Beachbody On Demand

I have some exciting news for you all! Starting tomorrow - March 2, Beachbody on Demand is going LIVE!! What is it exactly?

You will be able to INSTANTLY STREAM workouts from your favorite trainers like Shaun T, Chalene Johnson, Tony Horton, Sagi Kalev, and Autumn Calabrese - to name a few, from any mobile device, laptop, or anywhere you get an internet connection!! Even internationally! :)

Pretty sweet, right? 

You can also get digital versions of the program guides and workout calendars. No more waiting to get your program in the mail, and having to put it in your dvd player. You can work out ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!
The digital library will be updated each month with new workouts and different programs so you will never get bored! Where has this been all my life?! 

Okay, let me answer some questions that most people will ask.

1) How do I get Beachbody On Demand? 
Every Team Beachbody customer that has the Club Membership will be able to get this all-access pass. It is only $39 quarterly, and as a club member you also get meal planning, access to celebrity chats, and my favorite - 10% off ALL PRODUCTS! And don't worry, there is no contract - you can cancel anytime you want.

2) What is the difference between a Club Membership and the Free Membership?

3) If I'm already a Club Member, will my price increase?
No, this is a new feature to your membership, but the price is still the same.

4) Will there be a Club and Shakeology Challenge Pack? 
Yes!! How awesome is that? You can buy the Club Membership like you would a program and it will be bundled together with a one-month supply of Shakeology!

5) Do I need to buy the products to stream? 
Nope! The programs in the library come with the paid membership.

6) Will the workouts be available to download and watch offline? 
No. You must be connected to the internet to stream workouts.

7) Which programs will be included in the digital library?
On the launch date P90X, P90X2, P90X3, Insanity, TurboFire, Brazil Butt Lift, Ten Minute Trainer, ChaLEAN Extreme, Asylum Vol 1, Tony One-on-One (vol 1) and Hip Hop Abs will be in the library.

Members will also get insider access to preview select single workouts of newer programs that are not in the catalog, like PiYo, 21 Day Fix, T25, Body Beast, or P90. 

Now you will be able to sample a workout before you buy the program!

If you are interested in trying out Beachbody on Demand, you can sign up for your Club Membership Here! Make sure to add me as your coach & we can do this together! I love setting up program schedules and hybrids of different programs - so fun! Also, I have done every one of these programs and I can give you any help or advice you might need.

Seriously, what do you have to lose? Try it out and cancel anytime if you don't think it's worth the money. It totally is though - trust me. ;)

coachbethclark@outlook.com
https://www.facebook.com/BodyRemodel

P90X3 - The Challenge Review

Okay I did it!!! I completed "the challenge" workout! I was really worried about this workout because you know, push-ups and pull-ups??? But they were just normal, not like those dive-bombers or anything - whew! I did use bands though...like I could do a pull-up. Ha! 

For this workout, you pick a number at the beginning for how many pull-ups and push-ups you are going to do.  Then, you try to reach/surpass that number each time.  You do a set of pull-ups (example: chin-ups/close-grip, etc.) then you do a set of push-ups (example: military/wide, etc.) Then after you repeat that set, you rest and then start a new one.  I started really low on my numbers, because this is seriously my weak zone, right here. :)

Halfway through I actually upped my number on the pull-ups because the bands are easier, but I did all the push-ups on my knees and they were still hard!  My goal is to keep doing the push-ups on my knees until I can get a really great range of motion, and I feel a little stronger.  Then, I will pick a new number and start on my toes.  I know they say you should start on your toes and then drop to your knees to finish the reps....but with this workout, I think I would burn out too fast that way.

Overall, I really liked this one!!  So much better than I thought it was going to be! haha :)  My goal by the end of X3 is to be able to do a full pull-up. (Or two.)

And please, please, please....can I look like Alice???  She's my hero! :)

P90X3 - Yoga X Review

Hahaha - well what can I say...it's yoga.  :) 

Actually I really liked this workout.  When Tony created the workout schedule, he put the yoga in a perfect spot - right in the middle of the week when you just need a break and that extra stretch!  I felt my upper body was still a little stiff, so it was nice to go into all those vinyasas.  I used to have such great flexibility when I was younger, and a dancer.  It's sad to see how unflexible I am now.

Tony Horton always says that yoga is the "fountain of youth".  It really is - I totally admire people who are really good at yoga.  I know that it's all about the breathing and mental clarity, but for me, I just really want to be limber again and to really be able to stretch out my muscles when I need to. 

As with the other X3 workouts, I know I will get better at this, too!  I think it's a workout people tend to skip because they think it doesn't really do much for you, but you definitely can feel a difference when you do it regularly.  It's a tough workout!! 

Namaste!!

P90X3 - Agility X Review

Okay, day 2 is done!  BOOM!!  Today was Agility X.  This workout was really fun, but a lot more sweaty than yesterday's was. Woo hoo! 

For this workout, you make 2 big lines on the floor with tape.  Then, there are a series of drills and plyometric moves that utilize these tape lines.  One that I really liked Tony would call out right, left, cross, forward or back & you would kind of run over to it & put your hand on the floor.  It got a little crazy, like a fun simon-says game. :)  My only issue with this, and all the X workouts, is that Tony doesn't tell you things in mirror image.  I got so used to it with Chalene Johnson, and I think most other trainers do it too.  So you either have to do your own thing, or just not look at the screen and follow the cues.

There were more push-ups and plank moves - my chest & abs were screaming from yesterday's workout!  And there were lots of lunges, shuffle runs, leaps and hops.  Very high energy!

Tony describes it as "30 minutes of pure joy and awesomeness!"

Speaking of Tony Horton.... if you have ever done an X workout, you know about Hortonisms.  Here are a couple fun ones from this workout:

"Gosh, I wonder if I can get a good workout in 30 minutes?  Not on the elliptical, you can't!!"

"It's called Ring Around the Posy, just like when you were a kid, but more fun & more sweaty!"

Obviously, this is another workout where I can't wait to see some improvement!  This program is definitely for ANYONE - even though it's tough, you can totally modify the moves and go at your own pace.  On the other hand, if you are super fit and in shape, you would be able to do all the moves, so you could concentrate on going deeper, or higher, or faster and still get an AMAZING workout!

Well, I can't believe I am actually saying this, but I can't wait to do yoga tomorrow! haha :)

P90X3 - Total Synergistics Review

Day 1 of P90X3 is in the bag!  I am doing the classic schedule, and today was Total Synergistics.  Holy cow that workout was hard!  And not hard like Insanity, dying-to-catch-your-breath-laying-on-the-floor-drenched-in-sweat type hard.  This was like, trying-to-figure-out-what-the-heck-I'm-doing-my-body-can't-do-that type hard.

Some of the exercises like the "crawly plyo push-ups" and the "chin-up circle crunch" took me a few tries to figure out the modified version, since there was no way I could do the regular one.  I have like zero upper body strength. It's sad, really. 

Overall though, I really like this workout.  I could tell that my core was really getting worked, which is so great.  There were also quite a few one-legged balance moves, and some upper body weight-lifting exercises.  The only time I really felt my heart-rate pick up was during the "3 hop press"  where you do 3 hop squats into a shouler press with one-leg raised.

Since there was such a learning curve with this workout, I'm not really sure how much I actually got out of it today.  It will be great when I can see some improvement in this one.  I WILL beat you Total Synergistics!! 

 
Also, here is my meal plan for this week.  I tend to eat the same things most of the day, and only really change my dinners up.  I am pretty boring, but if you need ideas, this might just help you. :)

Beth's meal plan for 1/6 - 1/12

New Year, New You!!

Its January 3rd...How many times have you made it to the gym already? Are you planning to start on "Monday"? Do you have a work out buddy? Will you have your meals planned out and ready for the week? How many of you will drop out after a couple weeks and never reach your goals?

I used to be just like that.  I would start working out, which in my case meant "run on the treadmill" and "do a few sets of weight-lifting".  I would try to eat healthy, and I would usually lose a few pounds.  Then life would get in the way, and I would end up quitting because I didn't have anyone to keep me accountable.  The weight would creep back up, and I would start all over again.

Then I joined my first "Challenge Group".  I had no idea what it was, but I was ready to do whatever it took to get in shape FOR GOOD!  Turns out, a challenge group is an online support group consisting of people who also want to get in shape and eat healthy.  The main difference is you get MOTIVATION, ACCOUNTABILITY, and SUPPORT while you complete a Beachbody program.  My coach helped me with my meal plan, I started drinking Shakeology every day to help with cravings and give my body the nutrients it was lacking, and I had new friends to cheer me on when I felt like giving up.  It was absolutely TERRIFYING to take those before pictures - but it helped a TON because I knew I HAD to get results so I could replace them with my after pictures.  Also knowing I had to report in to the group every night, helped keep my eating on track.  It was so scary, but it was the best thing I ever did.

So I PERSONALLY invite YOU to stop the cycle of the gym membership that is destined to start collecting dust next week and join my January New Year New You challenge group THIS MONDAY January 6th!! Make THIS the year that you stick with it and get healthy!!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE GROUP!!!

It's totally private, so no one else can read our posts.  Right now, we are writing down our goals, setting up our meal plans, and getting ready to take our before pictures and measurements. (Which you don't have to share, yet.)

I will be doing P90X3 along with a few others, but we also have challengers who are doing ChaLEAN Extreme, and Insanity! 

I will also be blogging about my X3 experience, so make sure to check back for that.  I have read through the program and nutrition guide and I have to admit.....I'm a little scared!!  haha

Here's to the best year EVER!!  Good luck everyone! :)

coachbethclark@outlook.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/186638291534013/#!/BodyRemodel

P90X3 is here!!

It's out! X3 is officially here!  I'm so excited, can you tell?  One of the first programs I ever did was P90X and I LOVED it!  I wish I still had my pics, because I saw some AMAZING results!  In fact, I loved the results I got so much that I would try to do another round over and over again, but each time I tried I would quit just as fast.  Want to know why?  The workouts were soooo long!  I just never could commit to that much workout time - I have waaay too much going on in my life. 

Sound familiar??

Well guess what?  X3 is only 30 minutes a day!  Just like T25, you really can't argue your way out of that one in the mornings, right?

 

Here are the most common questions people have about P90X3:

 

What is muscle acceleration?

In P90X the focus was all about muscle confusion, which introduced a variety of workouts to keep the body from plateauing.  P90X2 is about muscle integration, which engages all of your muscles with every move to keep the body balanced.  Now with P90X3, we have muscle acceleration.  Studies have shown that the most dramatic changes in the body occur in the first 30 minutes of exercise. X3 is designed to maximize your time and keep every muscle challenged for a full 30 minutes without over-training any specific body part. Accelerated results - less time! 

Do I need to do P90X and X2 first?
No!  This is not a graduate program - anyone can do it.  There are also modifications, so no matter what your fitness level is, you can totally do this program! :)

What equipment do I need?
Exercise bands will be all you need, and of course - your own bodyweight!  If you have a pull-up bar, medicine/stability balls, or a yoga mat, it will make your workouts more enjoyable, but as Tony Horton says, not necessary.

What should I expect from the workouts?
There are 16 different workouts in the base kit.  The workouts range from yoga and pilates, to weights and mixed martial arts.  Each workout is 30 minutes long, but they will push you hard.  As Tony says, "You don't get off easy, you just get to finish faster!"

How do I get it?
X3 will be released on my site, from there you have a couple of options.  There will be an introductory price of $180 vs $205 for the Challenge Pack, which includes the 90 day workout program, the nutrition guide, program manual, schedule, 30 day supply of Shakeology, free 30 day club membership, free shipping, and a discounted price when you get the package.  Or you can buy the program on it's own at $119.

Also, if X3 is purchased through me as your coach any time between December 10 - 31, you will receive an exclusive P90X3 baseball cap!

Go HERE and create your free account.  Hurry - these will sell out fast!

Join my Exclusive P90X3 test group! 
I am only accepting a select number of individuals who would like to get my support, motivation and accountability to start and finish this program. The point is to get in the best shape of your life in 90 days!!! I will walk you through every single step of the program using the nutrition guide, the workouts and the 24/7 support of me as your coach in a private closed group. I will teach you how to meal plan, prep, and set yourself up for success! This group will begin on January 6, 2014, with pre-season starting December 30, 2013 and will run for 90 days. Just in time for your New Year's resolution!!! Start the new year in the very best shape of your life.

Feel free to contact me anytime! 
coachbethclark@outlook.com
https://www.facebook.com/beth.m.clark.7?ref=name#!/BodyRemodel

Body Beast Women's Transformation

Okay, here it is!  I'm doing it - I'm posting my pictures for all the world to see!  This is super scary, you have no idea!  I just completed a 90 day challenge group using Body Beast and Shakeology. 

Here are my results:

 

Just to be completely honest, my last month I totally struggled with working out and even eating healthy all the time.  My son was graduating from high school, and those of you who have kids know that the entire month of May is like crazy town!  We had something going on EVERY DAY, not to mention family coming to visit. 

 

So, I was completely surprised that I still lost inches!  I am not exactly where I thought I would be at the end of my 90 days, but you get what you put in, right? 

 

Here are my stats:

Total weight lost: - 6 lbs.

Chest: - 2"

Waist: - 4"

Hips: - 2"

Right leg: -1"

Left leg: -1"

Right arm: - 1"

Left arm: - 1"

Total inches lost: 12!

 

I know some of you are thinking that 6 pounds is not very much.  But I lost inches ALL OVER which is EXACTLY what I wanted!  I am 12 inches smaller than I was 90 days ago!  I am tighter and less squishy, I'm stronger, my posture is better and I have sooo much more energy!!

 

 

My upper back has totally leaned out, and I can actually see some muscle starting to show.  I am losing my love handles and my legs are leaner.  I will definitely continue to lift weights because it makes you so much tighter!

 

Overall I really loved the Body Beast program!!  I would highly recommend it to ANYONE!  The workouts are short, I gained lean muscle and lost body fat and I never got bored - ever!  Love it!!

 

I am really looking forward to round 2 with maybe an Insanity hybrid - yes!  BUT FIRST, I really want to try Shaun T's new Focus T25 which comes out June 24!!! Maybe lose the rest of my middle.  If you are interested in joining me, email me for details at coachbethclark@outlook.com.

 

My Weight Loss - (Work In Progress)

Do you ever have one of those days when you think you look pretty good and then you see yourself in a picture and you're like, "What?!"  I do ALL THE TIME!  Well, here is the picture that got me to make some serious changes -

Now, I will say that I had recently had a baby. (Well - who are we kidding, she was almost a year!)  And I'm sure the angle of the camera was bad, right? ;)  Anyway, whatever it was - I didn't like it!  I printed this picture out and put it up by my bed-side table so I could look at it every morning when my alarm went off.  I lost at least 15 lbs in 5 months.  I can't remember because I didn't ever do before pics and measurements.

Here is me in November of 2011.

 

Then I felt pretty good, so I relaxed again all winter.  Then in the spring of 2012 it started all over with me trying to lose weight before summer so I could fit into all my clothes.  When I would get down a few pounds, I would relax again until winter came and I gained it all back.  Are you seeing a pattern here?? 

 

Starting in March 2013, I joined a Challenge Group so that I would have motivation and accountability to actually stick with it and change my lifestyle.  I loved the set up so much that I even became a coach!  This way I HAVE to stick to it and stop hibernating over the winter! :)

 

I seriously love challenge groups, it is sooo much better than trying to do something on your own!

 

So far, I am down 10 lbs and 8 inches!  I say 'so far' because I still want to lose more body fat. 

This picture was taken last night.  (About 20 pounds difference!)  I am still going to be posting my actual before and after pictures, but I still have a few days left of my 90 day challenge. :)

I made a goal that I would complete 2 more Beachbody programs before the end of the year.  One of the programs I want to do is Shaun T's new Focus T25 which comes out sometime this month!

If you would like to be in one of my challenge groups - feel free to email me - coachbethclark@outlook.com.  You can also message me on facebook or comment below.  I would love to have new friends join me as I continue to remodel my body! :)

Body Beast Update - Week 8!

I can't believe I have already done 2 months of Body Beast!  It is so fun - I am loving it!  I am getting so much stronger and my arms are super tight - I have biceps!  Just by looking at myself in the mirror, I notice the most changes in my legs, and upper body so far.  My shoulders, back and arms look thinner and my legs actually have shape to them - woo hoo! :)  My waist is getting smaller too, although not as fast as I want - but your fat comes off in sheets, and there are definitely more 'sheets' on my belly. haha  

I weighed and measured this morning and compared it to day 1.  No pictures to share yet...but here are the stats:

In 60 days, I have only lost 4 lbs - BUT I have lost 6.5 inches overall!! I still have 30 days left to bust my behind before I have to post my after pictures! I can do this! :)

Here is my schedule for this month:

Monday:  Build: Chest/Tris
Tuesday:  Bulk:  Legs
Wednesday:  Build:  Back/Bis
Thursday:  Beast: Cardio & Abs
Friday:  Build: Shoulders
Saturday:  Beast: Total Body

Monday:  Bulk: Chest
Tuesday:  Build: Legs
Wednesday:  Bulk Shoulders
Thursday:  Bulk: Back
Friday:  Bulk: Arms
Saturday:  Beast: Cardio & Abs

Then you repeat these for 2 more weeks.  I am adding in sprints on the treadmill 4x week so I can lean out a bit more without losing my hard-earned muscle. Here is what it looks like:

HIIT Interval Sprints
Run level 8 for 30 seconds
Step off/rest for 30 seconds
Repeat for 30 minutes total

This is killer!!  Let me tell you, the first day my legs were wobbly, the second day I was so sore, and the third day I had to do it again!!

For my diet, I am carb cycling!  It's really strict, but I need to totally tighten up my diet this last month to see the best results.  For 3 days I keep my macros at 55% protein, 20% carbs, 25% fat.  Then for 1 day I change it to 35% protein, 50% carbs, and 15% fat.  I keep my calories the same on my high and low carb day - I just alter the macros.

So that's it!!  Wish me luck on getting throught these next 4 weeks! haha :)

Body Beast Update - Week 6!

I can't believe I am finishing up week 6 of Body Beast already!  I am halfway through the program!

We always want to see results yesterday.  I know I do - it's hard to be patient!  It's also hard to step on the scale and not see it going down.  I kept telling myself that I was building muscle, so the scale probably wouldn't change - but it's still frustrating.

 

I am so much stronger than I was a month ago, I have gone up on all my weights, my form is good, and I can feel my biceps!  I have more core strength too, so my posture is better.

 

I have only lost 2.5 lbs., which is okay because I have also lost 3 inches all over.  I am totally fine with these results so far, because I know that I see my biggest changes start around 60 days, and I still have another 30 days after that.  Nope - not worried. :) 

I know that these programs work, and like Tony Horton says, you need to just put your head down, push play, work hard and in 90 days when you look up, you will be amazed at the results.  I know that it also depends on where you're at with your weight.  For instance, I've seen a few girls doing Body Beast that are very skinny to begin with.  They want to add muscle and shape to their bodies, and are seeing results very quickly, like in the first couple weeks!  That's so great! 

I however, have a lot of fat to lose, so even though I have been building muscle, now I need to start burning some of the fat so I can see it. :)

To do that, I needed to add in some extra cardio.  So this is what my schedule looks like:

Monday: Bulk Chest, walk/jog 30 min.

Tuesday:  Bulk Legs  (no cardio - legs need to recover!)

Wednesday:  Bulk Arms, walk/jog 30 min.

Thursday: Cardio, abs

Friday:  Bulk Back, walk/jog 30 min.

Saturday:  Bulk Shoulders, HIIT cardio, abs

 

I've been doing my 2nd workout directly after Body Beast, so I try to keep it short.  Depending on the results I see in the next 2 weeks, I will either keep it somewhat similar or add intensity or even another cardio workout for the last 4 weeks.

 

 

I have also been drinking my Shakeology every day, which totally helps me with my cravings so I can eat clean!  I am also drinking 2 liters of water every day.

 

Consistency is the key - keep at it and results will come!!

 

I'm a Coach!

I DID IT!!  I became an official Beachbody Coach! :)

Haha I'm such a geek - I took a picture of my computer screen! :)

 

I'm in my third week of my first Challenge Group and already decided to be a coach!  I seriously don't know why it took me this long, though.  I have had the idea of being a coach sitting in the back of my head for a couple years now, but never really knew if it was something I would want to do.

 

Then I got a brand new coach - that I picked - thank you!  Seeing all the fun she was having, helping others achieve their goals and also being able to grow her business at the same time, made me realize that this was something I still really wanted to do! 

 

I'm excited, but sooo nervous!  I will definitely be stepping outside my comfort zone, but if I want to SEE changes in my life, I need to MAKE changes - right?

 

Are you looking to be a part of something bigger? Do you want to join the fastest growing fitness company that’s main purpose is to help people get healthy? Do you want to be held accountable to complete your fitness goals!? Team Beachbody is for you. Such a fun way to get fit, stay motivated and make a little extra money!

 

So, if any of you are even THINKING about being a Beachbody Coach - GO FOR IT ALREADY!!!

Come coach with me!!!

Click HERE and learn more about it, or send me a message on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/beth.m.clark.7?ref=name#!/beth.m.clark.7

Beachbody Insanity Challenge Pack

Okay people - let's talk about Insanity for a minute...

My absolute favorite fitness program, hands down is INSANITY! I just love it! It's short and fun, and hard all at the same time. I love that it's only 60 days, and you don't need equipment, either. The best part is when you're close to the end of a set, and the music gets louder, and Shaun T. starts yelling at you - you just get this great boost of energy to finish strong and it feels AMAZING! :D

I am not doing Insanity currently, but I'm sure I will add it back in the rotation very soon. :)

 

So - Have you ever wanted to try Insanity?  Well guess what?? 

 

During the month of April - you can get the Insanity Challenge Pack for only $180!  That is $25 off the regular Challenge Pack price, and $90 off if you were to buy the products separately!  This is Beachbody's lowest price ever for the Insanity Challenge Pack - crazy, right?

 

So, grab your Challenge Pack, and come join me for our newest Challenge Group starting April 15!  You don't have to do Insanity - any Beachbody fitness program will do.  Just make sure you get it with a Challenge Pack in order to get the very best deal. :)

 

In our Challenge Group, we will support you, motivate you, and help you learn how to eat the right way so you can get in the best shape of your life! It's fun, too! :)

 

Click Here for more information.

 

Summer's coming - ARE YOU READY? 

Body Beast Worksheets

I made my own worksheets for Body Beast - if you would like a copy.

Body Beast Block 1 Worksheets:
Build: Chest/Tris - Download PDF
Build: Legs - Download PDF
Build: Back/Bis - Download PDF
Build: Shoulders - Download PDF
Body Beast Block 2 Worksheets:
Bulk: Chest - Download PDF
Bulk: Legs - Download PDF
Bulk: Arms - Download PDF
Bulk: Back - Download PDF
Bulk: Shoulders - Download PDF

Body Beast Block 3 Worksheets:
Beast: Total Body - Download PDF

Extra Worksheets:
Tempo: Back/Bis - Download PDF
Tempo: Chest/Tris - Download PDF

I love when my Beachbody orders get here! :)

Body Beast - Block 2: Bulk

The second phase in the Body Beast program is called the Bulk Series.  It will last for the next 5 weeks.  These workouts use new-school set routines, to really add to your muscle-building.  Another great thing about this phase is that the workouts are only 30 - 40 minutes long!

Here is what the Lean Beast schedule looks like for Block 2: Bulk -

• Day 1: BULK: Chest
• Day 2: BULK: Legs
• Day 3: BULK: Arms
• Day 4: BEAST: Cardio and BEAST: Abs
• Day 5: BULK: Back
• Day 6: BULK: Shoulders
• Day 7: Rest

You use this same schedule for 5 weeks.  Since the workouts are shorter, and I want to lean out, I am also adding in extra cardio on the upper-body days.  I will do my cardio in the morning and then the weights in the evening.

Download the Block 2 Worksheets HERE.

Wow! These workouts fatigue my muscles like no other - it's crazy! I totally love them, though! I still recommend this program to anyone - male or female. 

90-Day Challenge Nutrition

Along with the Body Beast program I am doing for the Challenge, I need to eat clean and drink a Shakeology every day.

What is 'clean' eating?  Eating clean is the practice of eating whole, natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.  It also means staying away from junk food, processed foods, sugars, simple carbs, and unhealthy fats. 

Here are a couple of books that I use all.the.time to help me stay on track.  If you're new to clean eating, they will help you learn the concept.  If not, they are still excellent sources for information and delicious recipes!

Eating for Life by Bill Phillips is probably my favorite source for clean-eating recipes!  Every single one I have tried, I loved.  They have basic ingredients - not really weird stuff.  (I am kind of a picky eater.)  There are great shake recipes, too.  (I just sub out the Myoplex for Shakeology!)

Tosca Reno's The Eat-Clean Diet is an excellent plan to follow, especially if you want to lose those last stubborn pounds.

 

I am eating 5-6 small meals a day, and each meal contains a protein, and a complex carb.  For my last 2-3 meals, I try to eat vegetables instead of complex carbs. 

 

I pretty much eat the same thing (or close to it) every day, except for dinner, where I need to be a bit more creative for my family.  Here is an example of a typical day:

 

Wake Up:  I drink 2 cups of water with lemon first thing.  (It's better to drink it warm, but I can't stand it, so I just drink it room-temp)

 

Breakfast:  1/2 cup cooked oatmeal with a little cinnamon, and a protein shake, (multi-vitamin, vitamin C and Biotin)

                      Protein Shake Recipe:
                       1 cup water
                       1 scoop vanilla protein powder
                       1/2 banana (chopped, frozen)
                       2-3 frozen strawberries, whole
                       1 TBS ground flaxseed
                       3-4 ice cubes (wedge kind)

                       Blend all together - soooo yummy!

Morning Snack:  1/2 apple, 1/2 cup cottage cheese

Lunch:  sliced turkey breast on 2 slices Sara Lee 45 cal wheat bread, with mustard and lettuce, raw veggies and baby dills on the side. (Omega 3 supplement)

Afternoon Snack:  Shakeology with 1 TBS peanut butter

Dinner:  2 cups green leaf lettuce with lots of veggies, 4 oz grilled chicken breast, 1 hard-boiled egg, 2 TBS Oil and Vinegar dressing

Workout:  Body Beast   (I take BCAAs after my workout, and glutamine before bed)

Evening Snack:  either a chocolate (casein) protein shake or Chobani yogurt with 2 TBS sugar-free Jell-O pudding mix, cheesecake flavor - YUM!!

I thought this was funny.

I enter everything I eat into the myfitnesspal app on my phone, and usually it's about 1200-1400 cals, and close to 40/30/30 pcf ratio.  I think in my last month of Body Beast, I will cut my carbs down and do more of a 50/30/20 pcf ratio.  I'm not sure I'm eating enough calories, though, so I will have to see how I am doing by the end of this first month.

There's my plan, in a nutshell.  I am feeling really good, though.  The first week was a little rough with wanting to snack on things I shouldn't, even though I wasn't hungry.  But week 2 I had absolutely no cravings!  It was crazy!  I am loving Shakeology so much!  I have more energy, I feel lighter inside (if that makes sense) and I don't feel deprived at all.  Woo Hoo! :)

Body Beast - Block 1: Build

The first 3 weeks of Body Beast is called the Build Series.  You are basically laying the foundation for muscle growth.  This is what my schedule looks like:

Week One:

• Day 1: BUILD: Chest/Tris
• Day 2: BUILD: Legs
• Day 3: BUILD: Back/Bis
• Day 4: BUILD: Shoulders
• Day 5: BEAST: Cardio and BEAST: Abs
• Day 6: BUILD: Chest/Tris
• Day 7: Rest

Week Two:

• Day 1: BUILD: Legs
• Day 2: BUILD: Back/Bis
• Day 3: BEAST: Cardio and BEAST: Abs
• Day 4: BUILD: Shoulders
• Day 5: BUILD: Chest/Tris
• Day 6: BUILD: Legs
• Day 7: Rest

Week Three:

• Day 1: BUILD: Back/Bis
• Day 2: BEAST: Cardio and BEAST: Abs
• Day 3: BUILD: Shoulders
• Day 4: BUILD: Chest/Tris
• Day 5: BUILD: Legs
• Day 6: BUILD: Back/Bis
• Day 7: Rest

I changed the schedule just a little bit, so my rest days would always be on Sunday.

Download the Block 1 Worksheets HERE.

Okay, so for the first 3 weeks, I did not add any extra cardio in, besides what was scheduled in the "Lean Beast" program.  I am concentrating on building my muscle foundation first.

It's been awhile since I've lifted weights, and it's sad how low I have to go on my weights compared to the beasty men in the videos! haha 

However, I am still lifting as heavy as I can, and that's what is important. :)
(In case you are wondering, I started out using 5-12lbs on upper body, and 8-20lbs on lower body.)
I am increasing my weights on most exercises every week though, so I'm excited to see where I am after 90 days! I am telling you this, so you know that you don't have to be lifting super-heavy or even be an experienced weight-lifter to do this program - it's for EVERYONE!

Also, lifting heavy won't make you bulk up - I am NOT going to look like the guys in the videos!! Lifting weights will make women smaller and tighter.  I don't want to just be a skinnier version of myself, I want shape, and the only way to do that is to LIFT WEIGHTS.

 

My thoughts so far:  I am LOVING this workout program!  The workouts are short, and I find I am looking forward to doing them every day.  I also kind of like not having to do cardio right now.  I was super sore the first week.  I would laugh at myself as I hobbled around, because I like that sore feeling - it lets me know my body is changing. :)

 

I actually started my challenge after the first week of doing Body Beast, so since I have only really been eating clean for 2 weeks, I am going to wait for 2 more weeks before I do my 'official' measurements.  I have only lost about 2 lbs so far, but I'm not too worried because I am adding muscle.  (I am trying to stay off the scale, too.) haha :)

 

In the next post, I will go over the nutrition part of this challenge.

Beachbody 90-Day Challenge

Anyone who knows me, knows that I looove the Beachbody workout programs.  I have almost all of them by now, and I have been involved in the Beachbody community for a few years. 

However, since having my daughter a few years ago at the very young age of 38, :)  I have found it more difficult to lose the weight and get back into shape, even with the arsenal of programs at my disposal.  So after trying to do things on my own, without much success - I decided to finally join a Challenge Group!

This picture was taken in November 2011.*  I had actually lost a little weight before this trip.

 

A Challenge Group, for those who don't know - is a small group of people who are committed to their fitness goals, and help motivate and support each other along the way.  It's just the motivation and accountability that I needed to kick this butt into gear and finally be able to fit all my clothes again! 

 

For my 90-day challenge, I decided to do Body Beast!

Kind of scary-looking, I know! 

 

Here are my reasons for choosing Body Beast for this challenge:

 

1)  Old-School Weight Lifting - You need to lift weights if you want to change your body shape, and you burn more calories for every pound of muscle you have.  I didn't want anything fancy, just give me basic weight lifting. Yes!

 

2)  Shorter Workouts - These workouts are all under 1 hour, and in the second phase they're even shorter!  Who doesn't love that?

 

3)  I already had all the equipment - nothing to buy - yay!

 

Along with choosing a program to do, I am going to be drinking Shakeology every day, and eating super clean.  I am not eating the calories they suggest in the BB program, I am just logging everything into myfitnesspal.

 

 

*I refuse to put my before pictures up until I have an after picture to go right next to it, so you will just have to stick around until the beginning of June to see the results! :)