on November 10th and it would be awesome to be able to give you the support you need to reach your fitness goals so you head into Thanksgiving, spending time with your family and comfortable from the inside out!!! Don’t tell me you are too old, too busy, too big… I dont buy excuses!!!! I am so gracious for the healthy lifestyle Beachbody has created for me, my family, my friends and my customers and I want to pay it forward by sharing these programs with as many people as possible!!! Contact me today if you’re interested in learning more!!!

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

*Remember you don’t have to be great to start – but you have to start to be great!*

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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 Week 7 Progress Update

August 10, 2014August 11, 2014Leave a comment

Another week down and another week closer to COMPLETING PIYO! I’m so excited about finishing up this entire program. Truth be told, other than the 3-week long 21-day fix (which I LOVED, and did multiple times) – this will be the first workout program I’ve done start to finish! I’ve done all of T25 but I didn’t follow it to a “T” and I didn’t follow the meal plan – so this is a huge accomplishment for me! But I’m not there yet…

Week 7 continues to build on the prior weeks and certainly takes the intensity up a bit.

We’ll start with my meal plan:

I’ll admit, I could totally live on grilled chicken and turkey burgers but this week I felt like I needed to spice things up a bit – so in came quinoa stuffed peppers…and they were a delish! You can find the recipe HERE. I love recipes that I can double up and freeze as well as get at least 2 dinners and a few lunches out of the hard work and this fit my ideal meal perfectly!!!

We also had our 5 year anniversary this week so I may have doubled up on the cheat meals with a Cheesecake Factory trip and a Nakama trip but I did my best!!! I try to eat clean at least 80% of the time but I’ll be honest, once I met my goal weight I became a little more flexible. I still focus on healthy choices, I still focus on proper portions but when I’m out and about I allow myself to enjoy the little things!

The week started off with Sculpt, completed in a new workout tank I scored at Old Navy. There’s just something about some new gear that makes getting up on Monday morning at 5:00 a bit more enticing!

I was lucky to have a workout buddy with me on Tuesday and well a few times this week – we’ll blame it on the moon or something…and while I’m not sure how many push ups he got in on those handles he certainly gave it is all!! I love setting a good example for my kids!! He may not be a good sleeper but his down dog rocks and he can squat with the best of them 🙂 You can’t win them all right?!?!

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Working out with one of my biggest fans

BUNS continues to be a favorite of mine. I like the 30ish minute length and I can FEEL the after effects for days…which is always a nice reminder just how hard you’ve worked!!!!

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PIYO – BUNS

With a late night Buccos baseball game on Thursday that was preceded by a trip to the Cheesecake Factory and an upcoming Hibachi dinner planned for Saturday I couldn’t justify the “rest day” Friday so I dusted off my 21-day fix DVDs and added in a little cardio fix. This was always the workout I found most difficult and although I feel like PIYO is helping me with the strength aspects I was still whooped at the end of it!!! The weekend wrapped up week 7 with Drench Saturday followed by Strength Intervals on Sunday and I know I’ve mentioned it before but every time I start Strength Intervals and see “22” minutes on the clock I think its going to fly by and be a breeze but man is that difficult! A good difficult but difficult nonetheless!!

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PIYO Drench

I’m really happy with the results I’ve seen thus far and cannot wait to take my ending pictures and measurements soon. My weight hasn’t changed but I see more toning and definition in my arms and I feel stronger.

Here’s to week 8!

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Reach for the stars

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 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!

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PiYO WEEK 5 Progress

July 28, 2014July 28, 2014Leave a comment

You can't live a positive life with a negative mind, positive quote, inspiration

Be positive

Whew…week 5 has come and gone and I find myself loving PiYO more and more Every. Single. Day. But I know one thing – its not getting easier – I’m getting stronger! I love the way I feel post workout and I can’t get enough of the motivation provided by Chalene throughout the videos. She often states what a blessing it is to be working out together and she’s right – it is truly a blessing!!!

Time to get this week started!!!

I always make my meal plan up on Sundays and do my grocery shopping on Monday. I hate to take away family time on the weekends when my husband isn’t working plus the grocery store is always so much more crowded on the weekends – so Monday it is!

Here’s my week 5 meal plan:

PIYO WEEK 5 MEAL PLAN

As soon as I got home from the store I whipped up some grilled chicken tenders. I don’t know if its because the chicken was so fresh or what but I was super proud of my first grilling experience. And with a night at PNC park for the Buccos game – these chicken tenders made the perfect car ride dinner along side some veggies and they helped me avoid those ball park temptations! I’ll chalk that up as a win!!

CHICKEN TENDERS

Week 5 went a little something like this:

PIYO WEEK 5 SCHEDULE

And I know I’ve said it before, but the calendar provided in the DVD program is so important! Just when I feel body recovering from the prior days’ workouts I get those muscles stretched and ready to be lengthened and strengthened all over again.

PIYO SCULPT

My core is getting stronger and not only am I feeling the difference I can see the difference!!

PIYO SWEAT

Tuesday night I tried a new quinoa recipe – TOASTED ALMOND AND CRANBERRY QUINOA – and it was a perfect side dish with dinner as well as topping to my lunch salads throughout the week! I used to think clean eating was boring eating but I really enjoy finding fun new recipes that are full of flavor and fit perfectly into my PIYO meal plan. Its a good thing it was a hit – because the one thing I haven’t learned is one cup of quinoa goes a loooooooong way! Luckily my hubby is not a picky eater!!

PIYO CORE

PIYO DRENCH

As Thursday winds down I often think about scrapping that rest day and squeezing in “just a little” workout but as I get used to this 6-day a week program (from my prior 7-day a week 21-day fix program) I find myself savoring that rest day! My alarm still went off at the same time Friday morning but instead of waking up, drinking my E&E and pushing play – I took some time to myself and let my body rest.

PIYO REST DAY

We had a busy weekend with a family reunion Saturday and a softball tournament on Sunday that my husband was playing in but that didn’t stop me from sticking to my goals!

With a 2 hour drive ahead of us I packed up my water bottle, a nice iced green tea and some sugar snap peas for the ride. I also whipped up some Shakeology Nutty No Bake cookies and a Southwestern Quinoa salad to make sure I could still enjoy myself at the reunion without being tempted by a grumbling belly and food choices I knew I’d regret later! And you know what…no one even knew they were eating clean!!! Double bonus!!!

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PIYO TRAVEL DAY

Now, I’ll admit, there were a few bites here and there of some foods that weren’t exactly on my initial plan but I did so much better than prior get togethers and everyone really enjoyed my clean recipes. Success!!

And Sunday was no different…I completed my workout – and yes, that strength interval workout is STILL killing me – and I packed my lunch and my kiddos lunch. No pizza or hot dogs for us 🙂

PIYO STRENGTH INTERVALS

People often ask about snacks that travel and truth is – there’s a lot of things that will stay fresh for a few hours without being refrigerated.

I had a busy week. I was away from home several times between the Baseball game, reunion and softball tournament but there is one thing I did every day – and that is PREPARE! Having my snacks all prepped in advance, able to be grabbed as I run out the door – keeps me on track.

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!!!

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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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Kale with pine nuts

July 8, 2014August 7, 2014Leave a comment

Kale with pine nuts

I first tried this recipe when I did the 3-day Refresh and loved it so much I had to make it again!

Kale with Pine Nuts (from 3-day refresh meal plan guide)

(makes 1 serving)

1/2 cup water

1 1/2 cups chopped green kale

1 tsp. pine nuts

2 tsp fresh lemon juice

1 dash himalayan salt (optional)

1. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add kale; cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until kale is tender and bright green. Remove from heat. Drain. Place in medium bowl.

2. Toss kale with pine nuts, lemon juice and salt.

This was served as a side with our dinner: Grilled chicken with peppers and onions, quinoa salad, steamed broccoli.

For all you 21-day fixers out there, you could sub out the pine nuts for sesame seeds and this would be: 1 red (chicken) 2 greens (kale, broccoli, peppers and onions), 1 yellow and 1 blue (quinoa with jack cheese) and 1 orange (sunflower seeds)

Whether you’re new to clean eating or a seasoned pro – if you’re interested in more information fill out the form below to join one of my upcoming health and fitness accountability and support groups! Together we can end the trend of obesity!

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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:

3 Day refresh meal plan, 3 Day refresh, PiYO, PiYO meal plan, clean eating, vegan cleanse, cleanse, refresh, shakeology, fiber sweep

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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