New Year's Accountability Group

I am starting up my accountability group again - January 2, 2017! :D 

It is a women-only closed group (so everything stays private) where we support and motivate each other to eat clean, workout, and reach our goals, whatever they may be. ;) So if you need extra help to keep those New Year's resolutions - JOIN US!! It's totally FREE! Bring a friend. The only thing required is that you PARTICIPATE - no lurkers allowed. (Because that's no fun.)

I really need to get back in the habit of checking in with a group daily. It helps SO much, I can't even tell you. Whenever I think I will just do it on my own, I end up quitting, or making excuses for myself. Then I don't reach my goals & I get disappointed. It just goes around and around. Sound familiar?

My plan is to do another round of The Master's Hammer and Chisel with some Core De Force thrown in for fun. (Love that program!) I am going to be eating at maintenance calories for 2 months and depending how that goes I will either stick with that or eat in a deficit for the third month. I am going to force myself to get back in the habit of taking monthly progress pictures too. (Those are really hard for me.) It is such a great way to see the changes that you don't think are taking place and to see how far you've come. 

These are my new health/fitness goals for the year:

1) Workout at least 5 days a week.

2) Drink Shakeology at least 5 days a week.

3) Lose 20 lbs of fat. (I say fat, not weight, because I don't care what the scale says. I want to drop my       body fat %)

4) Meal plan weekly!

5) Go to bed earlier (7-8 hrs of sleep at least).

6) Drink at least 3 liters of water per day.

7) Complete at least 4 workout programs this year.

Okay, it's official. Now I

have

to follow through. Game face is

on! 

You can do ANYTHING if you want it bad enough. Are you ready??? 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/799024476832150/

How To Check Your Progress Weekly To Make Sure You Are Reaching Your Goals

Do you ever feel like you are working out hard & eating healthy, yet week after week you aren't seeing changes? If you are not tracking your progress weekly, how are you going to be able to know if what you are doing is even working?

There is nothing worse than busting your butt every day for a month and then realizing you have gained fat when you wanted to lose. And that you might have had better results if you would have adjusted your calories or tweaked your training program.

Here are 6 tips to help you reach those goals:

1) Decide where you want to go - set a goal!

2) Establish a starting point. Where are you now? What is it going to take to get there?

3) Formulate a plan of action. (Meal plan/training program) Put it up where you can see it.

4) Act on your plan CONSISTENTLY. Work hard every. single. day.

5) KNOW if it's working or not. (Pay attention!) Some people have been making the same nutrition & training mistakes for years & still wonder why they aren't seeing results.

6) Be flexible in your approach & BE PERSISTENT!

Be willing to adjust your approach as many times as necessary until you reach your goal. Don't do what it takes for anyone else...do what it takes for YOU!

Don't give up!

Okay, so let's go into more detail about how to do that. First of all, you are going to need to know your body fat %. You can get expensive testing done or just use calipers. (I have a scale that I think it just as accurate as calipers.) Unless you are going to be competing in a figure competition, I don't think it matters how accurate it is, as long as you are using the same method each time, you will be able to see changes from week to week.

Once you know your body fat %, multiply that number by your scale weight. This will give you your fat weight. Then subtract your fat weight from your total body weight to get your lean body mass.

Example: Let's say you weigh 145 with 28% bf. 

145 x .28 = 40.6 (fat weight)

145 - 40.6 = 104.4 (lean body mass)

This is a really good thing to know, because each week you are going to calculate these numbers again & you will be able to see if your moving in the right direction for your goals. This will give you proper feedback!!

If you are trying to lose fat, you want to see your fat weight go down, while your lean mass stays the same or increases. But don't stress out if you see an increase in weight or fat from one week to the next. That just means that you have the chance to tweak things a bit and then check again the next week. :) Make sure you check the trends over time - I probably wouldn't worry too much for the first couple weeks of tracking, because you might be losing water weight, but if you are consistently losing lean mass, you will probably need to add calories. It is really empowering to be able to do this yourself!! YOU will learn what works for YOUR body instead of following someone else's advice!

Here are some charts I use to see changes over time.

Weekly Body Fat Progress Chart

Weekly Body Fat Progress Chart (PDF)

Weekly Measurement Chart

Weekly Measurement Chart (PDF)

You should also take measurements and pictures to help you see if you are moving in the right direction. Your weight might stay the same, but if you are losing inches your body fat should be going down as well. I don't really care for the scale too much, but it is a great tool to help make sure that I am staying on track!

Well, I hope that this helps you a little. There is a really amazing book that I call my fitness Bible - it has a TON of information in it & I read it over and over - it's called Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle by Tom Venuto. Seriously, pick up a copy ASAP! It helps soooo much!

If you have any other questions, or need someone to coach you through the process, feel free to contact me!

coachbethclark@outlook.com

https://www.facebook.com/BodyRemodel/

Hammer & Chisel

After jumping back and forth over my workout bench, pull-up burpees, sumo power jumps, and all kinds of craziness - I completed day 2 of Hammer & Chisel! I have to say I am LOVING this program so far! (Even though it's kicking my booty.) wink emoticon

Today was Hammer Plyo. I have to say I was a little scared before doing this workout - luckily it's short - but I think the Chisel Balance I did yesterday was much harder! You have to really concentrate and use more muscles when you are working one hand with the opposite foot. Apparently my balance needs a lot more work! haha 

I'm sorry I don't have those great little videos of me doing some of the moves but I don't want to worry about what I look like working out. That's the point of working out at home, right? I'm sure you wouldn't want to see it anyway. Yikes! ;) 

I will definitely try to give more in depth reviews though so you will know what to expect from this program. I will also be posting my nutrition plan, menu, and hopefully some worksheets, so stay tuned. 

I also made this cute little workout board to motivate me! I got some chalkboard contact paper and chalk markers for Christmas and I wanted to try them out. (I cross off every day but in this picture I added the X's digitally.)

I'm still working on getting everything organized after the holidays. I don't know why it's taking me so long!

Don't let this program intimidate you guys. It's totally doable. I had to modify a few things today but that just gives me room to grow and improve myself. I can't wait to see what I get to try tomorrow! 

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need some help.

coachbethclark@outlook.com

https://www.facebook.com/BodyRemodel/

grin emoticon

Sneak Peek - Hammer & Chisel Workout

Today is the day you can try out two of the new MASTER'S HAMMER & CHISEL workouts!!! I am so excited for this workout to be released!

Have you heard about it yet?

Looks pretty awesome, right? RIGHT? :D

I was actually wanting a Body Beast 2 but I am okay with this....for now. haha

Sagi Kalev (Body Beast) and Autumn Calabrese (21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme) teamed up to create The Master's Hammer and Chisel. 

This is a 60-day program where you build muscle with Sagi for the first 30 days, and then chisel the fat the next 30 days with Autumn.

This program won't be released until December but you can try two of the workouts RIGHT NOW on Beachbody On Demand! 

These are the 2 workouts:

ISO Speed Hammer

Time: 25 minutes

Trainer: Sagi

Equipment Needed: Weights, bench or stability ball, resistance bands or towel, chin-up bar or bands with door attachment

Workout Details: 10 reps slow 3-count, 10 reps fast 

Example: 10 push ups slow (3 counts), 10 push ups fast, repeat with lunges, chin ups, deadlifts, shoulder raises, squats, and so on. This is a total body workout where every muscle group gets worked. 

Review: I LOVED this workout! You really get your heart rate up during the fast reps & by the end you are SWEATING! After doing 10 reps slow, the fast reps really toast your muscles too. I will definitely be feeling sore tomorrow! I am not usually a huge fan of the resistance bands because I feel like they are awkward and hard to use most of the time. This workout wasn't too bad using the bands though, and it's only a few moves.

Total Body Chisel 

Time: 35 minutes

Trainer: Autumn

Equipment Needed: Weights, bench or stability ball, towel

Workout Details: 3 rounds, 3 exercises each, 10 reps each 

Example: 10 squats, 10 chest presses, 10 bent-over rows - repeat 3 times. That's round one. Then you do a new set of exercises for the next round, and so on. She does legs, chest, back, legs chest, back, and the last set is legs, biceps and then triceps. 

Review: I LOVED this one too! I admit I was a little nervous about Autumn being the trainer because I wasn't a huge fan in the 21DF workouts. She is a lot more serious in this one and I really liked that! She really concentrates on and explains proper form throughout and the pace is slow enough that you can really lift heavy and not feel like you are rushing through the moves. I used pretty light weights for this one because I don't have a laptop & had to do it in my office so I didn't want to carry my heavy weights downstairs. haha However, my legs were still shaking at the end!!

I am definitely going to be buying this program when it's released in December! 60 days to ripped and shredded? Sign me up! haha ;)

You can try BOD for 30 days FREE! Sign up for a club account here. Not only do you get to try Hammer & Chisel, but you get access to TONS of other Beachbody workout programs! 

If you have any questions about this workout, other workouts, or BOD - comment below or send me an email. I will try to answer them for you the best I can.

Go try these workouts & let me know what you think?

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

Dealing With Low Energy Levels

Wow! I haven't posted in a really long time! You will know why after you read this post though. It's been a long couple of years, but I think I'm finally starting to feel like my old self again.

I have been in such a slump lately! It all happened so gradually that I'm not even sure exactly when it started. A year ago I was diagnosed with a low thyroid. That gave me an answer to a lot of the symptoms I had been experiencing. I thought being on medication might make things a little better and they WERE for awhile.  I knew that having a low thyroid would be harder to lose weight. (Add that to me being over 40 also.) I also knew that it was still possible to lose weight but it was completely up to me to keep my nutrition in check. If I stayed super strict and NEVER missed a workout - I could actually lose a few pounds. However, the minute I strayed off clean eating - I would gain it all back. I have really struggled with this! Here I was, telling people how to lose weight, coaching them, seeing the results they were getting but then I could never do it myself. It was so frustrating! 

I decided that I just wasn't as active as I used to be. (My kids aren't little anymore so I wasn't chasing after them all day.) I got a Fitbit for Christmas and decided to try to get more steps in during the day. I even set reminders on my phone so I would get up and walk around every so often. I still got my workouts in almost every day as well. But I was still SO TIRED!! I didn't want to do anything.

I kept thinking to myself that I was just being lazy. I would write up my to-do lists and come up with projects that I could work on to keep me busy and motivated. I would fully intend to do them, but just couldn't bring myself to even get started. Ugh! It was AWFUL! I could get some things done if I did them in the morning but by noon I was DONE. And it wasn't even just physically - I was mentally exhausted too. My brain would check. out. I would try to plan out my weekly meals, or write a blog post & I could. not. stay. focused. I seriously couldn't concentrate. All I wanted to do was go take a nap.

I had no motivation to do ANYTHING. If my calendar started to fill up, I would get overwhelmed and stressed out. I just wanted to stay in my own little world. Don't anybody bother me - please.

Now just so you know - this was all happening very gradually. I was coming up with reasons for the way I was feeling. "It's cold outside, so that's why I want to stay curled up with my electric blanket and read a book." "I've been running errands all morning, so I don't want to make dinner tonight."

It just so happened that my thyroid prescription was running out & it was time to make another appointment with my doctor. For some reason I started looking back on how I'd been feeling and realized I had been in a slump for quite awhile. I figured it must be my thyroid. 

Then about a week before my appointment I had a REALLY bad day. I was super exhausted, moody, depressed, didn't want to do anything. I had totally turned into my teenager!! haha ;)  That night my husband took the kids out to dinner and I decided to stay home (because I just felt too fat to eat unhealthy food, plus I didn't think I looked good that day, plus I just didn't want to go anywhere). When I woke up the next day feeling so much better, I started thinking it might be my hormone levels. I AM over 40 - could totally be perimenopause, right? So I talked to my mom and she suggested I get my vitamin levels checked. I started researching low B12 and read that both B12 and D could cause some of the same symptoms I'd been having. I just knew that was what it was and I ordered both vitamins from Amazon. I didn't want to take them until I'd been in to see my doctor though so I could get accurate test results.

When I saw the doctor, she said that my thyroid was right where it should be, my B12 levels were actually pretty high (oh crap) but my vitamin D was really low (whew). I say "whew" because I was actually a little glad that I had something to explain my symptoms, right? After talking with her a little more about how I'd been feeling, she suggested they also check my testosterone levels. She was almost positive that it would end up being low.

While I waited for THOSE results to come back, I researched low testosterone in women. Here's what I came up with:

I chose a picture because it's more fun to look at but there are lots of articles online you can read. 

Who knew, right? 

I never would have thought low testosterone would be an issue for women. So my results came back and my test levels were definitely low. She put me on a really low dose - just enough to raise my levels but not so high that I would have negative effects. I have a special compound made for me that I take daily. It just melts under my tongue. Easy peasy.

I am also taking 5000IU of vitamin D every day. Here are some symptoms of low vitamin D:

I am posting about this in hopes that maybe there is someone reading this that has dealt with something similar. No one understands how horrible you feel unless they have experienced it themselves. My mom totally understands. My sister-in-law....not so much. When I was telling her all the things I'd been going through, guess what she said? "Maybe you need to get a job."

I get that she was trying to help though. It's just that I KNEW something was wrong. This wasn't me AT ALL. I am so glad that I had a doctor willing to help me figure out what was going on.

So I want to let you all know that if you have low energy levels - you DO NOT have to accept it!!  I thought for so long that I was getting older, my metabolism was slowing and I would just "have to live with it". NOT TRUE! Like I told my doctor - "My 72 year-old mother has more energy than me!" 

I have been taking my vitamin D and testosterone for about 2.5 weeks. I noticed a difference in the FIRST WEEK! Now, I run errands after lunch and I'm not tired AT ALL! I haven't had weird mood swings. If I happen to lay down for a real quick "power nap", I hop right up after and feel totally refreshed and energetic. I am not overwhelmed when I have a lot of things going on. I'm so ready to take them on again! I also don't feel like a heavy weight is settling on my mind in the afternoon. (I think some people call it 'brain fog' - totally get it now.) And a great bonus - I've lost a couple pounds this week! I know that's not a huge difference but it's a start. It makes me realize I'm getting back to normal, I have energy again and I CAN DO THIS! 

It makes me think of my favorite part of any Chalene Johnson workout. (If any of you have done her workouts, you'll totally get this.) You're halfway through the workout, out of breath, about to die, and Chalene says:

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that! 

So - my friends - get out there and get your vitamin and hormone levels checked ASAP! So many people are feeling the exact same way I did every day and like me, just figuring they're being lazy or it's just a part of life. Don't let anyone make you feel like a bad person because of it either! We're hard enough on ourselves! I felt like such a horrible mother and wife. The guilt just adds to it. Go find a doctor who will really listen to you and don't ever stop until you figure it out!!

I'm sorry this was such a long post. If you read the whole thing - thank you. ;) And as always, I am here if you want to talk. 

Have a great day!! 

coachbethclark@outlook.com

https://www.facebook.com/BodyRemodel

Insanity Max: 30 Results!

Oh my goodness! I just turned in my before/after photos to Beachbody to get my free Insanity Max: 30 t-shirt! Soooo scary!

I had gained all my weight back after my Body Beast results & I'm so mad at myself. Grrrr! :(
So after the holidays I knew I needed to get my butt in gear and get back at it. I started up a challenge group on January 5. I never missed a workout. I ate mostly clean, with some off-track weekends here and there. I started to get a little down on myself because I felt like there weren't hardly any changes. But I FELT like I was getting stronger and tighter, so I decided I needed to take some new pictures. Holy Cow! I WAS changing! I was so used to seeing myself in the mirror every day, that I didn't see how much I actually changed.

Here is one shot that I will share with you all.

Okay, ignore the mug-shot look - that's just my neutral face. haha ;)

I actually ended up losing about 9 lbs and 10 inches. Not too shabby for thinking it wasn't working. 

My strength and endurance have improved so much, it's crazy! I am able to do all the plank-work now and my core is tighter. (Oh - and did I mention I used the modifier the entire time??) Totally did. I admit it.

I love, love, LOVE this program! Not just because of the results I got, but because I actually looked forward to doing it every. single. day. It was a great workout - not too hard, not too easy, fun, and only 30 minutes. What's not to love? It is definitely my soul-mate cardio workout. (Body Beast is my soul-mate weights workout.)

If you would like help with this, or any other Beachbody program, I am totally here to help!
You can sign up for a free account and add me as your coach HERE.
I also have an ongoing 'Fit and Lean in 2015' group on Facebook where we have been going strong since January!

I would love to answer any questions you might have - feel free to contact me.
coachbethclark@outlook.com
https://www.facebook.com/BodyRemodel

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

Beast Up and Max Out - Hybrid

I just finished up my first round of Insanity Max:30 and I LOVED it!! I sometimes modified and sometimes not, but I improved my cardio and strength so much! However, I know my body does best when I am actually LIFTING heavy weights.

For my second month of Max 30, I actually started Body Beast again as well. It was pretty tough, because I hadn't lifted in awhile and I was ALWAYS sore!

Here was my schedule for the Build Phase and Month 2 of Insanity Max: 30 -

*Notice how I rearranged Body Beast to fit around Max 30. My first priority was Max 30 because I was almost done with the program for the first time.

Now that I'm in the second phase of Body Beast, and done with Max 30, I can incorporate Max 30 back into my routine, but not EVERY day. I am LOVING it so far!! Basically I only have 2 extra days of cardio a week, but I left room to add in more if I feel I'm not dropping body fat as fast as I would like.

So here is my schedule for the Bulk phase:

This time I am concentrating more on Body Beast and just adding in Max 30 for extra cardio.

I will also say that I am not following either meal plan, but keeping a small calorie deficit and eating at 40/40/20 macros.

I will be looking at my schedule for the final Beast Phase, and planning that out and posting it as it gets closer. :) So be sure to check back in a few weeks for updates!

If you have any questions or need help with anything - let me know. :)

Beast Up and Max Out!!!
coachbethclark@outlook.com
https://www.facebook.com/BodyRemodel

21 Day Fix EXTREME!

ARE. YOU. READY?! Only 10 days until the launch of the new 21 Day Fix Extreme!

Here's a little preview:

Oooooh! It looks amazing, yeah? Some of the top coaches at Beachbody did a little test group of this program over the holidays, and here are some of their crazy results:

This is Lauren. She did two rounds, that is only 6 weeks! Would you want to get results like this in only 6 weeks?

This is Marissa. Here is what she said about this program:  "I can't say enough about this program. I really needed a boost! I was slacking on my nutrition since competing in the Beachbody Classic and I had put back on some weight. I was feeling pretty discouraged and my workouts were also not consistent. The accountability of all the other coaches in the group really motivated me to push play everyday. I didn't miss a single workout. I also have never really been able to follow a super strict meal plan but I saw that everyone else was doing it. I knew if they could do it I could do it too..and I did! In just 21 days I was at my pre-bikini competition physique again, feeling great, had tons of energy and was ready to do another round. This program is going to be a GAME CHANGER for women. Like the Body Beast for women they will use weight-training to sculpt their bodies into a lean, shredded machine. I can't wait for it's launch and for everyone to experience this!"

Why 21 Day Fix Extreme?
After the 21 Day Fix program was such an amazing success, and helped so many people with their nutrition and fitness goals (In such a short amount of time, too!) Autumn realized that she needed to create something that would take their fitness to the next level. The goal is to create killer results with more muscle tone, definition, and more advanced moves. The nutrition plan is tighter (no more treats) to get you completely shredded. This will totally help those of you that are finding it hard to get rid of those last stubborn pounds.

Who is the program for?
21 Day Fix Extreme is ideal for those with a dramatic short-term weight loss deadline, such as an upcoming vacation, wedding, photo shoot, or other big event. It's an excellent program for 21 Day Fix graduates who are ready for the next challenge, or for those who have completed other intense programs like Insanity and P90X. It's also great for those who don't have a lot of weight to lose, but are wanting to see their abs and lower their body fat.

I would not recommend the 21 Day Fix Extreme for a beginner. This is an advanced program. So if you haven't done the 21 Day Fix - start with that first. :)

Details, please!
You get seven EXTREME 30-minute workouts, one for each day of the week - so your mind never gets bored, and your body never adapts. The workouts include steady-state aerobics, resistance training, and explosive power moves that target every muscle in the body!

The workouts include:
Plyo Fix Extreme - An explosive lower-body workout that uses jumping and resistance to torch calories and sculpt muscles.
Upper Fix Extreme - By alternating opposing muscle groups, this no-rest upper-body workout will shred the chest, back, shoulders, and arms.
Pilates Fix Extreme - Using a resistance band for every exercise, this intense mat workout works the entire body, placing emphasis on the core.
Lower Fix Extreme - Glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves will get stronger, leaner, and more defined with 30 minutes of challenging resistance work.
Cardio Fix Extreme - Combining weighted cardio moves with traditional metabolic training intervals keeps the heart rate soaring.
Dirty 30 Extreme - Using only seven compound moves focusing on multiple body parts at a time, this workout will burn extra calories while defining muscles. Get down and dirty, and get it done.
Yoga Fix Extreme - A fast-paced flow yoga class, combining strength, balance, flexibility, and power.

There is also a bonus workout that you get only when you order through your Teambeachbody coach. (So if you don't have a coach yet - please make me yours.) :)

Extra Workouts:
Power Strength Extreme - Based on functional movement patterns, these 9 total-body exercises will change the way the body moves, increasing strength, endurance, and power.
ABC Extreme - A 30-minute workout that targets common problem areas by pushing abs, butt, and cardio to the extreme. It'll get that competition body ready for the stage.
The Fix Challenge - Keep things interesting and burn off calories with this quick resistance workout!

What about the nutrition part?

For your nutrition, you’ll not only be practicing portion control—you’ll be eating ONLY clean foods. No treats. No cheats. No excuses. Plus, you’ll get Autumn’s all-new 21 Day Fix EXTREME recipes to help you achieve your very best results.

No other program has you eating this well and working this hard. But if you want a lean six-pack, cut arms, ripped shoulders, and toned legs . . . you have to take it up a notch. It’s going to take guts, intensity, and drive. But, it’s only 21 days. You can do this.

Do you want to be the first to get it??

The 21 Day Fix Extreme will be released on February 2, 2015!

Make sure to contact me for more information and to be notified the minute it is released.

If you need a coach - you can sign up here: http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/bethclark

coachbethclark@outlook.com

https://www.facebook.com/BodyRemodel - go like my page!!! :D

Insanity Max:30 Week 1 Review

I just finished my first week of Insanity Max:30!! 

I am seriously IN LOVE with this program!! If you liked Insanity - you will LOVE Max:30. If you never tried Insanity because it looked really scary - you will LOVE Max:30. It is SO FUN you guys!

I have been following the modifier for this round, and let me tell you why I would totally recommend this program.

1) It's not soooo hard that I dread doing it every day, but I still get a totally awesome workout. I think if they didn't have a modifier, this program would end up frustrating me because it's so hard. I thought following the modifier would be too easy though. It's not. If you go fast enough & keep proper form you WILL Max Out with the modifier. It's easy enough to be doable, but still hard enough that I can work on improving from workout to workout. (I burn 400 calories every time and I am definitely sore the next day!)

2) You can do Max:30 over and over and never outgrow it. I am going to be able to do this program for a loooong time. It will never get too easy for me. If you go as hard as you can - you will ALWAYS Max Out. I can't wait to be able to keep up with Shaun T!!

3) It's FUN! Yes it's tough. Yes you will sweat like crazy. But I really enjoy it. :) I actually look forward to doing it every day. Shaun T is an amazing trainer and motivator. He pushes you to do the best that YOU can, not try to keep up with anyone else. It's also fun to see how much stronger you get from one workout to the next.

4) It's short. It's only 30 minutes out of your day, you can handle that I promise. I burn 400 calories in 30 minutes just by following the modifier. Imagine how many you could burn if you went all out. ;)

5) It works. I've only been doing it for 1 week, but I've already lost 3 lbs and 2 inches. I have also seen amazing results from fellow coaches who have completed the program. I am seriously excited to see my results after this first round is over.

Okay, so there you have it. The reasons that I am loving this program so far. My plan is to go through it once with the modifier and then try to keep up with Shaun T and the rest of the group on the next round.

The nutrition plan for Max:30 uses the containers from the 21 Day Fix. It is very simple to follow & has some good recipes that I will share with you soon.

This was my menu for week 1:

Now I will break down each workout individually. There are a couple I still haven't tried yet. (Tabata Strength doesn't come up in the schedule until week 3.)

Day 1: Cardio Challenge
This workout reminded me a lot of T25, but with different moves. Burpees, plank work - like in and out abs, and lots of tuck jumps. (This is why I like following the modifier.) haha

Definitely a cardio workout though - I was winded! You think the modifier would be so easy, but she moves FAST! I could hardly keep up. I Maxed Out at 14:25 in week one but went another 4 minutes today! Woo Hoo!

Day 2: Tabata Power

This is the workout that you do twice a week the first 2 weeks and then you switch out for Tabata Strength the next 2 weeks.

If you have ever done a Tabata workout you know that it is 20 seconds of hard work followed by 10 seconds of  rest. The rest in this workout is jogging in place - so not really 'rest' but it sure feels like it! I loved it though, because every time I thought I couldn't go any longer - we would get a little break. That saved me! haha 

Tons of push ups, tricep dips, and ab work in this one! My heart rate didn't get as high, but I still burned 300 calories and Maxed Out at 24:15 the first time. The second time I barely made it to 24:20! I had the first number in my head and just hung on until I passed it. Those tricep dips get me every time!

Day 3: Sweat Intervals
This workout was a serious SWEAT PARTY! It was so fun though - I don't know why. (I'm a sucker for punishment.) haha

It's crazy how these workouts work your core so much and you don't even know it. That's Shaun T's thing though - "USE YOUR CORE!" Am I right? This workout has a lot of squatting, lunging, jumping, and more plank work. The moves were all really unique though & I liked that. Different ways to work your body. Always good. :)

Day 4: Tabata Power
This was the repeater workout. See above for description.

Day 5: Friday Fight: Round 1
Ohhhh this workout - I had heard some scary things about it and they're all true! haha

This one was tough! I don't know if it was because the first water break was halfway through, or because my body was just exhausted from doing this program all week, but I maxed out like 8 minutes in!! haha It was awesome!

Funny story: My husband is doing this program too, but he is a day behind me because of his work schedule. Every night when he gets home from work he asks me how the workout was for that day. I told him that this one was TOUGH! So the next morning he gets up to do the Friday Fight & sees my Max Out time. He thinks, "Oh 8:50! I can totally beat that!" (We have a little competition with our times - I always beat him. haha) So he starts the workout....and maxes out at 8:36! hahaha (He is doing the modifier too, by the way - otherwise we would never be able to compete.)

This workout is a combination of all the moves that we've been doing all week, but with almost NO breaks! I'm thinking it's so tough because then Shaun T gives you 2 days to recover!

So that's it so far!! Week one DOWN! Have I already told you how much I'm LOVING this program? Seriously, if you want to work out at home, THIS is the program you should be doing!

Have I convinced you yet? haha I would really LOVE to have you all join me doing this program. After this round I'm going to be doing another one too - so get yours already!! :) The challenge packs are on SALE the entire month of January.

Also, if you have any questions about this program or any other one, I am more than happy to answer them for you. Thanks for stopping by!

coachbethclark@outlook.com
https://www.facebook.com/BodyRemodel?ref=bookmarks

Insanity Max:30 Max Out Sheet

Am I ready to start this workout on Monday??? To tell you the truth, I'm a little scared! However, I have seen some amazing results from others already with this program, so I am also really excited!

As I was getting everything prepared and ready to go, I decided I really wanted to make up a little worksheet to track my Max Out times. I don't know why, but I have issues with writing on my calendars that come with the programs. I guess I want to keep them new and untouched. haha ;)

So this is what I came up with:

It's not really fancy or anything, but it will help me compare the Max Out times from each workout. 

If you would like a copy, you can print out one HERE.

And if you would like to join me in getting my booty kicked, PLEASE do it!!

You might be wondering if you can get results by following the modifier. 

Well guess what? As long as you keep proper form and intensity - you totally CAN!! Just look at Lori's 30 day progress pics:

Lori only followed the modifier - just to show everyone that it IS possible to still get AMAZING results. (This is only halfway through the program too!)

My plan is to do as much as I can without the modifier and then switch on the parts I have trouble with, or if I am totally dying. ;) Right now I'm fully expecting to Max Out on the warm up. But I know it's as much a mental challenge as a physical one, so I am determined to push as hard as I can and then some. 

Are you ready?? 

Feel free to contact me any time.

coachbethclark@outlook.com

https://www.facebook.com/BodyRemodel

Insanity Max:30

Have you heard about Shaun T's new program Insanity Max:30? Oh my goodness - I can't tell you how excited I am for this program!! I absolutely LOVE Insanity! I lost so much weight doing it, mostly in my stomach & completely improved my cardio endurance.

In case you haven't heard about this, or even if you have but want more info - I will give you the lowdown and what to expect from this program. But first, here's a little preview from Beachbody:

Look fun? haha I seriously can't wait to get my booty kicked with this program!

Is Insanity Max:30 just Insanity but shorter? 

No! Absolutely not. Insanity used max interval training, and Max:30 is based on Tabata-style training. There are 150 NEW MOVES for even more insane results! The intervals are different also. In Max:30 you do 3 moves, 30 seconds each, 3 rounds. Your goal is to go a little harder, and a little longer each time. In Max:30 you compete with YOURSELF, and try to beat your max out time every workout.

What is Maxing Out?

To Max Out means to stop or fail for the first time in the workout. It's about going as hard as you can for as long as you can, until you MAX OUT. It doesn't mean you are done with the workout. It just means you are taking a break that Shaun T hasn't given you yet. :) Write down the time, take a small break, and then jump right back into the workout. If you stay committed and push to your max, you will be able to add more time each week with the workouts. 

Maxing Out is a GOOD THING!! As Shaun T says: "The minute it gets hard is the minute you start seeing results."

Is there a modifier?

Yes! Every workout has a modifier. And unlike most other fitness programs, Max:30 has an option to see the modifier the entire time! No more wondering what the heck the modifier is doing, because the camera isn't on them. haha :) 

Keep in mind that just because you are modifying doesn't mean it's going to be easy. If you FOCUS on your form, range of motion, and control, you will still get an amazing workout and you will still Max Out! 

How is the schedule laid out?

Max:30 is a 60-day program that combines cardio and strength training using your own body weight. 

It is 30 minutes, 5 days a week. On the cardio days you will add on the 10-minute Ab Attack, and there is also an optional "Pulse" workout. The program is broken down into a month 1 and month 2, with no recovery week. (You do get 2 days off every week though.)

Month 1: 

Month 2:

What comes with the program and what is the cost?

The base kit comes with 12 workouts on 10 DVDs, Max Out nutrition guide, restaurant guide, and Max:30 wall calendar.

The deluxe kit comes with everything in the base kit plus portion containers, 3 bonus workouts, a comfort mat, and a Shakeology shaker cup.

Coach Exclusive! SWEAT FEST is the coach exclusive workout that you ONLY get when you buy from a coach. It's an impromptu workout that they filmed with old Insanity cast members and coaches. Time to get your sweat on!!

How can I get it first?

Beachbody is releasing this program FIRST exclusively through coaches on December 2nd - before they release it to the public. So if you do not have a coach, be sure to make me yours!! Click my link to create a FREE profile, and send me a message by clicking the "CONTACT MY COACH" button to get the scoop on Max:30. I will also be starting an exclusive Insanity Max:30 test group only for members of my team starting January 5. So be sure to order yours quick! :)

What is a test group?

I am going to be running a very private and exclusive Max:30 test group starting January 5. You will get access to a closed, online Facebook group where no one but the members of the group can see what is being posted. I will help you prepare ahead of time to start the program. We will talk measurements, before photos, meal plan, nutrition, recipes and motivation! We will even walk through any obstacles you might foresee in the next 60 days, such as how to make time for workouts, or eating healthy on the go. 

It's all about progress, and having balance, not about perfection. It's about empowering yourself to be the BEST that YOU can be! Trust me - the conditions will never be perfect, but there is no better way to ring in the New Year, than with a NEW YOU!!

Each participant is required to purchase the Insanity Max:30 program from me as their coach. Each participant is required to replace one meal a day with Shakeology for the duration of the program. The best option is to get the challenge pack because it has free shipping, a discounted price, and includes everything you need to get started right!

Why Shakeology? Because honestly, you need the best brain and muscle fuel you can get during this program. You want to have this incredibly nutrient-dense meal replacement every single day so that your muscles can recover from the intense workouts. I like it because it is pretty much a no-brainer meal, I don't have to prep anything, it's quick, and I know that it's the healthiest meal of my day. You are not adding to your grocery bill, because Shakeology will REPLACE something you used to eat that maybe wasn't so healthy for you. (Like that fast-food meal you grabbed because you were running around and forgot to pack something healthy. Sound familiar?) haha 

Trust me - your body will THANK YOU by giving you KILLER RESULTS when you incorporate Shakeology into your program!! :)

 

Does this sound like something you would like to do? Contact me now before all the spots are gone!

coachbethclark@outlook.com

https://www.facebook.com/BodyRemodel?ref=bookmarks