90 + days...

90 days have come and gone.

I did it.  I completed Chalene Extreme.  It may be the most fun I've had on a exercise regime ever.  It's always fun, I think when you actually see results.  It's encouraging to have roommates notice the changes and to even be just fixing your hair in the bathroom and hear "Dang, Sara, your biceps!"  :o)  That's right.  I have them.  Who knew?

This non-athlete is turning a new leaf - it includes a lifestyle of movement, fun, goals, and just enjoying the journey.

When I started this 90 days ago, I had an arbitrary number in mind - I wanted to get down to a certain weight.  And while I still think it's a tangible goal, I'm not fixated on it - or the scale. In fact, this last month I only jumped on the scale once.  The scale only tells part of my story.  Though I didn't reach my "goal" weight, I reach a goal "me".   A happy, healthy, loves to move and run - me.  There she was all along.

My mindset on fitness has altered greatly after Chalene.  I used to focus on short-term goals and results to keep me motivated.  Now I find myself more motivated by a long-time journey of enjoyment.  I don't have to remake myself in a month to be satisfied.  I am enjoying the daily journey of "one-step closer."  Everyday I'm heading in a positive direction - I position myself to have fun on the journey and enjoy the benefits as they come.  My approach has birthed something quite valuable - longevity in healthy living.  I look at the rest of the year contemplating, "ooh, what will I get to do this summer or fall to keep active?"

Here's to the journey ahead.

After 90 days, here are my overall results.
Lost about 6 lbs overall.
Lost 14.5 inches off my body over all.
Lost 10% of my body fat (went from "average" to the leaner side of "ideal"!)

Here's my last round of photos...sorry the first ones were so blurry.

Day 1                                           Day 90 +

 

Day 1                        Day 90 +

Day 1                                   Day 90 +

Day 1                                                Day 90 +

 

Day 90 +

 Looking forward...

I run my half marathon in a couple of weeks.  Training has been good - hard, but good.  I did 12 miles this week and my body is still a little sore.  Looking forward to a beautiful run, though!

Scheming my next step....thinking of doing chalene again....thinking of trying out another BB workout...We shall see.  Probably won't start anything until after the halfy, so just maintanance for now!

Thank you for joining me on this journey!  Excited for my family who has joined me with Chalene, my entire household, who have also jumped on the buff bandwagon, and my ladies back in Cairo!!  Look forward to hearing YOUR stories of your fitness journey!

60 day results!

60 days into my ChaLEAN Extreme experience...
Still loving it and feeling healthier.


I sort of wish I had all kinds of BIG numbers to share.

But I don't. In some ways there was a plateau in the numberage section of my results this phase.

Just to recap...
After my first 30 days 
- I lost 6lbs.
-I lost 10 inches.
-I lost 4% of my body fat (Initially I had put 10, but that was a miscalculation on my part).


After 60 days:
-I didn't really lose any weight this phase.  Nada.  I bounced up and down a bit, but no real loss.
-I only lost 2 inches (if you squint) according to my measurements.
-BUT I lost 8% more body fat - meaning I dropped twice as much body fat during the second phase as I did the first.
-And my personal icing on the cake, I dropped a jean size. (Thank you, Jesus!)

How do I feel about that?
I feel great.  It has actually been liberating this phase to not put such an emphasis on the scale this time around.  I could tell my body was toning and changing, and in the end the results tell me that my body was busy creating muscle this round.  And I'm happy with that!  Things certainly aren't going in a bad direction, so I can't complain.  This is a journey.  It's not a quick fix.  And I'm in it for the long haul, so any progress is cause for personal celebration!  And, I'm loving my new jeans.

Onward.  Lean Phase is the final phase of ChaLEAN Extreme.  I just finished week 1.  It's intense, she ain't kidding around.  Supposedly this is where you lose the most weight, but we'll see, everybody's body is different.  I'm trying to navigate half marathon training with Chalene and making sure I eat enough, so it'll be interesting to see where I'm at in a month.

Day 1                                                                        Day 60

Day 1                                                                 Day 60

Day 1                                                                    Day 60

                                        

Day 60

                                                   Day 1                                                                      Day 60

Announcement!!!

Thanks to all for their perusal of the blog the past few days and thanks to all those who made a guess or two!

Most Creative Award goes to Rebecca for cleverly referencing Star Wars and Katie for suggesting there was an actual Star Wars half marathon in LA.

Closest Guess Award goes to Jess, Kristy, and Amanda who all in some way or another suggested I was running a half marathon.

Honorable Mention and most flattering Award goes to Melissa for guessing I was running a full marathon.

And the Grand Prize Winner is....

Phillip for phoning in the actual correct answer via my sister.

I will be running in the Avenue of the Giants half marathon on May 1st!!

This run takes you through part of the beautiful Redwood Forest in Western California.  Parts of the speeder bike chase from Star Wars were filmed in the Redwoods (according to legend...or what I like to call "hear say").

Clue two referred to the "half" part of my announcement, though it would have been very clever had I been doing a full marathon, thank you roomies and Mel.  I'll have to save it for when I do.    

And of course, clue 3 was really to key in on the announcement being about running. 

Congratulations to all.  Katie and Phillip, though I love you, are already swimming in Shakeology, so I won't be sending you samples.  The rest of you, for your sweet participation will each receive yummy samples (being shipped to me today).  If you have preferences (Chocolate vs. Greenberry), let me know, otherwise I'll give you some of each.

I'll be sharing more about my journey to doing another half marathon soon. I'm already two weeks into training and going for a 6 miler tomorrow.  My body is having to catch up quick since I only gave myself two months to train, but having new muscles (thanks, Chalene) is helping a ton!

Spotlight on Shakeology...

What is this stuff I'm giving away for free?


Check it out!

Clue # 3

Clue number 3 is a video clue...

There ya go.  Put 'em all together and what do you get?
Leave a guess here or on facebook :o).

You've been so patient so here's some freebies...

Some bloopers from "Day 60" Photo shoot.  Jess was trying to get me to give directions to the gun show, which I couldn't do with a straight face...

Results...

Announcements...

More photos...

Tomorrow.

See you then.

Clue # 2

FIRST I have to celebrate with my sister who just completed her first 30 days of ChaLEAN EXTREME and said goodbye to 9.5 lbs and 7.5 inches!!!  Did I mention she just had her second baby back in November?!  She's incredible.  Way to go, Katie!!!!  My sister is the one who introduced me to Shakeology, which she and her husband both use as well.  So yummy and nutriciously delicious.




Okay, so the first clue...just to recap was:

Clue number two (also a picture clue)....

Freebie clue.  My announcement is connected to my journey to health and fitness!!

Get guessin' peeps.  And land yourself some yum yum Shakeology!!

Clue #1....Announcement GIVE AWAY!!

Okey dokey.

So yesterday I alluded to an announcement I have to make.  I figured - why not spruce things up a bit and make it like your birthday or something. It's time. To. Give. Something. Away.

I love how dramatic I just made that sound by adding periods after every word.  Where did that grammatical nebula even come from?

I digress.

Sooo.... over the next 3 days I will be unleashing 3 clues pertaining to said announcement.

Then it's up to you to use your noggin and take a guess.  Just post a comment with a guess for what you think I might be announcing on this blog and botta-bing, botta-boom, you're in the running.

What are you in the running for?

I'm so glad you asked.

It's my favorite breakfast wonder.  Shakeology!  (check out my link on the side)

It's delicious.  It's nutritious.  The chocolate version + peanut butter is to die for.  Blend with ice for a completely guilt free, decadent chocolate ice cream treat. Yum.  I have yet to try the greenberry version, but you may have that opportunity.

A correct guess lands you a free sample of Shakeology (your choice of flavor), lovingly sent to wherever you are in the world, free of charge.  You've got nothing to lose.  So take a guess.

You may guess as many times as you want.

The samples will be awarded on a  first come, first guess basis - so as soon as you think you know my announcement, post a guess.  You can always try another guess after seeing a new clue.  I will award as many as I can to correct guesses, while supplies lasts!

I will also award a free samplage to the most creative guess.  So feel free to have fun with it, if the clues throw you for a loop.

I may throw a few of my 60 day results photos up on the blog in the mix...or I might leave them to reveal with the announcement in 3 days...

Guess you'll have to check back to see :o).

<drumroll>

Clue number uno.

It's a picture.  And that's all you get.

Ah, Star Wars.

Happy Guessing!

Rock on sistas.

Just wanted to give a shout out to my roomie Jess who started ChaLEAN this week and is enjoying a bit of Shakeology to boot!

She's going to rock it.

Jess is an incredible writer, our in-house healthy gourmet chef, and has an amazing passion for health and wholeness...I HIGHLY encourage you to check out her blog....Chasing Shalom.

I'd also like to give a shout out to my homie, Melissa.  She and perhaps a few more of her roomies back in Cairo, Illinois will also be joining the ChaLEAN par-tay. (Hey, it's not too late to join ;o) )

Girls, you are amazing.  I know this journey will look different for each of us, but above all, I hope you have fun, make it your own, and get all you desire out of it!!

To fresh starts and new endeavors on our journeys to health and wholeness.

PUSH!

I know.  I know.  The blog has been so quiet.

I did not give up.  I am still charging ahead and am thrilled to say I just finished phase 2 of ChaLEAN Extreme!

The past 30 days were challenging.  Not just because of the PUSH phase, but life in general had quite a few twists and turns to throw at me the last 30 days, not the least of these was saying "goodbye for now" to a very dear grandmother.  I have kept waiting for life to kind of settle down.  I'm still waiting.  Suffice it to say, I felt a little less focused during my PUSH phase and a lack of fervor to post.

I even added a week to this phase because one week was completely off. Anyways...enough chatter.

I know what you want.

But first...

The PUSH phase introduces a new set of weight training DVDs, these are interspersed with the same Burn Invervals and Cardio workouts as before.  Halfway through the month you up the ante and add Extreme Abs, which is not for the faint of heart.  Ouchie.

How is this phase different?

Really, the main difference is during your strength training you are doing fewer reps with a lot more weight.  ChaLEAN also has this funny fixation for making you doing things on one leg - like squats and dead lifts.  It's cute at first.

In the end.  I'm still loving it.  It's incredible to see muscle definition begin to literally reshape your body.  I'm looking forward to the last phase - the LEAN phase.  Curious to know what that will entail.

And I'm already scheming as to what to do next.  Another round? TurboFire? P90X?

Okay, Okay...I know what you want.

Rippling pictures of my back muscles :o).  As do I.

BUT ...you will have to wait.  Pictures and results are coming to this post this week. So stay tuned!

AND a very special pre-ANNOUNCEMENT contest which could land YOU with some yummy samples of Shakeology!!!

Hmmm...I wonder what this announcement could be?  :o)

Results are in!

30 days down.  60 to go.  

I have finished the first phase of Chalene Extreme!  I'm so excited by my results.
This has been, perhaps, the most fun I've had consistently moving towards better health.

I love Chalene.  We should do coffee.

I have also finished about 30 days on Shakeology.

So here's how I'm doing...

Emotionally - I feel like I've been in a good mood all month.  This rarely happens.  I was born to be joyful, and I actually feel that way.  I know good nutrition and getting my body moving are to thank for this. So, thank you.

Mentally - I've felt a lot more productive this month.  I've had a few days of the slugs, but overall, I feel pretty motivated most days.  This is also, not necessarily a norm for me, so I'm diggin' it.

Overall far more de-stressed, peaceful, and less anxious.  Forward ho!

Physically...drumroll.

I've lost about 6lbs overall, went up and down a little bit over the month - some of which I think was do to developing muscles.  I'm pretty confident of this assumption because I have lost 10% of my body fat!!
When I started this journey my body fat percentage was in the overweight zone, now it resides lovingly in the "ideal" area of the chart.  Yee ha!  Muscle burns fat, you were right Chalene.

I've also lost 10 inches total all over my body, with most of that melting off my thighs and waist - can I get an "amen" from my other pear-shaped ladies out there?

All I can say is, look out next 30 days! I'm raring to go.

If you are interested in trying Chalene Extreme - check out my link above for my Beach Body site.  It's on sale right now (last day is January 31st).  It's easy to modify for all skill levels.

Seven (7) reasons for YOU to consider ChaLEAN Extreme:
1-Short 30-45 minute workouts
2-Two (2) rest days/week
3-Ladies, muscle burns fat!
4-Gents, ChaLEAN's mantra,"Go Heavy or Go Home"
5-Fat Burning Food Guide shows you what/when to eat for max results
6-** SAVE $30 ** NOW thru JAN 31st
7-I'm proof it works!

And now for some photos!

Day 1

Day 30

Day 1

Day 30

Day 1                                                                            Day 30



I love muscles.

Ending the Trend.

I'm fairly new to all this Beach Body stuff.  I'm still learning a lot about it.  I've never really been one to jump on the "at-home" business band wagon. Though, I LOVE the idea of working from home and having that freedom for family and other passions - like writing or teaching.

But something really impacted me a few weeks ago at the beginning of this journey when I was hearing  and learning more about the heart and vision of this company.

The vision for Beach Body is simple - end the trend of obesity in America.

I love the Biggest Loser.  I actually don't have a TV and don't watch a lot of TV, but I love that show.  I love the journeys of hope and victory in the contestants' lives.  I'm inspired every time I watch it.

I feel like Beach Body is really about that same thing - equipping people in journeys of hope and victory.  It's about people helping one another, giving each other hope, cheering them onto victory.  I love that this is the heart behind Beach Body.  Maybe the products won't be for everyone, and that's okay.  But I think the message is important.

Our nation needs a health overhaul.
We'd be happier.  We'd be freer to go after those things that make us feel fully alive.

I wonder what dreams we could invest in if we didn't have to pay all those medical bills because our poor health and fitness failed us?

I like dreaming.  I like to see other people dreaming.
I like being a part of something that will enable people to go after what they're really passionate about.
I know that poor health and fitness has kept me from fully dreaming and loving myself for many years.

I think it is time to end the trend, and release the dreamers.

What's holding you back from going after what makes you fully alive?

This is the season for overcoming.

Chalean is on sale!

Passing the word on...

You can purchase Chalean Extreme at a $30 discount until January 31st!!!

It's a deal.

I highly recommend this program if you are looking for an ENGAGING workout regime!!  I'm loving it and seeing results in just 3 weeks.

Top five reasons to give it a go:

1. Chalene and her team are encouraging, real and fun.  I love the DVDs and her great instruction for how to do all the moves effectively - how to modify and work with whatever gear you've got.
I do 5 different sessions every week, and these change every 30 days.  Every week I do 3 weight training workouts, 2 cardio workouts, an ab workout and 20 mins of yoga!

2.  I don't have to drive anywhere to do it.

3. I can fit it into my own schedule.

4. I get to enter my workouts in online, track my progress and be entered into daily drawings for prizes and cash - every time I workout.

5. It's like having my own personal trainer 5 days a week for much less than I was paying to go to the gym 3 days a week - with no trainer.

Shakeology update.

I've been having Shakeology for breakfast for about two weeks now.  I continue to read up and check out other's results with this supplement.  So far I can report - definite increase in energy and my digestive system is loving the stuff.  I have had a history of having bad digestive problems over the last few years.  It's gotten better as I've changed my diet in the last two years.  Shakeology is supposed to be good for cleaning out your digestive track and so far, I can attest to this.  When your digestive system is feeling and working good, it effects everything else in your body.  I'm looking forward to seeing how this stuff effects me over a 30 day period.  I'll keep you posted.  It is an investment for sure.  But so far, it's living up to it's reputation.

FYI...if you're intrigued and want to TRY Shakeology out for a month, there is a "bottom of the bag" guarantee.  Meaning, if you use the whole bag and are not satisfied, you can send the bag back to Beach Body and receive a full refund.  Food for thought.

New Mercies.

This morning I slept in.  I spent some time reading and meditating on the goodness of God.  Then I got ready and began week 3 of Chalean Extreme.

Today was like a breath of fresh air.  I felt so good doing weights today and love seeing these muscles begin to take shape in my arms - stuff is happening!!  My body is changing!  This is encouraging.

Chalean is big on push ups.  I'm not the biggest fan, but today I was able to almost double the amount I could do last week on my toes, and even hang in their for the 3 uber slow push ups she does in the end.
I felt so good, I decided to try the bonus workout included in Chalean Extreme - Fat Blaster from Chalene's program Turbo Jam.  Kickboxing meets dance.  Chalene cracks me up.  She is like a little water sprite in the way she bounces around everywhere.  I had a good time though, I appreciate her spunk and the multiple times she "breaks for dancing" during the routine.  Very fun workout...Turbo Jam might be in my future...

I also LOVE how Chalene and her sister are in the Chalene Extreme program together...it makes me think of me and my own sister (who is currently moving to Texas, but will be joining me soon in Chalean Extreme).  I think of her often while I work out as Chalene and Janelle rock the weights with family love.  Maybe someday that will be Katie and I.

Kicking the wagon.

Week two with Chalene was a challenge.

Week one I was on fire and flying high.  Saw amazing results and felt great.

This past week I was blessed to be able to help a friend through a hard week by house sitting and subbing for her.  Amazing blessing of provision for me, but the relocation, moving about the city, and suddenly living in a new kitchen - mixed with some hormones and various other things I needed to get done this week- made this week a challenging one.

I certainly didn't eat very well and pushed off my burn interval for two days.  Burn Interval...it looms.  I knew I would have to face it again after last week, but after two long days I just couldn't bring myself to start the hour long workout.  I was tired.  And I wanted chocolate.

I fell off the wagon.  But, by day three, I knew all that stood between me and victory was pushing play.  So late on Thursday, I got my gear on, and pushed play.  Me. vs. Burn Interval.  Oh man...I remembered how hard this was last week.  I just couldn't give up.  It wouldn't get easier unless I decided to keep going.  So I decided, even with no motivation, today I was going to move forward.

And I did it.  I made it through.  And surprisingly, it wasn't quite as bad as last week.  In fact, I could tell my muscles were getting stronger, because there were certain exercises that were much easier this time around.  It still wasn't a cake walk.

But it didn't beat me.  You win if you just don't quit.  So I fell off, but this wagon is going to keep moving, even if I have to kick it.

This week has been an interesting one.  I've been doing a lot of thinking in this journey of health...stay tuned for some personal reflections...truth is powerful.

Week 2.

Yesterday was lovely and restful.  Today marks the beginning of week 2 of Chalean Extreme.  Only 83 days left! Okay, so I've got a ways to go.  But I'm okay with that for right now.

I bought a pair of heavier weights to use for some of the exercises this week, which should be good.  I'm still learning how to adjust weights and just create resistance even when I don't have the exact weight I need.

I have noticed having a lot more energy and generally just being in a better mood the past few days.

Continuing to enjoy the journey.  Off to catch some zzzs.

Benefits of Shakeology

I found a couple of videos the other day that I enjoyed concerning Shakeology.  As I continue on my journey of seeing how this chocolate shake enigma effects my life, I thought these were pretty interesting.  The first one stood out to me because my grandmother is battling colon cancer.  The second one was just real simple in communicating what Shakeology is.  Enjoy!

Chalene is my new secret weapon.

Today was my last official workout of the "Chalene week".  Tomorrow will be a rest day and Saturday I'll start the series again.   I'll repeat this "burn" phase for 30 days and then move to the "push" phase which will incorporate new workouts.

Yesterday, I finished up the weight training portion of the workouts so today left room for - you guess it - cardio.  Intense, insane cardio.  It only lasted 30 mins.  If you're familiar with The Biggest Loser bootcamp workout, which I love and was pretty intense for me when I started, basically Chalene makes it look like a weak game of freeze tag.  This girl is intense!  I worked as hard as I could and know it will pay off in the end, but man oh man.  Not easy.  This workout is followed by a 20 min yoga workout, which is great for stretching and feels wonderful - however next time I will take a little break between the two, so that my heart rate slows down a little before I start turning my head upside down with yoga poses.

I have been feeling really great the past two days.  A little sore, but already I can feel my body changing - things are tightening and toning.  I was curious to jump on the scale...  and though I don't really want to be jumping on the scale all the time during this process, it was the easiest way to detect a change without getting out the measuring tape.

 I wasn't expecting what I saw.

In the past 5 days I've lost just over 6 lbs!  WHAT?!

Chalene is like some crazy secret fitness weapon.  I just stood there thinking - how is this possible?  How did my body do this?

The thing is, if I would have sat down last Saturday and conjured up a plan to lose about a pound a day for the next week it would have looked something like this:

1. Try not to eat much of anything - I mean, give yourself enough to not pass out, but cut anything unnecessary out.
2. Run about 5 miles a day.  Maybe twice a day.
3. Lift a lot of reps of weights, do a lot of pushups and sit ups.
4. Drink an obscene amount of water.

Chalene Extreme has taken my crazy ideals of fitness and revealed to me a method to get results and maintain a life, like a real one.  An enjoyable one.  I've eaten well (though will probably up the carbs now that I see how potent the workouts are).  Most of my workouts have been 30-40 mins, with just two days being an hour or just over an hour.  I've eaten these ridiculously good chocolate shakes, that should be illegal, for breakfast the past two mornings, and I'm having fun doing it.

It doesn't take up my whole life.  In fact, it fits nicely into it.

I'm beginning to have a whole new perspective of what a "fitness lifestyle" could look like.

Thanks for joining me on this journey!  To week #2!  What lessons lay ahead?

Mmmmm. Chocolatey goodness.

Shakeology arrived last night, albeit, UPS delivered it to my neighbor.  But I hiked over there first thing this morning so I could start my day with a chocolate shake.

One scoop into the blender with a half a cup of water, half a cup of milk and a handful of ice and -
an amazing and nutritious chocolate shake for breakfast.  Bill Cosby would be proud - it's not chocolate cake, but it's close.

Why all the fuss about Shakeology?  It's a nutritional gold mine.

Over the last few years I've begun to do quite a bit of research about foods in our nation - organic and processed and the effects they have on our bodies.  I've tried to make better choices with my food so that I'm actually giving it nutritional substance, rather than just filling my belly.  I like, and endeavor to try and eat as organic as possible, or at least let fruits, veggies, and meats comprise the majority of my diet, rather than processed knick knacks.  I'm still learning and growing in this area, but I aspire to treat my body more and more as God intended.

So when I first heard about Shakeology, I was a bit skeptic.  Powder mixes don't shout out health to me. However, after looking into what they put into the mix and other's testimonies of using it, including my sister, it sounded interesting enough to try.

There are a few things that really excite me about trying Shakeology -

1. It is packed with nutritional goodness.
2. It's convenient and quick for a lifestyle that is often on the go.
3. It comes highly recommended by many in the medical field including doctors, nutritionists, alternative medicine peeps, and chiropractors.
4. Although it's not certified organic (because that can be expensive) it is as close at you get.


This video does a great job at explaining where the ingredients come from.
I love the farmer who shares, "God blessed us with all this so we can bless the world."

I'll drink to that.

Uncle.

Alright.  Yesterday I whined a bit about the lack of cardio I had discovered in Chalene's workouts so far.

I'm sorry.

 Forgive me, Chalene.

 I didn't realize you had hidden, "Burn Intervals" in the middle of each week and coupled this hour long work out with an additional 10 minute ab workout.

I guess I thought the intervals would include weight lifting, since that seems to be the trend going down for this program.  I did not anticipate the hour long experience consisting of lots of jumping, kickboxing, squatting, lunging, jumping jacks and the like - plus light weight lifting reps strewn within.  The intervals go quick and you keep moving. I was successfully sweating and breathing hard about 5 mins in, and actually grunting a bit by the end; responding to Chalene with comments like, "Are you kidding me?" and "There's more?"

But truthfully.  I like feeling like I've worked hard.  And after the workout I walked around outside for a bit and was just thankful for the gift of health I already have - the gift that I am receiving in this journey - and the gift I can give to the next generation in my family as I work to break off, honestly, generational bad habits that have been passed down.

Something I was thinking about today during the workout was BALANCE.

I tend to be a person who goes full force into something and then fizzles out. When I go to the gym I want to work everything out, leave no stone unturned.  I've rarely accomplished this, but for whatever reason I feel somewhat obligated to do it.  Maybe this is where some defeat has entered into my camp over the years - if I can't do it all-  why bother?  I'm used to doing workouts that also try and incorporate everything into one workout.  But ChX is different.  The balance of mixing intense interval training in the midst of weight lifting, focused ab work, and even stretching into a week's worth of workouts is giving me a whole new perspective on fitness.

Maybe workouts don't have to look like going to the gym cranking out 3 miles, hitting the weights, and doing crunches every time.  Maybe the days when I'm not completely spent from cardio but my muscles are sore from lifting are worth it - and maybe this variety provides balance to a lifelong journey of health.

It makes me think of a sculptor before a slab of marble.  What use is it to intensely cut away only one place in the stone - the sculpture really comes to life, when you vary your approach, your intensity, and your tools.

It's good.  I need balance.  Not just in working out, but in life.  Lots to think about today.

Still awaiting my shakeology...should arrive tonight.  Looking forward to sharing more about this product, and looking forward to trying it out!

Day 2.

Yesterday was my rest day (according to my handy ChX calendar).  So I rested.

Today I was looking forward to seeing what the next workout involved.  It was much like the first one, but with different moves.  There's not a lot of cardio so far.  I'm not sure if that's good or bad, yet.  But I feel I might be complementing the whole program with some running anyways, so I'll find a way to get it in there, regardless.

It's only day three, and I didn't mean to do it - but I did step on the scale just for kicks, and amazingly have already said goodbye to 3 lbs.  That's kind of extreme, huh, Chalene?  I think most of that may come from a great shift in my diet from Christmas goodies to more of a streamlined Maker's Diet menu (low to no sugar or carbs).  We'll see what becomes of that in a week or so, anyways. I'm looking forward to actually feeling more healthy!

P.S. Tonight is a little bit like Christmas as I eagerly await my order of Shakeology tomorrow.  I've been researching a bit and am pretty enthused to try out this drink mix full of all kinds of nutritional yummies.  More to share on that later...

What is Chalene Extreme?

I'm so glad you asked.  Take a look....

Day 1.

I love the excitement of starting something new - especially starting things that lead to transformation.  Transformation makes me giddy.

Chalene, in this program is all about building muscle.  I was curious how this would compare to the Biggest Loser bootcamp workout, or even the step aerobics class I took last year.  Would we be doing a lot of cardio?  A lot of reps?  How would I work out figuring out what weights to use?

My first day of Chalene was great.  I wasn't dying by the end of it, by any means, but I thought her approach to weigh lifting was effective.  Most of the first work out is weight lifting moves - you do 12 reps of each.  I did like that on the DVD, there is a timer that actually counts down the time in the workout while also counting down reps for you!  You do all 12 reps very slowly, and if you use heavy weights or you really flex the muscles while you're working, your body will certainly feel it.  I also like that most of the moves involve both an upper and lower body move, so your whole body is working.

I think I will need to play around with weights.  Right now I have one pair of 8lbs hand weights and a variety of resistance bands.  It'll take some time figuring out how heavy I can go to achieve "muscle failure" as Chalene calls it.

All that so say, day 1 was good, I'm looking forward to seeing what a whole week involves.

In the mail.

I arrived back to my home in California after Christmas time with my family to find a wonderful package waiting.

It was Chalene.

I spent the good part of the night going through all the resources in the Chalene Extreme pack (ChX).  I wasn't quite sure what to expect, actually.  I've done a lot of at home videos over the years, but there were several things that got me really excited about this resource.

1. ChX comes with 6 DVDs.  This program is 90 days long, and you better believe you should have more than one little 50 min DVD workout to keep my interest for 90 days.  Lucky for her, she had 6.  Every week you actually complete 5 different workouts - so you never repeat one during the same week.  You repeat these 5 for about 4 weeks and then move on to another set of workouts.  Rinse and repeat after the next 30 days.  Variety = Motivation (for me).  Thank you, Chalene.

2. ChX Guide book.  Included in the packet is a thorough guide book that walks you through how to assess your  current fitness level, a calendar of workouts for the whole 90 days, pages for tracking the weights you use, etc. etc.  I love this book, it gives context to the whole program and makes it very user friendly.

3. ChX Cook book.  Not only do you have all the workouts lined up for you, but you also get a nice cookbook that breaks down different meal ideas for each phase of the workout.  Workout regime + nutritional guide = simplicity at it's finest.

In addition to those resources you also get a resistant band, thigh band, and body fat tester (okay the last one wasn't exciting - but maybe it will be in 90 days).

It's time to turn the tide of Christmas over indulgence.  Chalene begins Jan. 1.

And so it begins...

This year is going to be amazing - I'm declaring that now.

Welcome to my very own Beach Body Blog!

I'm about to begin a journey joined by multiple family members to a year of healthy living and fitness.  I'm excited to be on this journey with my family and am looking forward to see how Beach Body products enable us to reach this goal.

A little history...

Last year I began to hear little murmurs about exercise programs like P90x and Chalene Extreme.  I watched with intrigue as friends documented their journeys on these programs and began to want to find out more.  This fall I began researching the programs and looking for blogs and videos of others taking on Beach Body exercise programs.  The results I found were encouraging and enticing.

My sister invited me to join her in doing one of the programs this January, Chalene Extreme.  I thought the prospect of doing a program with my family, even though we are miles apart was really exciting and so I decided to take the plunge.

In search of a great discount, I opted to become a coach myself since the sign up fee was waived at the beginning of the year and coaches get GREAT discounts.

So here we are...  I'm about to turn 30 this year and desiring to achieve a life long dream of being in the best shape ever.  Join me on my journey!  Let's find out if these Beach Body tools have what it takes and let's find out if I do too!