Figuring Out Fitness with Reesy

I'M BACK.

2010-03-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

Stating the obvious: I haven't been on this blog in some time. Though I didn't know it at the time, when I stepped away from this blog, I stepped away from the commitment I'd made to getting myself into shape.

So what has changed since my time away? I've gained 10 pounds, started making more excuses, and all around (as far as fitness is concerned) have just been full of shit.

I can't continue on this way, besides I'm way too cute to be overweight. ;) I'm back. Hope you are still with me.

THE LAZINESS OF AMERICA

2009-08-20T06:18:00.000-07:00

Have we gotten so lazy that we can't walk a couple extra yards? Just back from the grocery store, while I'm loading my car another car comes behind me waiting for my spot, where just steps away another spot is open. Let me repeat....JUST STEPS AWAY ANOTHER SPOT IS OPEN.

I g0t so irritated. I start taking my sweet time (mind you, I only have two bags). When I get in the car, I play with my phone a bit. Hey, its one of my pet peeves. Finally, I pull out. I watch as the person gets out of her car and sure enough, she could have used the extra steps. Mean, but true.

I truly can't believe how lazy we have become as a nation. On one hand, I can see why some people are so upset over health care. The ones footing the bill do not want to have to pay for those who will not take a couple extra steps to improve their own health. Interesting isn't it?

ARE YOU INSANE?

2009-07-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

NATIONAL JUNK FOOD DAY....REALLY?

2009-07-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

Today is National Junk Food Day on the heels of National Ice Cream Day last weekend. In spite of all the junk food the world consumes daily, someone had the presence of mind to officially declare days where eating junk is permissible on a national level. Isn't this a bit redundant and unnecessary? And what is the purpose of such a day? To assuage us of our guilt when indulging in foods we know to be harmful to our health and waistlines?

The junk food industry is big business. A bigger business than the exercise and diet industry. Two industries at opposite ends of the spectrum, competing for your time and money when really its not a competition at all, both industries win. We pay for the junk and then we pay to get rid of the effects of the junk. It's one big fat cycle.

Today, if you choose to indulge in the nation's obsession with junk food, remember the 'junk' is on you and the fat too.

DIG DEEP

2009-07-20T09:17:00.001-07:00

INSANITY is here!!!! This week starts my second week of INSANITY. Each Beachbody program comes with a buzz line, a mantra you chant when you are doing well or chant when you want to convince yourself you can do it. P90X - Bring It. Chalean Extreme - Go Heavy or Go Home and INSANITY - Dig Deep; these two simple words encapsulates the mentality necessary to attempt a program like INSANITY.

This program lives up to its name. It's thirty to forty minutes of butt-kicking, heart-pounding, sweat-inducing cardio. It's so INSANE, you will need a warm-up for the warm-up. As you are doing this workout, you begin to understand just how INSANE you are.

INSANITY is the only word to describe pushing through this workout versus performing some other type of cardio a bit more comfortable on your respiratory system and your brain. Doesn't it sound INSANE to keep working out when you are at the point of wanting to throw up or to do just one more squat when your legs failed you long ago?

By the end of the workout, you realize you are not crazy at all as you have become the personification of the mantra DIG DEEP.

DIG DEEP simply means find something within yourself that will move you past what you thought you could do. The beauty of INSANITY is that it is not INSANE unless you refuse to DIG DEEP because when you DIG DEEP you find that is where your sanity really lies.

DISCIPLINE

2009-07-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

What does the word discipline mean to you? When I hear the word discipline, I immediately think of hard work. Work, I’d rather not do; uncomfort I’d rather not feel. Discipline is required to accomplish anything great in our life. Discipline is the ‘it’ factor. It wakes you up to work out when you don’t want to. It makes you eat that chicken breast when you really want that piece of cake. Discipline can even make you go to a buffet and have ONE plate.

Gotta get me some of that (discipline, not the plate of food).

Signing up for Technorati

2009-06-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

ft439ycuap

INSANE IN THE MEMBRANE

2009-06-09T05:41:00.000-07:00

The loony bin may have a shortage on straight jackets. We will be insane real soon. Coming this month, the toughest workout every put on DVD, Insanity, created my Shaun T.--our former workout fun guy. Yes, he has gone rouge with a kick ass, nothing to laugh about workout.

As a subscriber of Tony’s One on One, last month I was honored with the sneak preview of Insanity’s Plyometric Cardio Circuit Workout (many others received this preview as well, but I can feel special, if I want). In 45 minutes, Shaun T. has brought a room full of fit people to their knees, with suicide drills, quickened jumping jacks, and football--hut one’s and twos. As I was dying in my living room, I took pleasure in watching those fit bodies plastered across my TV screen, those who were picked to show me how to do it—die as well (maybe I shouldn’t have taken so much pleasure in that).

If you are itching to get insane, don’t worry, you don’t have to wait long. Insanity will be released this month, yes….June.

Insanity will include the following workouts:

1. Dig Deeper/Fit Test

2. Plyometric Cardio Circuit

3. Cardio Power & Resistance

4. Cardio Recovery/Max Recovery

5. Pure Cardio/Cardio Abs

6. Cardio Abs

7. Core Cardio & Balance

8. Max Interval Circuit

9. Max Interval Plyo

10. Max Cardio Conditioning/Cardio Abs

http://www.milliondollarbody.com/store/insanity/index.htm

WARRIOR

2009-05-19T07:27:00.001-07:00

Isn't it time you start being a warrior?
Your life matters.

A SALTY SITUATION

2009-05-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

If the numbers on the scale fluctuate from day to day, check your salt intake. Refined salt (table salt) will wreak havoc on your waistline with water retention and bloating. Though a temporary condition, it's one you should try to avoid; this type of salt does not do a body good, causing damage to our bones, kidneys, heart and muscles.

Our daily intake of this salty mineral should be 2500mg. How much is 2500mg? A teaspoon.

The human body in its splendor does not produce salt, one of the essential elements of life. To get the salt our body needs, we have to rely on our food choices. As previous stated, too much processed salt can damage vital organs, yet our body need it and let's face it--some foods taste better with a little salt.

Sea salt is unrefined salt derived directly from where it's name suggests. The effects on this salt on the body are opposite of its processed sibling. The minerals sea salt contains, extracts toxins, reduces blood pressure and has the ability to detoxify the body. And if you are worried about the taste--don't be, salt taste like...salt, refined or not.

Stay on top of your sodium intake by cutting back on refined salt. Processed salts reside in processed foods and its time to say NO to the processes it performs on the bodies. To control refined salt intake, learn to read nutrition labels, eat foods as close to its natural state as possible, and when eating prepared meals--leave it on the table, unless its straight from the sea.

Your body will thank you in more ways than one.

MUFFIN TOPS ARE NOT SWEET!

2009-05-13T12:42:00.001-07:00

Despite what you've heard, muffin tops are not sweet!

MRS. OBAMA'S RIGHT TO BARE ARMS

2009-05-11T02:51:00.000-07:00

Much ado has been made over the right of our first lady, Michelle Obama, to bare arms. I’ve read several comments citing her bare arms as ‘inappropriate,’ because she is a role model and its not proper. I agree Michelle Obama is a role model but how should a role model dress and what is inappropriate and improper about her bare arms?

Our President and First Lady have been vocal about the role eating healthy and working out plays in their lives. Mrs. Obama has committed to keeping herself in great shape. She has the same challenges as any of us, if not more, yet she finds time for morning work outs. Mrs. Obama tight toned arms are the result of her hard work and why shouldn’t she be proud to display her arms? I suspect if her arms were not toned people would feel better about themselves and realize it's not Mrs. Obama's bare arms that are inappropriate but one's self hatred that manifests itself onto others. People hate to see other people doing something they wished they had the courage to do, thus a hater is born.

I’m glad we have a first lady who is in great shape and makes time to work out. It gives us all something to aspire to because she has proven one does not have to look a hot mess--over 40. One does not have to hear the phrase ‘you look good (for your age)’ but instead will simply hear ‘you look good’—and she does (bare arms and all).

Bravo Mrs. O.

MEET SHAUN T.

2009-05-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

**Official Bio**

"Shaun T" is a native of New Jersey currently residing in Los Angeles. Shaun began training at Rowan University where he received his BS in Sports Science and a minor in Theater/Dance. Shaun has danced in theater, TV, commercials, and movies, including The Ten Commandments, Pippin, Applause, Six Feet Under, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He has worked with various artists such as Mariah Carey, Nick and Aaron Carter, Elephant Man, Angie Stone, and Deborah Cox. One of Shaun’s most notable projects is Kathy Smith’s Project: YOU™ where he collaborated with Kathy and choreographed eight instructional videos. From this experience, Shaun created a new fitness program with Beachbody called Hip Hop Abs®—a dance-based cardio program specifically designed to target your abs. Shaun can be found teaching at many fitness and dance centers in Los Angeles.

**Me**

Shaun T's workouts are fun and exciting, producing a high calorie burn, whether you tilt, tuck and tighten with Hip Hop Abs or work the stage with Rockin Body. Don't let his charm fool you. Shaun has filmed the most challenging workout to be put on DVD--INSANITY. It will be released Summer 2009. Playtime is over folks!

Chick here to order Shaun T.'s workouts.

KFC- NOT FREE!

2009-05-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

Unless, you have been living under a rock (even there, you probably weren’t safe), you heard about the KFC coupons given out this week. Oprah Winfrey and KFC were offering a free 2 piece chicken meal, complete with two sides and a biscuit. This news spread faster than the swine flue- causing a true pandemic of oversized portions.

Have people secretly waited for KFC to come out with a grilled option and the news of its release coupled with the word free was too much to handle or is it the Oprah effect—in full effect—or maybe its something more poignant—our economy is so bad people can't afford a two piece meal and are clambering for anything free? Whatever the reason, KFC’s across the country have been jammed packed with people willing to wait in long lines for a free meal.

This type of promotion is rarely FREE. You might actually walk out of the restaurant without paying cash money, but consider this, if you don’t regularly frequent KFC, you have paid in gas and time. Because this promotion does not include a drink, guess what—you will probably order one and throw in a few other things. And although this new grilled option does offer fewer calories than it’s fried counterpart—this meal will contain a third of your day's calories (if you order sensible sides) and over half your day’s sodium intake--to me--this is the biggest price of all.

Are you willing to pay the price?

JUMPING, RUNNING, HOPPING, OH MY!

2009-05-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

High impact aerobics--where both feet leave the ground--has it’s ups and downs. It creates a hostile environment for fat and calories and the rush of endorphins you feel, after such a workout, is unmatched. It's also been linked to increasing bone density (sounds good for an aging girl). In spite the obvious ups, this type of activity can wreak havoc on the joints. Think about it. When you jump, run, or hop, your joints take the force of your body weight, when you come down.

P90X, Chalean Extreme, Turbo Jam and the upcoming Insanity all include high impact aerobics. Each workout (with the exception of Insanity) includes a low impact option. I used to think I had to complete the workout exactly as the instructor taught it. If I followed the modification, I was not getting the full benefit. I was dead wrong—that is not true!! There is no shame in a modification—its pretty smart to modify an exercise if the need arises. Low impact aerobics is not a synonym for low intensity.

Over the past couple months, I’ve noticed increased joint pain in my knees and unexplained nagging pain in my lower back and hips. I feel out of alignment. I can’t attribute these ailments to high impact aerobics per se but I can say because of these aches and pains, I have to modify some of the moves--and sometimes I’m not in the mood to have my wiggly parts wiggling--so I keep my feet on the ground.

At 37, my body reminds me I’m no spring chicken. I respond to those reminders by taking Beachbody’s Joint Formula to help soothe my squeaks, seeing a chiropractor to twist, pull, pop, and crack my body back as it should be, and dare I say…. performing yoga.I’ve got one body and I must take care of it.

Our bodies are marvelous machines--even still it breaks down from time to time--know your strengths and weaknesses and work within your parameters to avoid injury and protect your overall health.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-05-04T16:26:00.000-07:00

The number one new year's resolution is to lose weight. How about making a resolution to not only lose weight but to lose dead weight; anything keeping you from being the you--you really want to be. Changing one's lifestyle is just that--changing one's lifestyle. If you have a lifestyle conducive to you gaining weight, a lifestyle conducive to you not reaching your potential as a person, resolve to change it and change it now.

This year do something different, including making a new year's resolution anytime you wish.

10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1

Happy New Life,

MY FITNESS JOURNEY

2009-04-30T04:45:00.000-07:00

(Sorry for the dark video)

GOT POLE?

2009-04-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

Looking for a different kind of workout? Release your inner stripper with pole dancing. Before you turn your nose up and think, ‘Well, I’d never’, consider most exotic dancers have great bodies and in many cases their bodies are a by product of their jobs.

I took a pole dance/lap dance class last weekend--in celebration of a good friend’s upcoming nuptials. I showed up for a fun time without realizing a real workout was lurking around every pole spin. You are getting a cardio and strength training workout with squats cleverly disguised as a lap dance bump and grind and bicep and tricep work not so cleverly hidden as you hoist your bodyweight up on a pole. Being sexy hurt so good, I have the aching arms, legs, and abs to prove it. Four days later, my body is still reminding me just how sexy I am. ;)

If you are in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area, please don’t hesitate to gyrate yourself over to Studio Rio. You will love the workout and the

feeling of being a woman no matter your size. Forget who you are or discovery our real self as you are encouraged to pick out a dance name while in the studio. It will be the most empowering hour you have spent working out. I promise.

Leave your inhibitions at the door and the pounds on the studio floor.

REWARD YOURSELF

2009-04-28T05:44:00.000-07:00

Rewards create a feeling of doing something you want to do, not just what you’re forcing yourself to do. Even the smallest of rewards can work wonders as you travel from milestone to milestone, pound to pound, and mile to mile.

Here’s how to set up a good rewards system:

- Choose some benchmarks and reward levels. You can also reward yourself for levels of consistency.
- Make the reward meaningful to you. As a reward, a new pair of shoes may not hold as much motivation as a simple night alone with a book. Then again, it might.
- Choose two or three options from the Reward Roster below or come up with a few reward options of your own. It doesn’t take much. Sometimes, the best rewards are those you can’t buy.
- A lot of small rewards, used for meeting smaller goals, are more effective than relying solely on the bigger rewards that require more work and more time.
Don’t use food as a reward. Even good food. It’s just too much of a slippery slope. Don’t even mess with it.
- Plan to celebrate. Figure out now how you’re going to celebrate reaching your health, fitness or nutrition goal. Involve other people, tell them about it. Create a celebration that you can anticipate and then keep it within sight all the time.
- Be honest with yourself. Fudging the numbers mentally, or "borrowing" against the next reward hurts the cause of building a lifetime habit. Remember to keep your focus on building a habit, not just figuring out how to get the reward.

REWARD ROSTER CHOOSE YOUR FAVORITES AND USE THEM LIBERALLY

- Compliment yourself. Write down what you would say to anyone else who accomplished what you did.
- Create an actual plaque or trophy.
- Give yourself badges of honor for different levels of accomplishment.
- Take a vacation or weekend getaway.
- Take a day off from any goal activities.
- Put $1 in a jar every time you meet a goal. When it gets to $50, treat yourself.
- Create a Trophy Scrapbook, where you keep mementos from your accomplishments.
- See a movie.
- Make a grab bag of little prizes. When you reach a significant goal, reach in and get your reward!
- Go for a spa treatment or massage.
- Buy yourself a gift certificate.
- Take a limo ride.
- Subscribe to a magazine you always wanted.
- Go canoeing or do something outdoorsy.
- Watch your favorite TV show.
- Buy something for your hobby.
- Read a funny book.
- Celebrate "100% Days". If you reach 100% of your goals that day, choose two rewards.
- Find some time to be by yourself.
- Pay someone to do the yardwork or house cleaning this week.
- Fly a kite.

This article is used courtesy of Spark People.

MEET DEBBIE SIEBERS

2009-04-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

**Official Bio**- Debbie Siebers- A fitness leader for more than 20 years, Debbie Siebers has developed and perfected a host of challenging exercise routines that target specific problem areas of the body. In 1999, Debbie joined the Beachbody® team and used her fitness know-how to create the Thin Thighs Guaranteed!™ video. The popularity of that workout led to the development of Beachbody's highly successful Slim in 6® and Slim Series™ programs. Debbie is a certified member of the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.

**Me**- Don't let the sweet smile fool you. This woman will have your legs and buns screaming with squats, lunges, and leg lifts- repeat!

Debbie has a new video available-- Total Body Solution. This is aimed at soothing those nagging aches and pains.

To learn more about Debbie's workouts, click on the logo in the right column or click the shop for products link.

DIMPLES ON DISPLAY-----NO WAY!

2009-04-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

Shopping today, I found a great dress. The color was perfect, the fit flawless and the material--beautiful and lightweight. As I admired myself in the dressing room mirror, I was amazed how good I looked. My premature trip to the cash register cut short when I turned around and caught a view of my backside. My lightweight material was heavily lying on my not so light behind and it sang a full-throated song to the world about every dimple and crevice.

Two options: buy the dress with accompaniment (also known as Spanx) or leave the dress, since no sane person would make such a purchase and act like they didn’t know their ass craters were on display. Squeezing into a pair of Spanx didn’t appeal to me. I rather enjoy breathing. Aren’t I cheating by stuffing myself into a body I don’t have?

I didn’t buy the dress.

If I want the dress, I am going to have to earn the right to wear it and when I do, I will wear it with pride. The only think on display--my hard work.

*Side note*- Ladies let this be a lesson to you to always check your rear view. Make sure you look great coming and going. :)

GIVE IT A REST

2009-04-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

I’ve inadvertently taken a week off from doing any formal exercise. One day lead to another, another, and before you know it was basking in the ‘know’ of an unplanned vacation.

There are times when we need a break--from all things.

This hiatus has been good for my body and mind, but it’s not playtime in terms of being an eating free fall but a time to refocus, rejuvenate, and recommit to me.

Rest days are written into all Beachbody programs. Rest weeks will have to be written in by you.

Ahhh,

WHO ARE YOU SERVING TODAY?

2009-04-23T11:29:00.001-07:00

Where do you fall on your to do list?

Are you #1 on your list? If not, it's time to reprioritize.

LIFE'S TREADMILL

2009-04-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

Feeling like you are running on a treadmill of life?
Getting nowhere?
Switch directions!

Happy running,

WHAT'S ON THE LIST?

2009-04-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

You have your new program. You have all your healthy eats. You have even purchased a cute workout outfit. You start working out and a week or two later, you find yourself falling back in the same routine.

What happened?

While it’s true you were motivated to get going, you weren’t motivated to keep going?

What’s on the list?

Why do you want to lose weight, get in shape or be healthier? What motivates you to get moving? We all know how hard exercise is, not only on the body, but also on the mind.

What’s on the list?

The list is what you need to refer back to when you feel yourself slacking off. Maybe, you wrote a list and your motivation was to fit into a smaller size for a wedding, reunion, or some other social gathering. Even though you know you have this goal, you can’t seem to trick yourself into thinking its worth it. For some of us motivation such as this will be enough, for most of us, it will not and not because we do not have the best of intentions, it will simply be because we know if push comes to shove, we can find a cute outfit in a bigger size (after all, no one can see the tag).

Truth is most people do not notice our weight (as much) as we do, but they do notice and we would rather not think about what they may be thinking. I get it. Feeling this is still not enough to keep us on task. We bail on our goal, get a bigger size, decide not to prance at the event and vow to try again.

What’s on the list?

Put something more substantial on your list. To be healthier, to see your kids grow up, to have an experience you’ve never had before, to not kill over from a preventable disease—those kinds of things need to be at the top of your list. Superficial reasons can still appear on your list but do not give these items a starring role. A superficial reason by its very definition does not lend itself to the depth of motivation you will need to for the long haul.

What’s on the list?

If you haven’t made a list, do it NOW. It will be the reason you get up, get moving, and KEEP moving. Without the list, it’s way too easy to succumb to old habits and over used excuses.

COACH

2009-04-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

Ever play a sport? Any sport? Boxing, wrestling, dodge ball, baseball, basketball, football and so on? Who is the most important person on the team? No, it’s not you, not this time. It’s the coach. The coach’s job is to come up the plan of action, see the pitfalls BEFORE they happen, prepare for those pitfalls and be prepared to shift courses, while staying on track, when the pitfalls are unavoidable. The coach is simultaneously a cheerleader and a foot-in-ass(er), dolling out praise and reprimand, sometimes with a smile, sometimes with sigh, but always with care. Giving the when, what, and how of motivation and encouragement, making their words sound like it’s the best advice you have ever heard. Even with all the values I’ve just outlined, the best of them all—the reason why coaches are so great—accountability.

As a fitness coach/business coach for Beachbody, my job is to provide accountability and by doing so, my roll in the lives of my clients follows the same script. I walk the tight rope of advice columnist, spiritual advisor, life coach, career coach, friend and mentor as I steer people down the path to their new lives. I hold my clients up when they have fallen or no longer have the strength to stand on their own. I relay the little things (they already know) but conveniently forget when the road seems too long. I play in the foreground until my words are no longer needed, until my player starts listening to their own voice, until the lesson has been learned- accountable starts within. Then and only then, do I take my proper place in the background.

No more hand holding required.

Be a player in the sport of life but rest assured your health is not a game.

If you like me to become your coach, email me at the link above, under the about me section.

'Physician's' Weight Loss

2009-04-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

As a girl always looking to see how others are losing weight, I stumbled across Physician’s Weight Loss Center. A body fat analysis was free so I made an appointment. Maybe it was my naiveté I fully expected to go on for an analysis and that’s it. What I received was a free consultation, which included a body fat analysis. Greeted by the office manager (a graduate of the program) boasting about her 55lb lost, I was given a booklet of forms to fill out which asked for everything short of my DNA strip. Finally, I’m lead back into the room where I’m asked to step on the scale—the scale would read my body fat and hydration levels, oh joy, same technology I have at home. 20 body fat points higher than my at home scale, the consultation began.

The Physician’s Weight Loss Center (PWLC) offers a pocket full of weight loss programs based on the amount of weight you would like to lose. My goal weight is 179. I’m 5’11. According to the chart that was shoved in my face, I should be at 132-162 for my height. Huh? These are the lowest numbers I’d ever seen. I want to be healthy and still be meaty; my husband demands such. I have no interested in being tall and lanky nor do I have an interest in having my husband break out a magnifying glass to find the curves. I’m not planning on auditioning for America’s Next Top Model, so those numbers just won’t do. Where is the physician?

The next shocker comes when I’m informed of the recommended meal plan…of…wait for it…wait for it…1,000 calories. Do not adjust your eyes, you read it correctly. Yes, 1,000 calories and included in those 1,000 are supplements (snack bars, soups, pretzels etc.) I must purchase for the center. Are you kidding me? I was even more shocked when the office manager informed me that she was only taking in 600 calories—A DAY! Everyone knows, taking in anything less than 1,200 calories is not healthy and in fact will cause you to lose weight, but not body fat, with a calorie intake that low, you are losing muscle mass. Seems she was reading my mind, because the next thing out of her mouth was—and I quote “you will lose some muscle tone, but it will come back over time.” How, I thought? Since nowhere in this program was exercise mentioned. My muscle tone was not going to come back miraculously. Maybe they have muscle tone returns supplement in one of their little boxes. Again, where is the physician?

Guys, it gets better. We are now talking cost. It has been decided for my 30lb lost; I should be on an active program for three months and then move into maintenance for a period of up to a year. The active part of my plan would cost me $850, which includes my before and after pics (I have my own digital camera), and a consultation with the ‘physician’. $850 for three months, this explained why they wanted to get me to a lower goal weight as they are paid by the length of time I’m actively losing weight. My brain checked out on maintenance price. Where is the door?

I sincerely believe people should do whatever they need to do to get healthy. I’m sure this option has worked for many people as the common placed weight loss image of a thin person standing in too large jeans depiction implies. This plan would not be a viable option for me as there is no way I could sustain myself on 1,000 calories. I would eat everything I sight and there is no way I would pay them for the privilege to starve me under the guise of a ‘physician’s’ weight loss.

In the words of my little sister, weight loss is free. Touché little sister. Touché.

GO, GO, GADGET FITNESS!

2009-04-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

As you all know, I use a Bodybugg to assist me in my weight loss efforts. The information I’m getting has been invaluable. We are always told that if you do cardio first thing in the morning it will rev up your metabolism. It’s true guys. I’m seeing it first hand. My normal calorie burn for just sitting still is 1.4 but on the days I do cardio. My calorie burn is DOUBLED, coming in at 2.8. This is great because I can go for hours at my job without walking. Seriously, my day job was killing me in the calorie burning department. This is why it’s so important for me to get up during lunch and take a walk.

Over time, when using a device such as the bugg, you begin to know what numbers you need to see to make goal. To lose 2lbs a month, I need to consume 1600 and burn 2600. So, when I leave the house in the morning, if I’m not at 900-1000 calories, I know I’m going to have to add in at least two more workouts to make that goal.

My numbers look like this:

Wake up with 400-500 calorie burned from sleep
Perform cardio to burn 400-500 extra calories.
Walk at lunch (with a higher calorie burn during the day, I find I do not ‘have’ to do this.)
Leave work with 1900-2000 calories burned, if this happens on a consistent basis, even if I lay on my butt when I get home (which sometimes is very likely, ok most times its very likely), I will make goal by 9pm. The rest is just gravy—the no calorie version.

Love this feedback.

I’m bugging,

'TAGGED' CARDIO

2009-04-13T05:57:00.001-07:00

Have you ever heard of Laser Quest? Well, I hadn’t, but over the weekend my heart found a new way to beat rapidly. Laser tag is a fun game—a combination of tag and hide and seek-- where you strap on a pack, take out a laser and ‘tag’ your opponent. In the dark, you run through a maze, hide, strategize and position yourself to come out on top, as every player in the game is your enemy. There’s lot of running up ramps, squatting, quick movements and a little bit of plyometrics —before you know it, your heart rate is elevated, you’re breathing hard and sweating, all in an effort to not be ‘tagged’. Once, the game is suspended, it’s then you realize that amidst the fifteen to twenty minutes of fun, you’ve had an unconscious cardio workout.

Not one to like to make a fool out of myself—especially—in public. My fear factor was way up when approached to play this game. My first round I screamed each time I encountered a laser staring down at me. After a while, I was so into the game my initial apprehensiveness seemed (and actually was) silly. Out of 35 players, I ranked 11th, not bad for a first timer. When it came time for the second round, I’d observed some useful strategy and I positioned myself in a way to tag more than being tagged. This strategy paid off, this time; out of 36 players I ranked #1.

This game taught me so many lessons.

1. Don’t give into your fears.
2. Play with all your heart.
3. Be the best you can be.
4. Keep being active. It all adds up.

I can’t wait to go again. Laser tag will tag your pocket for $8 for a single game or $35 for the whole night.

Happy tagging,

SHAKEOLOGY REVIEW...PART HMMM

2009-04-10T07:23:00.001-07:00

Today was my third attempt at Shakeology. This time I mixed it with 8oz almond milk and ¾ frozen pineapple. Immediately, I was thrilled with the look, thick and frothy. The pineapple did a great job at cutting the vitamin-y smell…. and…. the taste! Yes, I think we have a winner. Is it the best thing I’ve ever tasted? Not by a long shot, but its palatable enough for me to keep the bag and see what happens in 27 days....

...and counting.

SHAKEOLOGY REVIEW

2009-04-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

This is the new nutritional supplement from Beachbody. When I first heard of it, I had no desire to order it at all. As the weeks went by and the hype got bigger, each day I found myself being seduced by the brilliant marketing. Who could resist the bold black and green color scheme and a website with floating fruits and vegetables? It was almost like being hypnotized as the words from the numerous written and video taped testimonies drifted in and stuck to my brain. And as if that wasn’t enough, I had many of my colleagues eager to give ‘reel time’ taste tests with not a dissenting voice in the bunch. Shakeology was delish!

It was all too much. Four of my senses were on sensory overload and thus my fifth sense longed to be a part of the action. I broke down and ordered it. Friends tried to talk me out of it, not because they didn’t believe it was a great product, or even because they thought it was too expensive (it will run you $119 retail for a 30 day supply), but because quite frankly—they know me.

I am the girl who does not like my foods to touch or my condiments to mix. I’m funny about smells and the look of my food. I’m finicky with a capital ‘F’. But I figured, what the hell. I took the leap to give it a good honest try.

I’d researched the Shakeology recipes and I knew exactly what I was going to do. When the bag arrived, enclosed in a box, with a address lapel and dents from it's travels, I wasted no time, opening the bag, while my ¼ cup orange juice, ¾ cup water and ice, stood by, for the scoop, of Greenberry Shakeology that was going to bring it all to life.

Upon opening the bag, I was greeted by a vitamin-y waft of brownish green haze. I felt a precursory warning in my stomach, but I was not to be deterred. I could do this. I threw everything into a cup, gave it a twist and my magic bullet roared. As I waited, I even did a jig I dubbed my Shakeology dance.

Finally, I was ready for a taste test. So here is my review:

I can’t say I like it or dislike it. My stomach turned the whole time I drank it or shall I say chugged it. I was turned off by the smell and the taste—for me-- was not as great as I’d been lead to believe. I spent the rest of the night doing my best to keep it down because I was immediately overcome by an intense feeling to throw up. I grabbed my bag of Greenberry Shakeology, carefully put it back in the box and set the box by the door, as it soon would be marked—return to sender.

Not wanting to be a wimp about it, I decided to give Shakeology another spin. This time I tried it with 8 oz of orange juice and the taste was a little better but yet again, I chugged it to finish the glass.

I’m at an impasse. I now must decide if Shakeology’s claim--increased energy, regularity, and weight loss assistance among others--is worth stimulating and possibly activating my gag reflex everyday.

The jury is still out.

Shakeolgy comes in two flavors Chocolate and Greenberry. It retails for $119. To order your Shakeology, click on the shop for products link at the top.

(As Dr. Phil would say- I don't ask you to substitute my judgment for your own.)

IT'S TIME TO SPOON (AND FORK)!

2009-04-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

The clock is ticking. Your new body waits.
The time is now to get your eating in order.

Happy Eating,

REWRITE THE SCRIPT

2009-04-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

So, last week I posted I would start P90X+ this past Monday.
This is an update.

SUCCESS VS. PERCEIVED FAILURE

2009-04-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK ALOT LIKE MUSCLE...

2009-04-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

…. every where I turn. Ninety days of Chalean Extreme are now complete and today starts a new challenge for me with P90X+.

With Chalean Extreme, I lost 8 total pounds and not very many inches, but I gained a lot of muscle in my upper body. I’m thrilled at the new lines and striations I see that outline the different muscle groups.

For my P90X+, I am making adjustments in my diet and setting my sights on more muscle and less overall body fat. Sure, I have a weight goal I’m trying to reach but that number is evolving. I am not to be defined by any number per se. This journey is about being healthy and healthy comes in a lot of variations.

P90X+

2009-04-03T16:51:00.003-07:00

On Monday, a new challenge begins. Stay tuned!

BE EXTRAORDINARY!

2009-04-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

ARE YOU INSANE? YOU WILL BE SOON!!!

2009-04-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon! New workout from Beachbody and Shaun T.
Sometimes you have to lose you mind to get the results you want!

Here's to an INSANELY hot body,

REESY GOT BUGGED!

2009-04-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

For a month now, I've been using the latest gadget in my get fit arsenal--a Bodybugg. You may have seen this product used on a very popular weight loss show. It's taken a month for me to get acclimated to the bugg and to form an intelligent opinion on it.

The Bodybugg is a small black monitor you wear 24/7 strapped to your left arm. It not only calculates your calories but also your steps. You upload the information to your computer; input your food and the software will tell you if you are operating in a calorie deficit or surplus. These values are also measured against the goals you have set for yourself. Along with your body parameters (age, height, weight etc.), you also set up the amount of weight you want to lose and the system will give you a target calorie intake and output number. The Bodybugg has an accessory you can purchase--a digital display--which shows you a real-time accumulation of your calories and steps. It can be worn as a watch or clipped to your clothing.

My decision to purchase the bugg was simple. My weight loss had stalled. I was tracking my food intake and tracking my calories, a la my heart rate monitor, but still nothing by way of weight or inches lost. Based on my tracking, I should have been losing at least a pound a week. It was then I started to research calorie counters andthrough that research is when I discovered heart rate monitors are not good indicators of calorie burn. They tend of overestimate and that’s when I started to give the bugg a serious look. The Bodybugg uses heat flux, skin response, skin temperate and an accelerometer to determine calories burned. It has been proven to be 92% accurate. It does not calculate heart rate.

What I have learned from using this system is--we don’t burn as many calories as we think to sustain life. We hear that all the time. Your body burns calories all day—and it does, but for me, that burn as been approx 1.4 calories a minute. I’ve also learned that many household chores have a greater calorie burn than doing an aerobic workout. The bugg tends to either underestimate or correctly assess (I haven’t figured out which one) calories while weight lifting. At first I was disappointed with the numbers I was getting after a hard weight lifting session. I wanted the heart rate monitor to be correct. Now I’ve come to appreciate the lower numbers because it motivates me to move more to meet and exceed my goals.

I’ve worn both my bugg and heart rate monitor during exercise. With cardio exercise, I burn 200 calories or more on the heart rate monitor than the bugg and with weight lifting I burn 50-100 calories more on the heart rate monitor than the Bodybugg, therein is the problem (for me). I really wanted the higher numbers to be accurate but they just weren't. After seeing these discrepancies, it was clear to me why my weight loss had stalled.

All in all, I’ve am happy with the purchase of the Bodybugg. I stumbled out of the gate the first two to three weeks, but once I really started applying it, the weight is moving at a rate of 2lbs a week. Am I able to lose weight without it? Yes and I have but this system shows me to take greater care in the things I eat and it motivates me to keeping moving.

Here is an example of the feedback from the Bodybugg.

The Bodybugg with digital display retails for $349. This includes a free 45-minute coaching session and a 6-month subscription to the web component.

To your health,

PLATE LOSS

2009-03-31T08:55:00.001-07:00

Want to lose weight? Start with your plate!

Happy eating,

ARE YOU THE NEXT SUCCESS STORY?

2009-03-31T08:53:00.001-07:00

Want to be rewarded for losing weight and working hard? Consider submitting your success story to Beachbody. Eight lucky winners are chosen each month as part of the Beachbody's Million Dollar Body Game. Prizes range for 1,000 to 10,000.

At the end of the year, four monthly winners are chosen to compete for the $25,000 grand prize, but only two will win.

Will it be you?

With Beachbody, it really does pay to lose weight!

Let's get started today! Ask me how.

FALLING OFF THE WAGON

2009-03-30T03:50:00.000-07:00

MOTIVATION

2009-03-27T03:43:00.000-07:00

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

2009-03-26T04:53:00.000-07:00

Whether you think you can or
whether you think you can't- your right.

Happy Lifting,

PUSHING PLAY IS CHANGING LIVES!

2009-03-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

Dallas Carter just won 25, 000 in the Million Dollar Body Game.
It pays to lose weight. Real results. Real money.

DON'T THINK!

2009-03-25T06:46:00.000-07:00

WEIGHT LIFTING IS SWEET!

2009-03-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

When I said weight lifting is sweet, this is not what I meant.

Happy Lifting,

BREAK UP!

2009-03-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

HAVE A BALL!

2009-03-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

Being healthy is all about having a ball!!!

Happy Lifting,

SIT DOWN!

2009-03-13T07:47:00.001-07:00

Can you connect the dots on your thighs
when standing in the full length mirror?

Have a seat!

Happy Lifting,

TIME TO WEIGHT!

2009-03-12T06:39:00.000-07:00

Have you been trying to start a fitness program but find yourself repeatedly putting it on hold? Do not wait anymore. WEIGHT TODAY!

Happy Lifting,

GOT ARM JIGGLE?

2009-03-11T07:01:00.000-07:00

Batwings got you feeling like you could take flight? Get weighed down!

Happy lifting,

DON'T BE RESISTANT TO RESISTANCE TRAINING!

2009-03-10T11:50:00.001-07:00

PICK UP A WEIGHT TODAY!

Happy Lifting,

DON'T TRADE

2009-03-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

BE A LOSER. NOT A QUITTER

2009-02-28T09:02:00.000-08:00

READ IT AND REAP

2009-02-27T10:49:00.000-08:00

Does this sound like you? You are work out 5-6 times a week, burning lots of calories but there is no visible difference in your weight. The answer can be found amongst the endless aisles of wrapped, canned and boxed goods. Let me let you in on, a not so secret, secret; being thin begins in the supermarket--with the nutrition label. This ubiquitous yet obscure information tag is one of the single most powerful devices in a journey of fitness.

There are a few things about nutrition labels you need to know.

Understand the ingredient list. The items are listed by volume, which means the first thing listed is what’s been used the most in the product, second ingredient, next highest volume and so on. If you have vowed to eat less sugar, less sodium, less food coloring or less of those things you can’t pronounce, knowing that ingredients are listed from largest to smallest (volume) can help you keep track of those ingredients that are most important to you.

Watch those serving sizes. The serving size listed on a product is probably less than what you are likely to consume. The serving size is two cookies and you’ve eaten four, now you have to multiply all the values listed by two. Not staying on top of these numbers can be detrimental to your weight loss goal Remember calories in vs. calories out. If you are taking in more calories than you are burning off, ‘you’ll be moving on up to the big time, to a deluxe….’

Nutrients are important. How much of each nutrient to consume varies from person to person for a number of reasons. Fat and fiber are the two I recommend you take the time to read. You want to consume as little saturated and trans fat, as possible, good heart heath demands it. Fiber offers twofer benefits. It not only helps with satiety by adding bulk to your eating plan but fiber also makes sure bulk is not clogging your internal plumbing.

Next time, you are in the supermarket read those labels. Remember these tips and education yourself so you will know the value, if any, of the foods you choose to eat. Your whole body is counting on you to make the right decisions. For losing weight, you have an all access pass to one of the biggest health clubs in the world—the grocery store.

Let’s check out,

STAY FIT ON THE ROAD- THE TRAVELER'S WORKOUT

2009-02-26T09:16:00.000-08:00

By Tony Horton

Travelin' folks find it difficult at times to set up their laptops and jump around to P90X® in their hotel rooms. Quite often the people in the rooms below you aren't as thrilled about your fitness as you are at 7:00 AM. I created a workout for road warriors who don't want to miss a beat while traveling. The original title was "The Warrior Workout." Then I was calling it "The Hotel Room Workout." But this didn't seem right because you can do it anywhere. The people in those rooms below weren't always a fan of this one either. The new title is "The Traveler's Workout" because all you need is a space the size of a small workout mat, and you can do it anywhere in the world.

The workout is made up of four rounds with four exercises in each round. There is a fifth bonus round with four moves. The first exercise in each round is always a one-minute cardio move. The second exercise is always core/abs. The third is legs, and the last move in each round is always upper body.

Here it is:

Round 1

1. Run in Place: ~1 minute
2. Elbow-to-Knee Crunch: ~1 minute (just like in Power 90)
3. Squats: ~30 reps (just like in Power 90)
4. Push-Ups: Maximum reps that you can do while maintaining good form

Round 2

1. Jumping Jacks: ~1 Minute
2. Hip Rock Raise: ~30 reps (Power 90 version or P90X®-style)
3. Step-Back Lunges: ~30 reps (from a standing position step back into crescent pose, minus the arms. Alternate legs.)
4. Military Push-Ups: Maximum reps that you can do while maintaining good form

Round 3

1. Tires on Fire: ~1 minute (running in place with wide legs and high knees)
2. Crunchy Frog: ~30 reps (see P90X)
3. Run Stance Squat Switch: ~30 reps (looks like squats but you're switching feet to a fighter's stance on every rep)
4. Wide Push-Ups: Maximum reps that you can do while maintaining good form

Round 4

1. Fast Feet: ~1 minute
2. Mason Twist: ~30 reps (see P90X)
3. Plio Squat with Calf Raise: ~30 reps (wide squats with toes raised at the top. Reach up with both arms at the top.)
4. Switch-Hand Push-Ups: Maximum reps that you can do while maintaining good form (one arm does a military push-up while the other arm is doing a wide push-up. Switch after each rep.)

Bonus Round

1. Wacky Jacks: ~1 minute (see Power Half Hour®)
2. Roll Up/V Up: ~30 reps (more P90X stuff)
3. Super Skater: ~20 reps each leg (from P90X)
4. Side Tri-Rises: Maximum reps that you can do while maintaining good form (from P90X)

All these moves are found in Power 90, Power Half Hour, or P90X. If you don't have PHH or P90X, don't try to figure out some of this stuff. Just do anything you want as long as you keep the sequence of cardio, core, legs, and push-ups the same.

DIET vs. LIFESTYLE CHANGE

2009-02-25T07:44:00.000-08:00

One size fits all. What a complete falsehood, this is especially so when it comes to an eating and exercise plan. These days, we can’t go into a bookstore or even listen to a health show without being confronted with our weight issues. There are 4-day diets, 3-hour diets, packaged foods, counting points, diets by blood type, low fat eating, low carb eating, eating high protein, raw…the list goes on. For the record, whatever diet you follow, if you follow it, would probably yield results. Why? Most the diets we hear about are really low calorie diets in disguise. The diet industry is smart. They know how to market to you. They know that certain buzz words like ‘calorie’ or ‘no’ or ‘limitations’ or (insert your scary word here)-- will make some of us defiant—and if we see these words linked together in the same sentence, it can trigger our ‘oh hell no’ response and have us making a bee-line to our nearest comfort foods, digging our heels in and vowing to eat whatever we want. The diet industry also knows we are an instant gratification society. We want it fast. We want it now. So, they package up the same information in a bright and shiny gimmick, tie it beautifully in a big BS bow and sell it to us again and again.

So, let’s say you fall for the gimmick (we all have). You unwrap your BS bow only to find, the same list of lean proteins, whole grain carbs, limited dairy, and healthy fats combined with an exercise plan. Guess what, there is nothing new here. The diet industry will constantly find ways to reinvent itself but no matter what they say---there is no magic pill, magic bullet (well, there are a number of them, but that is for another type of blog), no magic time of day, no magic food colors or special combinations, or even magic foods. Sensible eating with a sensibly exercise plan is just plain…sensible.

Start by getting rid of the work ‘diet’. Even though it’s not a bad word, we have made it synonymous with starving, kiss of death, and I’d rather pull my eyelids off—you get the point. So, for now, let’s refer to it as an eating plan.

We hold these truths be self-evident that all eating plans are not created equal. Those, which eliminate entire food groups or ask you to only consume entire food groups, are those you should stay away from. But there are lots of good eating plans out there and I’m not there to endorse any of them. It’s up to you to decide which plan you can live with. Many people will read a plan and quickly toss it away if they do not agree with it completely. Well, listen up- diets are written for the gen pop (general population for those of you who do not follow), but guess who gets to sit down and individualize the plan--you do. Don’t get discouraged.

Take elements of the eating plan and make them work for you. Enjoy the process of creating a plan that works, for you, by you, with your unique likes and dislikes, your cooking skill set and most important, with your goals in mind.

When you find yourself on autopilot, eating foods without giving it too much thought, not being afraid to eat out, not waking up wondering what fresh hell awaits you at mealtime. When you have taken the eating plan and woven it concepts so deeply into your life, and you’ve taken the same principles and applied it to your exercise plan, stand up and take a bow. CONGRATULATIONS! You have just made a lifestyle change.

Beachbody Revolution

2009-02-24T08:15:00.001-08:00

With the Beachbody Revolution system you get everything to transform you body AND and your life.

Carol Searcy- November $1K Winner

2009-02-17T08:54:00.001-08:00

Beachbody is changing lives. Will you be next?

WHO IS BEACHBODY PART 2?

2009-02-17T05:36:00.001-08:00

WHO IS BEACHBODY?

2009-02-15T16:56:00.000-08:00

SHERYL CROW BRINGS IT WITH THE X!!

2009-02-12T05:02:00.000-08:00

LIVE YOUR DREAMS

2009-02-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

Do you know what you really want in life? Have you put your dreams down on paper or even better created a visual reminder of the life you want?

This weekend I created such a visual representation of my dreams in a dream board.

I know the life I want to lead. I know the things I need to change. I want my life to reflect those things that will bring me peace and serenity and ultimately joy. I've placed my board on the wall in my home in a prominent position where I can see it everyday and allow it to seep into me, become a part of me, to take over me until eventually I obtain everything on the board. There is no magic. Everything I want in my life, I have the power to create, but seeing my dreams come to life, gives them meaning and validity, much more than just speaking them aloud.

Everything on my board, I all ready have. I'm just waiting for the day it comes to fruition.

What are your dreams? Have you ever listened to your inner most thoughts? Consider giving those thoughts a life. Consider a dream board.

MY 30-DAY RESULTS WITH CHALEAN EXTREME

2009-02-03T09:21:00.001-08:00

Today, I reached the 30-day mark with Chalean Extreme. It has been a burning experience. From the bowlers lunge to the sumo squats to the extreme pushups, each move has filled my muscles with lactic acid, burning me one step closer to my ultimate goal of being healthier…better.

While I am not exactly wrapping the tape measure around me several times, I am down two lbs and I’ve lost one full inch; a half inch on my waist and a half inch on my hips.

And get this; I’ve actually GAINED on this program. Yep, it’s true. I’ve gained more self-confidence, a dash more self esteem and an overall better body image. What I gained the most is an extra inch in my height, as I’m standing taller and stronger.

It feels good. It feels really good.

BECOME A PART OF THE REVOLUTION

2009-01-20T12:00:00.001-08:00

I HAVE TWINS

2009-01-19T05:58:00.001-08:00

Powerblock Sport 5.0

Weight: 50lbs each
Length: 12in long

These bundles of joy entered our world on Thursday, January 15th, changing it for the better. The Powerblocks join our other system Chalean Extreme, making our weight loss program complete.

Mom and twins are doing fine. :)

GO GREEN WITH BEACHBODY

2009-01-16T11:55:00.001-08:00

The economy is in the tank but your finances don’t have to be. When you start your won business at Team Beachbody and create two business partners, Beachbody gives you FREE customers.

Low start up cost

No inventory to keep

Make money while you sleep

What could be more environmentally friendly than, promoting health and fitness? By sharing with others, you will be amazed at how the green in your pocket grows.

HAPPY NEW YOU!!!!

2009-01-12T09:13:00.000-08:00

We are 12 days into the new year of 2009. Are you happy with where you are in your life? Your health? Your finances? Your spirit?

When all of these things are aligned, we are truly happy.

Do not let one more year pass you by. Do not let one more day pass you by. Do NOT resolve to be a better You. BE a better you.

Get in shape, have financial freedom, be happy!

A HAPPY NEW YOU IS JUST A COACH AWAY!!!

Click on my picture for more details!

BURN BABY BURN....

2008-12-28T05:40:00.000-08:00

....Chalean inferno. Burn Baby Burn, tear these fat cells down. After two workouts, tearing my fat cells down is exactly what I believe this program will do. The science behind Chalean Extreme is muscle burns fat. It’s extreme circuit training. You lift weights three days a week, perform cardio two days a week, recharge on one day, and rest for two days. Simple right? Well, this is not your ‘girlie’ weight training. In this program, you are encouraged to lift heavy and lift slow. It burns but it hurts so well.

Lifting heavy does not add bulk--just the opposite. Lifting heavy makes you lean. If you are interested in losing fat and getting into the best shape of your life, lifting heavy is the way to go. There is nothing more girlie than lifting heavy. Is this sinking in?

I’m only two days into this program but I’m convinced at the end of 90 days, I will be in best Reesy I can be—as long as I do my part. Lifting heavy while eating heavy will make Reesy heavy. Get it?

More on the nutrition later....

I'VE ALWAYS HAD THE POWER

2008-12-27T19:06:00.001-08:00

On the heels of my initial disappointment in the long-awaited package debacle, I was opening my very own Chalean Extreme. I'm extremely anal with new materials. I removed the contents slowly as not to bump anything and dent any edges. I read the materials without breaking the spine of the book. I work in marketing for a commercial printing, so I was more fascinated with the paper choices, raised lettering and detail than anything else.

Muscle burns fat guidebook, ah yes, science, you don't say, calendar, of course, track my progress, alrightee. It's all there. Fat burning guide, eggs, check, broccoli, check, fish, check, chicken, check, drink water, eat 5-6 meals, stay within calories, check, check, check.

Christmas Day--my first workout--Burn Circuit 1. Take measures, ick. Take torture pictures, double ick. Fit test? Why? I finished the X a month ago. I can do it. Without further ado, I push play--immediately--I am annoyed. The shoulder roll, really? I thought we were not doing Turbo Jam. I have a confession, the warm up is the most boring part of the workout for me, with that being said, I will kill a workout fast if I can't get pass the warm-up and redundancy puts me in a coma. So, with the shoulder roll, I'm hit with Turbo Jam flashbacks and I am not thrilled. I swear if I see a hamstring stretch with an arm circle and two claps, I'm outta here.

Hey what is wrong with my on-screen timer. Does that say 98 minutes??? A quick blink and I'm back to reality. The workout moves smoothly and I'm there, following instructions picking up weights. I started right out the box with 20lbs for the squat and hip raise or whatever it's called. I knew instantly I am going to fatigue in the recommended time frame, good job on weight choice. I'm having a good time. I love weight lifting. Some exercises, I choose too light, some too heavy, but I wrote it all down. It's a process of learning what works for me.

Ok, Chalean. There are a lot of posterior shoulder moves. Is this going to get me lean? Working this little muscle, over and over? I notice very soon, my heart rate is extremely high. I'm working at 81% and above. When I heart rate reached 95% and I felt dizzy, I stopped the exercise and did a couple of deep breaths to bring me back to around 70%. I was three exercises away from being done. I was going to finish no matter what. I was pouring sweat, my exercise clothing was like a second skin. Wait, did she just say cool down. I made it!! I finished!

After the cool down, I was still at 80%. I walked it off. I felt weird but I have no definition for the weirdness. I felt dazed, worn out, dizzy. I didn't feel myself. I devoured some fruit and water and waiting for the weirdness to pass.

The workout is over and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I'm still waiting for the feeling that warranted my acting like a five year old the whole week I was waiting for this program. Then it happened, the light bulb clicked on. The answer I was looking for was not in the box.

Take a scene from one of my favorite movies, The Wizard of Oz (yes, I did say The Wizard of Oz).

Dorothy: Oh, will you help me? Can you help me?
Glinda: You don't need to be helped any longer. You've always had the power to go back to Kansas.
Dorothy: I have?
Scarecrow: Then why didn't you tell her before?
Glinda: Because she wouldn't have believed me. She had to learn it for herself.

I've always had the power to be strong, fit and healthy. That something mightier and grander I was looking for when I saw that box, was ME. That small box made me face myself. It was now or never time. That small box revealed to me that I had the brains, the heart, and the courage to do this. I had to re-learn--my goal to be healthy--my dream to be fit--are a play button away. I expected the box to be magic, when the magic is and has always been the desire within ME. I was and am the something mightier and grander I was expecting--I need to look no further.

Click, click, click, click, click. This is the sound of me pressing my play button five times. I've always had the power.

Up next- Burn Circuit 2

IT'S HERE!!!

2008-12-27T07:19:00.000-08:00

It began Dec 11, 2008. Chalean Extreme, the program I'd been anticipating since October, had been posting in the coach's store. The official sale day was Friday, Dec. 12th--midnight--eastern time. I had set my alarm to wake me up at 11:50 pm, so I could be one of the first to order it. So, imagine my surprise when I saw it posted around 7pm, Thursday night. I would be one of the first to order it, thus being one of the first to receive it and thus being one of the first to try it. I quickly got my credit card and slap down $152 and change, for the basic package, deluxe DVD and of course two-day air shipping.

All night I thought of nothing else as I'd finally ordered the program I felt would really change my life. I would soon have it in my hands by Tuesday or Wednesday and soon my transformation would begin. Friday night, when I saw no shipping confirmation email, I started to worry. Every other time I'd ordered anything, my confirmation came the next day. Saturday, still no confirmation. On Monday morning, I decided to give a call, to 'check' the status but knowing in my heart the package had all ready shipped or was about to. Catherine, my lovely customer service rep, gave me the verbal confirmation I'd needed to hear; a full throated guarantee--my Chalean Extreme would definitely ship Monday night.

Tuesday--no confirmation. Wednesday--no confirmation. Thursday--no confirmation. Friday--no confirmation.

Each day a new call to voice my frustration and each day given a different version complete with customer-service-101-training-manual-boilerplate-lines, "I understand your frustration" and "I apologize for any inconvenience.", of why my packaged hadn't shipped. This only intensified my frustration, which was now a full on rage. Yes, you are reading the diary of a mad black woman, fitness edition.

Backorders, no stock, can't meet demand, computer glitches, it was anyone's guess what was really happening. All I knew is that I was among a furious group of people who placed 'early' orders only to listen to others, who ordered later receive their packages with express joy that should have been ours.

Saturday--confirmation.

Great, with two day air shipping, I would have Chalean in my hands by Tuesday, Dec 23rd, a full 12 days after ordering it. NOT. Monday morning when the tracking information finally updated, Wednesday, Christmas Eve was the scheduled delivery day. Math has never been my best subject. This seemed like three days; not two. What brown was doing for me was pissing me off. Here we were on Christmas Eve, the package out for delivery to my work place, which was closing at noon. As noon approached, my co-workers and management, all said their well wishes and vacated the premises. A felt a chill from the swiftness of their good-byes. There I was held hostage by the package I couldn't wait to get in my hands. Lingering co-workers asked what I was going to do as it had become clear, no one shared my dogged determination to stay put. This was clear to me when I was asked, if I could wait to get the package later. I was aghast someone had the nerve to mention the word 'wait' and 'package' in the same sentence.

Two co-workers took pity on me, returned to the office and decided to wait it out with me. Aww, true friends. Now, on a buddy system, I had time to run and errand. I left the office for a quick bite to eat but before I could make it to the end of the street. My phone rang. It was my office with an excited co-worker delivering the news I'd waited over a week to hear--"It's here!" A quick u-turn and my best Danica Patrick impersonation later, I got back to the office. As I turned the corner to my desk, there in my chair sat a small box. I stood there for a minute as I couldn't believe the emotion I was feeling. To my surprise, I wasn't overjoyed or eager to rip it open. I was disappointed. I said out loud "Is that it?" My co-worker said "Yes, what were you expecting." For all of the phone calls, the numerous curse words, the shouting, the screaming, the tears, the feelings of nausea, the sleepless nights, I expected something mightier, something grander.

My co-workers danced an off-beat jig of happiness for me. They were thrilled as I'd unexpectedly thrust them into the days of my life Chalean drama. I gave my Christmas hugs and kisses, scooped up my box, chucked it into my car, and drove home. Even when I arrived home, I waiting a couple hours to open it up. Once I did, oh boy, a new flood of emotions.....stay tuned!

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR.

2008-12-14T14:34:00.001-08:00

It's the gift giving season and the season for resolutions. Every year we scour stores for the perfect gift for that special someone and everyone we resolve to be better than we were the year before with losing weight being at the top of the list. Beachbody has a gift that will take care of both your Christmas and New Years needs; a twofer.

Beachbody has someone for everyone on your list:

*Brand New*- Chalean Extreme- lose up to 60% of your bodyfat
Rockin Body and Hip Hop Abs- dance your way to a rockin body and tighten your way to flat abs
P90X- Get ripped in 90 days

just to name a few.

This year, give the gift of home fitness, no LCD TV required.

Get your gifts here.

CHALEAN EXTREME- COMING SOON!!!

2008-12-09T11:04:00.000-08:00

ChaLean EXTREME

Base kit:
* 6 DVDs, 1 CD (14 workouts)
* DVD 1 - Burn Basics / Band Basics / Healthy Eats & Kitchen Makeover
* DVD 2 - Burn Circuit 1 / Burn Circuit 2 / Burn Circuit 3
* DVD 3 - Push Circuit 1 / Push Circuit 2 / Push Circuit 3
* DVD 4 - Lean Circuit 1 / Lean Circuit 2 / Lean Circuit 3
* DVD 5 - Burn It Off! / Recharge
* DVD 6 - Burn Intervals / Ab Burner / Extreme Abs
* Audio CD - Extreme Motivation
* ChaLEAN Extreme Muscle Burns Fat Guidebook
* ChaLEAN Extreme Fat Burning Food Guide
* ChaLEAN Extreme Body Fat Tester + Guide
* Thigh Toning Band (Purple)
* ChaLEAN Extreme Welcome Letter (BB and TBB versions)
* Only $119.85 - MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!

Deluxe includes 3 workouts, 3 resistance band levels and weighted gloves. These workouts are REALLY great workouts.

§ Fat-Burn Challenge -- one of Chalene's most intense cardio routines EVER

§ "Get Lean" Intervals -- Mix of cardio and weight training (which will make you feel so wiped out, you will want to cry... then you'll see the results and smile!)

§ Weighted Gloves -- Increase the intensity of the cardio workouts and add definition to the arms and shoulders

§ Three Resistance Bands -- portable and convenient for results like a full set of dumbbells.

Bonus --

§ "I’ve Got Abs!" -- Chalene added her most extreme ab workout to the program. I call this the "money" workout.

ITS TIME TO GET EXTREME

2008-12-05T06:11:00.000-08:00

What do you think of yourself?

2008-11-09T12:37:00.000-08:00

Last week, Oprah did a show on the Biggest Loser contestants. It was a fun show. We all like seeing people become smaller versions of themselves but what happens when they go home. You know, after the money is won and the winner is ultimately named. Well, on this show, Oprah had some former contestants tell us about their struggles. A couple of the winners, the ones who actually won money, had gained weight back and we aren't talking five pounds or so, try up to 50 pounds of weight back. Most of us would be aghast at hearing this, but as I listened to their stories I really listened to their stories. The theme was the numbers didn't matter, it depends on 'what do you think about yourself?'

Several people described themselves as a fat person in a skinny body. Even though, they'd lost weight they still felt the same as before and still dealt with their issues like before and weight starting come back. As I watched this, I remember thinking how incredibly real this was and I was thankful to Oprah for doing the show. On the Biggest Loser ranch, people are working out 6 hours a day all while eating between 1200 to 1400 calories. Anyone could have fabulous results this way all while being trained by some of the best. But when you return to the 'real' world, with real kids, real jobs, real life situations, one finds themselves having to make 'choices'. Choices is what our lives are all about. It is often said we are all one bad choice from ruin and with weight loss, you may get more than one choice but still choice all the same.

What do you think of yourself? Whatever you answer to this question is, dictates how you present yourself to the world and more importantly yourself. Cut yourself some slack people. We are not perfect beings. We will lose weight and gain weight and lose some more. And if you are one of those people, who can lose weight and maintain for life and never gain an ounce back than kudos to you. Most of us will be of the former category. So, when I ask you 'what do you think of yourself?' I'm looking for an answer not weight related because once you give an honest answer to your self assessment and deal with the feelings then you will begin to tackle you REAL issues and your weight will take care of itself.

Do I live in the moment or am I constantly worried about the past or future?

2008-10-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

If you are anything like me, you spend your time residing in the shoulda-coulda-wouldas and the-I- wish-I-would-have-dones or the one-day-I will-do-this. You never really stop and acknowledge the essence of right now.

We miss the shear feeling of being alive when we are not in the moment. Yes, we should all have future plans and we should even learn from our pasts. But history is not a place to habitation, it's just a point of reference and the future is not a fantastical magical place, it just be something to look forward to.

When we embark on a journey to become better, as humans do find ourselves in moments where we we go off plan for one reason or another. We can find ourselves becoming self deprecating when we miss a workout or eat something not on our list. Living in the past means we think about that moment (our screwup) far beyond THAT MOMENT, when the reality is that once the workout is missed or the food is eaten, a new moment begins. On this journey, we fantasize about our perfect numbers and our perfect time frame. We dream about how our lives will become so much better when we reach our goals, reality is the pounds we haven't lost or the the .4 pound we have lost is worthy of being recognized right now, the reality is also that our happiness is not based on a perfect set of statistics and the greater reality is that if we are not truly, happy, WHOLE people right now-- in this moment-- no number on the scale or in the back of our jeans will ever change that. Happiness and self acceptance are yours for the taking today--they are not exclusive to the future. There is no one day-- I will love myself, there is just today--to love yourself.

The past gives us the platform to enjoy today and the future pushes us back to being in the moment.

Today I vow to live in the moment, to inhale the joy of my life with it's ups and down as effortlessly as the rise and fall of my chest, to accept all aspects of my body, my size, my shape, the roundness of my belly, my stretch marks-- because no one else's body is like mine.

The past demands that I enjoy today and the future is yet to me. So in this moment, I enjoy life because NOW is when I breathe.....

TEAM USA

2008-10-07T09:13:00.001-07:00

I’m reminded of the 2008 Team USA Women’s Track and Field Team. It was the relay race, the 4 X 100, my favorite. The mens team had just dropped the baton in their qualifier and would not be eligible to compete. Later that night, when the womens team came up for their qualifier, surely their race would go more smoothly than the mens, but it didn’t. In the final leg, the runners dropped the baton. They would not be competing for a medal.

Although the race was lost and there was no way the womens team was moving on to the medal round, the runner of the last leg fetched the fallen baton, breathed new life into it and finished the race. There would be no gold medal for her efforts but that one single moment was golden.

I watched the replay of their dashed dreams in a puddle of my tears. At first I wasn’t sure why I was crying--my emotions changed from simple streams of water to a raging river ugly cry, as the tears came harder, faster, longer—I knew my tears were coming from a place deep within and I thought to myself, ‘Why don’t I have that thing that made the runner not give up?’ ‘Why don’t I have the will and strength of character to not give up, no matter what, even when you know you can’t win?

I cried because I was proud of her determination and I was sad at my lack thereof.

Many times I’ve bounced from one diet to the next, crossing the finish line at that magic number; having my moments in time. Sometimes relying on others to push me forward, having no motivation of my own. There were times when I failed, simply quit for one reason or another or just didn’t put in the effort needed to succeed. I’ve had the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat and it’s been much broader than my weight loss efforts, it’s been a pattern in my life, a stronghold, giving up on one’s self is a life of bondage and tedium.

What I learned from watching this year’s Olympic games--winning is in the heart--not in the scorecard--in so much of my life I’ve been the baton, but this year--this time--I am going to be the runner.

X Marks the Spot!

2008-09-29T07:42:00.001-07:00

So, instead of being poetic today, I thought I would update you all on how my progress is going with P90X.

I started this journey on September 8th, making today the start of my third week. With each passing week, I’ve been feeling stronger. I love to lift weights. Nothing makes me feel more like a woman than lifting weight, okay, that’s a complete exaggeration.

Today was my third chest and back workout, the pushup workout from hell and I did a lot of them on my feet instead of my knees. Now, I’m a girlie girl. I like to look pretty but trust me there was nothing pretty about grunting out full-body pushups. Wait, I take that back. There was this pretty feeling I got knowing one day I will have a nice upper body.

I’ve been trying to do the program as designed. Operative word in that sentence is ‘trying’. Guess what? There is no trying. There is do and do not. So, under that theory, I’ve had not been eating the way I should and I have not completed all the workouts, Yoga X and Kenpo X, give me trouble for various reasons.

P90X comes with a nutrition guide and there is a portion control option. This is the best option for a girl like me—meaning someone who has to look up a recipe for boiling water. So, it should be a piece of cake right? NOT!! I can’t seem to translate those little portion control squares into full meals. I’ve been making better choices but probably not enough good choices.

So, at the start of my third week, I’m all ready feeling like a failure. I know at the end of my 30 days, there will be no difference in my size, weight, or measurements. I can feel it and I can see it---the SAME---is written all over my body. I’m trying (there is that word again)…I am focusing on the numbers even though I told myself I wouldn’t. It’s hard not to. I’m focusing on all the numbers, my clothing size, the weight, the measurements, how many workouts I complete, how many reps, how much weight did I use…and frankly…I’m drowning in mathematics.

Why am I allowing myself to be defined this way? Doesn’t it matter I have a family who loves me no matter what size my jeans read. Doesn’t it matter that I have friends who think I’m the life of the party, whether or not my scale was up or down that day. Doesn’t it matter my husband thinks I’m the best woman on the planet regardless if my tummy is not tight and cellulite has taken an almost permanent residence on my thighs. Yes, it matters, but it matters less than what I think of myself. And myself is fed up with that ‘meatloaf’ that sits on top of my pants when I sit down….and for goodness sake….I’m a vegetarian!!!

I can see definition in my shoulders and arms, a line forming across the top of my body, the parallel lines of my abs are shining through, calf muscles are starting to protrude, and my quads and hamstrings are now letting the world know they are two separate muscles. Good stuff right? I think so. As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day. At some point, it was under construction…. and so am I…. under construction…mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually.

P90X is more than push, pull, jump, squat, kick, and stretch. It’s more than 12 workouts designed to get you into the best shape of your life. It’s a torture ride into the soul of a woman (this woman). Do I have what it takes to be the best Reesy I can be? If I do, then the definition of who I am is not in mathematics. The definition of who I am begins with character…an X.

What's In Your Weather Report?

2008-09-22T06:25:00.000-07:00

Are you walking around in a fog? Most of us know one thing- we want to lose weight. We exercise regularly. We clean up our diets (for the most part), but the scale doesn’t move and our pants are fitting the same, if not tighter than before. Have you checked your weather?

Are you eating mindlessly? Are you fully conscious of the things you put in your mouth and why? Bottom line: If you are NOT hungry, you should NOT be eating.

This kind of eating is known as “fog eating”. We have all been there. You know, those times where we open up a bag of chips or cookies and eat them for no apparent reason, shoveling it in as if junk food makers are going on strike, next thing you know you are having that, I-can’t-believe- I-ate- the- whole-thing moment. If we are not careful, fog eating can have a direct effect on one’s self esteem, thus thrusting us into a vicious cycle of self-loathing, pigging out, and maybe a couple days off our plan. Was that whole can of Pringles worth this?

Food is intended for fuel for our bodies but when we think of it in these terms it sounds so boring and unexciting---so what do we do---we supplement that notion by eating foods we like to eat---in earnest and most of the time---unconsciously.

Consider this, if we eat most of the time for fuel (80%-90%), when the time comes to eat joyfully (and I advocate doing so in moderation), why wouldn’t you choose to eat, slowly, delightfully---consciously. Anything worth eating is worth enjoying every bite and know this—no matter what your joyful foods are, when you aren’t enjoying it anymore STOP EATING IT. Your waistline will thank you.

Nothing will derail you faster than fog eating. Check your weather report.

What's in today's forecast?

Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today....

2008-09-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

....to join this [man] and this [woman] in matrimony--to their bodies.

Today I request the pleasure of your company at my wedding.

My body all five foot, eleven inches of it, is the love of my life, my eternal soul mate, and the one person I was born to love. I'm committing to give my body my best, by eating well and staying active--the key to having a happy, healthy marriage. No more cold feet nor fear of commitment. I no longer find just cause why I shouldn't be lawfully married to my body.

Share my wedding customs.

Something Old- is the trainer and the workout I know works for me.
Something New- will be a different style of workout I’ve never tried before.
Something Borrowed- are the fitness tips and recipes from the Million Dollar Body club.
Something Blue- Beachbody.

We are ready to begin....

I, Reesy, take you, my body, to be my wedded body for life, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish. I will honor you, protect you, take care of you, and obey you, 'till death do us part, and hereto I pledge you my faithfulness.

Are you ready to take your vows?

Divorce is not an option.

Author- Reesy

The Politics of Weight Loss

2008-09-09T05:45:00.000-07:00

Looking for a change? Is it the same politics as usual?

We could argue that our campaign to lose weight is much like politics. Are you doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result, working out some days, sometimes not, eating clean sometimes, sometimes not but always getting on the scale hoping—today is the day the weight will finally, magically disappear? Do you sometimes fight dirty by taking pills or buying the latest weight loss gadget, when you knew there was no way it could deliver on its promises? You need a new way to govern yourself and your thoughts about losing weight.

On your weight loss campaign what is it going to be experience or change? Well, the politics of weight loss suggests the perfect solution is a little bit of both—doing those same ole things that work for you and turning the page to something new to take your body to another level.

Get re-energized! This is OUR time. This is YOUR time. This is MY time. It’s okay to keep doing Slim in 6 because it works for you. It’s also okay to be a maverick and mixed up as many programs as you like. No one system works for everyone. Whether you are conservative or liberal, Beachbody has a program for you. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You don’t have to be all right-winged or all left-winged. Most of us are somewhere in between. So you are free to step out on your own and rebel against those weight loss views that do not work for you and embrace those that do.

Some days you may want to kick, punch and jam with Turbo Jam and other days you may want to house your body with Rockin Body. Maybe you feel like burning it up with Slim in 6, while also feeling like a bit of Kenpo with P90X. Whatever you views, it’s your decision to make. No one is going to make the decision for you and guess what, it’s your right and your duty to take care of your self. Vote to put yourself first. Elect to cast a ballot for change. Change of your body, health, mind and spirit. Yes you can--be a success story. YOU—are the change you can believe in and with Beachbody- together we can put country first by winning the war on obesity. This is NOT a dumb war.

Author- Reesy

Life's Hurdles

2008-09-06T14:24:00.000-07:00

I ran into my old personal trainer today. The guy who helped me lose 25 pounds, there a stones throw away from me. If only I had special powers to be magically transported to another place. I wished for it but it didn't happen. So there I was with gained back pounds embedded on my hips, thighs, and abdomen. My stomach started to rumble as if the pounds that had returned to me were laughing at the embarrassment I was feeling. I spoke uncomfortably without giving any real eye contact and before he could engage me in conversation, I rushed off to my car, jiggling all the way--hoping he didn't notice, but feeling certain he had.

As I rode home, I'd become angry with myself. Why had I'd allowed myself to feel ashamed about gaining back weight. Sure, when any of us enter into a method of weight loss, we do so with the thought we are never going to gain it back, even the best laid plans can and--often do--go awry.

I should have been proud of myself. I am taking an active role in my weight loss. I just couldn't take that I was being scrutinized, judged, and looked upon with shame, but not by my former trainer, by ME.

Don't let others judge you and more importantly don't judge yourself. In our day to day lives, we have ups and downs and it would serve to think that our journey of weight loss will not be any different. I've learned to embrace the ups and downs as an experience that is uniquely me and to know that as long as I continue to keep moving in a forward direction, I will eventually make it to the finish line, whether I run a perfect race and jump all the hurdles, or find myself tripped up by life's hurdles, there is only one goal. FINISH!

Author- Reesy

Does Your Weight Gain Remind You of an Episode of School House Rock?

2008-09-05T04:08:00.001-07:00

As the song says, “Let’s play a game of hide and seek -- 5…10…15…20…25…-- ready of not here I come”.

Are those extra pounds hiding on your behind until you seek them out on the scale? Good news, you can STOP living out the lyrics of that song across your body.

Losing weight is easy right? We all know how to do it.

Eat fruits and vegetables

Eat high quality proteins

Limit sugar

Write it all down

Drink water

Take a multivitamin

Get enough rest

Exercise more; eat less

We know what it will take to make it happen. SOOOO, why aren’t we doing it? No accountability. Most of us go it alone and it’s easy to give up on ourselves when no one is watching. We talk ourselves into having that extra cookie, when we know the one we just had was more than enough. We allow ourselves to get lazy and skip one workout, then two, and before long we are having the I-need-lose-weight conversation with ourselves again, because as I said, NO-ONE-IS-WATCHING. If we are really savvy, we can almost fool ourselves into thinking our plans never existed. After all, the only person who knew of our plans didn’t tell anyone. And if you are anything like me, every time you start and restart a program, your starting weight gets higher and higher…5…10…15…20

Let’s face it. Diet and exercise can be boring and uninspiring. I get it, but we can’t escape it. Taking care of yourself will be a lifelong commitment and if you don’t find a way to not only enjoy working out, but also anticipate it—you won’t do it and you know what happens then…25…30…35…40

Enter Team Beachbody and your success is right around the corner.

Why?

Beachbody gives you all the accountability tools to triumph over past disappointments, starting with a FREE fitness coach—your personal cheerleader, the Beachbody message boards—a community of people who are taking the same journey, WOWY--Beachbody’s virtual gym (a great place to meet your friends), and so much more. If you utilize these tools and learn to exercise socially and not anti-socially, your victorious ‘after’ shots will be a couple clicks away.

And think about, almost everything is more enjoyable when performed with a buddy--dining out, going to a movie, shopping, taking a long drive, just to name a few. Why not add exercise? It’s the best buddy activity of all.

Accountability is the key to moving beyond yet another failed attempt to get in shape. By being accountable to someone else, you allow a person to invest in you, to support you, to celebrate you and to celebrate with you, to cry with you, to believe in you and most of all to have fun with you.

So, get your butt up off the coach. Reach over and turn off the School House Rock, the sooner the better—did I mention the numbers in that song goes all the way up to 100? Yikes! .

Find a new set of lyrics to scribble across your body.

How about I’m too sexy for my____________? You decide.

Author- Reesy

Shaun T’s Rockin Body

2008-09-03T05:17:00.000-07:00

Last night, I did the two-step with Shaun T, in my first Rockin Body workout. I received the DVD's yesterday and couldn't wait to get home and get moving. I was literally undressing as I walked up the stairs to my apartment. Did I mention I was excited?

I decided to forgo my usual attire of long sweats and almost equally long t-shirt, in exchange for short shorts and sports bra. For 15 minutes, I marched in and out, shimmied, did the cha, cha, cha, the grapevine, and a number of other dances. My living room had morphed into the set of the hottest music video and I was the star. I didn't feel self conscious nor self deprecating. I felt sexy, vivacious, and oddly powerful.

As I prepared for the workout, I decided I was going to make this all about ME. Working out is about feeling good about YOU. It's your ME-time.

Yesterday it was my time to throw caution to the wind and accept myself right now as I am, while mentally and physically preparing myself for the better me, soon to come. We all have those parts we love. I think I have great legs. We have those parts we don't like so much. Did I mention my gut? But I am not my legs, nor my gut. I am the sum of all my parts and all my parts--together--make for one Rockin Body.

Order Rockin Body here.

Author- Reesy

Tony Horton says Give Him 10 Minutes and He’ll Give You Results

2008-09-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

Seriously??? A couple of months ago, I was feeling depressed because once again I was gaining weight. I’d recently worked hard to lose 25 pounds by going to the gym. I stopped going to the gym, figuring I could manage things on my own. Slowly, the weight starting coming on again, when I finally got on the scale to survey the damage, I’d gained back 19 pounds of the 25 I’d lost. I knew I had to do something but WHAT? I knew I didn’t want to join another gym nor hire another personal trainer but I also knew—sometimes-- I could find it hard to self motivate. A friend of mine, who was also a gym buddy, saw how depressed I was (or at least got tired of hearing about it) and said to me ‘You know Tony Horton makes a ten minute workout.’ HUH? WHO? A WHAT? My friend had just purchased P90X and was very excited because he also didn’t want to go to the gym anymore, P90X was freeing him from those chains. I’d heard of Beachbody and had been a member of their community years ago. I’d done a number of their programs, Slim in 6, Slim Series, Power 90, Project You, Turbo Jam, and yes even P90X. They were all good programs. I didn’t work any of them as I should have, refusing to change my diet, and thus receiving marginal results and of course, blamed the program. When I heard about this ten-minute workout, I was intrigued. I scoured the TV looking for the infomercial (since my friend didn’t know what it was called), no luck. I goggled it—got the name of the program—Ten Minute Trainer—then scanned my television's program guide for the next showing of the infomercial. There was one set to come on in ten minutes (really I’m not making this up).

As I watched the infomercial, it was being marketed to ‘the busiest people or people short on time’. I remember thinking or ‘the laziest’, which is the category I fell into. I was excited at the claim I could work out for 10 minutes a day and get results and because it was Tony Horton and Beachbody, I knew there had to be some truth to it. After watching the infomercial, I still pondered the purchase for a week. Fear and laziness--I knew if Tony was saying he could give me results in 10 minutes, it was going to be a tough ten minutes. I was still trying to get something for nothing or at least for very little work, which is why the ten minutes appeal to me in the first place.

I finally ordered it. On July 24th, days after receiving Ten Minute Trainer, I gave Tony 20 minutes, but not before I logged onto Beachbody.com and reactivated my account and started posting to the message boards. I found people to share with, laugh with, support and encourage and it kept me on my program, not perfectly, but pushing play daily, with each day being better than the day before. I’d decided to do a six-week rotation- a hybrid of the basic and accelerated plans. Halfway through, I was down six pounds and feeling like I was really making a difference. Ten Minute Trainer was the jump-start I needed to get back to working out. Yes, I’d still kick myself from time to time for having to re-lose the 19 of the 25 pounds I’d lost, but at least it wasn’t the whole 25.

The moral of the story, I gave Tony Horton 10, 20, and sometimes 30 minutes but he didn’t give me results. I gave the results to myself by taking the tools he’d given me through Beachbody and putting them to work.

Now I’m ready to move on to a new challenge. Shaun T’s Rockin Body.

Order Ten Minute Trainer here.

Author- Reesy

About me

2005-03-20T13:52:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm Reesy and I'm an Personal Lifestyle and Business Coach for Beachbody. I'm committed to helping you build a strong profitable home-based business, while getting fit and having a lot of fun.

PUSH PLAY DAILY and become a COACH yourself. I will be there every step of the way as we figure out fitness- TOGETHER!
Read my Story

Contact me at reesy @ figuringoutfitness dot com

DISCLAIMER:

I am not a personal trainer nor a nutritionist. I am someone who has read every diet and exercise book I could get my hands on. I'm pretty clear on the fact vs fiction in the diet industry.

I am offering my opinions and thoughts which you are welcomed to agree or disagree with me on. I am not asking you to substitute my thoughts for your own nor do I profess to have the answers to your particular situation. Any advice you take, you do so at your own risk as I will not be held responsible for your actions.

Also, I am not a perfect person, which means I'm bound to make mistakes, so you are likely to see typos, misspellings and bad grammar, some of it on purpose to prove a point. I try to proof everything but I'm sure I do not catch it all. Please don't hold it against me. :)