New Beachbody Challenge Group Coming!

Challenge Group Info- Entry Deadline June 4th

My next CHALLENGE GROUP begins Monday, June 11th and you are invited!

10 days left to enter. This will allow everyone to have their supplies ready to go for our June 11th start date. The cost to join my challenge group is $0-$205, depending on what you already have and need. It's worth every penny and can actually save you money. Ask me how!

Watch this video and if you are serious about getting the best results in the shortest amount of time possible, with a great support network that won't let you fail, let me know! As your personal Beachbody coach I will be available by phone, text, email, fb to help you through the whole process. I want YOU to be successful at finally reaching your health/weight/fitness goals. And I will be doing a program along with you!

I’m forming a challenge group based on the Beachbody Challenge. It will be a great opportunity to get in shape because we’ll be accountable to each other, give support, & ask and answer each others questions for the duration of the 60/90 day programs. Most people will be doing either P90X or Insanity. However, there are other options if you need something a little less intense. We will be using Shakeology as our after-workout recovery meal. I’ve set the start date for Monday, April 23rd. I’m here to help you with whatever fitness and health needs you might have. This is the time to get into the best shape of our lives and we are going to have a great time doing it together!

Let me which program you might be interested in trying or if you want any information about a particular program. SEE VIDEO LINKS BELOW! :)

Each Challenge Pack comes with the workout program of your choice (they each come with several workout DVD's, a nutrition and fitness guide for that program and bonus workouts), One month supply of Shakeology (30 all-natural whole food meals, with over 70 super-food ingredients for losing weight, gaining energy for your workout and your day, correcting cholesterol, reversing disease, getting healthy and many more benefits!), free one month membership to the Beachbody website, and free suppport from me and the rest of the Beachbody community. You save up to $55 with the Challenge pack off retail!

There are 2 new additions to the Challenge Packs...Les Mills Pump and Tai Cheng! And Challenge Packs can now be purchased from my store.

*Coach sign-up fee waived with Challenge Pack purchase. Contact me for details!

Learn more about Shakeology!

Read Success Stories!

Learn more about "The Beachbody Challenge," Read success stories. Click "Take the Challenge to enter. Get a free T-shirt with the logo of your fitness program just for finishing!

Buy a Challenge Pack

Click "Shop." You can also purchase just Shakeology or just a Fitness program.

What will be required of YOU?

• Order any needed supplies by Sunday, April 15th to make sure you are set and ready to go by the 11th. (Shipping can take 5-7 days.)
• Commit to the 60/90 program of your choice and to give it your all everyday (You do everything at home, on your time and your schedule. No in-person meetings or group workouts.) 6 days a week, with a "rest day" on Sundays.
• Check in with our FB Challenge group at least once per day.
• Drink Shakeology once per day to replenish and fuel your changing body (preferably right after your workout.)
• Take your before pictures. I know it can be embarrassing and comfortable to do so, but you'll be so happy you did. Think of it like you're saying goodbye to the you you will never know again!

Here are videos for all of the Challenge Pack options:

P90X
http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MelissaOliver?bctid=25219321001

Insanity:
http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MelissaOliver?bctid=45375625001

Turbofire:

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MelissaOliver?bctid=82703972001

Tai Cheng:

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MelissaOliver?bctid=1513855864001

Les Mills Pump:

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MelissaOliver?bctid=1306891281001

P90X2:

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MelissaOliver?bctid=1313004526001

Insanity: The Asylum:

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MelissaOliver?bctid=895599538001

RevAbs

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MelissaOliver?bctid=29316254001

ChaLEAN Extreme:

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MelissaOliver?bctid=25219364001

Hip Hop Abs:

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MelissaOliver?bctid=10103956001

Body Gospel:

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MelissaOliver?bctid=82727542001

10 Minute Trainer:

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MelissaOliver?bctid=25219892001

Slim in 6:

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MelissaOliver?bctid=45346531001

P90:

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MelissaOliver?bctid=1774353142

Turbojam:http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MelissaOliver?bctid=1803292125

Brazil Butt Lift:

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MelissaOliver?bctid=59417476001

An Update & Staying Committed to Fitness During the Holidays

Hey Everyone!!

I've completely gotten out of the habit of blogging about my workouts for the last two weeks...and the more time that passes, the more daunting the task becomes (anyone else ever felt that way about blogging?) I also got a little side-tracked with my contest...and life... :) But, I'm back and I'm here to update you all on my P90X journey. Although I haven't been writing much about it, I've continued doing my P90X workouts every day possible (I've only missed a few days, including the last couple days since I got a cold) and continue to rock it! I just get more and more excited about this journey as time goes on. I absolutely love working with Beachbody, helping others get fit, as well as myself. I am always thrilled to hear how Shakeology and Beachbody work out programs are helping others.

So...since I have a lot of make-up, this blog entry will not go into a whole lot of detail for each day I've worked out, but at least I'll be back on track with documenting my progress. :)

So, in one of the last posts I wrote, I talked about some of my goals for taking this endeavor to the next level of commitment...specifically with getting my workouts done in the morning, increasing the intensity level in my workouts, and eating even healthier. I feel that I am not yet meeting these goals 100% but I am doing a lot better. I've gotten up to workout in the morning as much as possible. This might not be a real practical goal for me at the moment...but as some certain circumstances in my personal life change soon it should be more of a practical goal. Basically, sometimes the need for more sleep in the morning, to be able to function happily throughout the rest of the day is more important. Although I'd LOVE to be able to get my workouts done earlier in the day, sometimes my schedule has to be adjusted...as does anyone's.

However, if you can help it, I definitely recommend getting workouts done as early in the day possible. Having those extra endorphins to kick-start your day, not having to think about getting your workout in for the rest of the day, and having that time later in the day to get other things accomplished is a great thing. However, it is so incredibly important to get daily exercise, so it has to happen sometime...even if it's later in day or evening.

As for increasing the level of intensity in my workouts, I feel I am doing very well in that area. For instance, on Tuesday I did Plyometrics and I was so excited about how strong I felt and how hard I was able to push. It's days like this that really keep me motivated with my P90X journey. When I work so dang hard everyday to improve my fitness, it's so exciting to see progress. While doing Plyo I was squatting lower and performing the moves at a faster pace. I'm finally able to touch the ground during certain squatting moves where there is room for modification (such as touching your knee or leg instead of reaching all the way to the ground.)

I haven't written much on this blog about nutrition and healthy eating...And this fact really nags at me because this topic is 85% of the struggle that people face when working to live a healthier life or lose weight. I'm waiting for an opportunity where I can really focus on it (it will happen), to help myself and others understand even better JUST HOW MUCH we need to focus on healthy eating. I wouldn't say that I have neglected it completely, as I have written about Shakeology, (which is an incredible tool for getting your diet and health on track.) But I hope to soon focus more on nutrition in general on this blog. I can guarantee you that if you are only focusing on one aspect of healthy living, such as exercise, you might not see the best results. Healthy living has to be the whole package deal...getting good sleep, drinking water, healthy eating, exercise (both cardio and resistance), etc.. When we can commit to the whole package that's when the REAL results come. And that is the standard to hold up against any type of fitness/health program...Do they focus on the whole package? I know that Beachbody does, and that's why I stand by them.

(Doesn't this look amazing? I'm going to make it this week...Click here for the recipe)

But I am happy to report that my eating habits have been WONDERFUL the last several weeks. And this makes me so happy. There is still room for improvement, but I seriously haven't eaten this well in long time...or maybe even in my whole life:

For the most part, I've kept junk food out of my house entirely. I believe this to be the most important change I've made so far, as it helps both me and my family eat healthier. And not only have I done well to steer clear of stocking my cupboards with junk and sweets, I've also been more selective of the other foods that I eat: Eating more natural, whole, raw, unprocessed foods, and even some certified organic foods. I drink only water and I shoot for at least 75 oz. per day. And also with cutting out extra sugar by avoiding even certain "healthier" foods. I have done very little eating out (and only Subway when I have.) And of course, I drink Shakeology daily which has a low glycemic index level, encourages more fruit in my diet as I like to include food like strawberries & bananas in my shakes (plus Shakeology already contains antioxidant-rich fruits), helps to satisfy my cravings for sweets, and keeps me full. The more I research Shakeology and healthy eating in general, the more excited I am to share it with others.

As the Christmas/Holiday season approaches, I feel an even greater excitement and appreciation for the commitment I've made to healthier living. The holidays are notorious for encouraging inactivity and weight gain (the average is about 6 lbs, read this great article for tips on keeping the pounds off while celebrating the holidays.) But I've decided that the holiday festivities are not going to get the best of me this year, or any of the coming years...my health and body count on me for the other 11 months of the year. I am making exceptions for certain days like Christmas to enjoy a few holiday treats, but other than that my eating is/will be clean. I encourage all of you to think about how you spend your time during your holiday breaks and what you eat...Do you really need that extra piece of fudge or that cookie? Or are you eating it just because it's sitting there? It is possible to celebrate these wonderful holidays while keeping on track with your health and fitness goals. And it's even possible to START working on such goals during the holidays.

I wish you all Happy Holidays and a Healthier New Year!!

Day #17- Shoulders and Arms, & Ab Ripper X

I was not feeling it today! I was feeling pretty drained for some reason or another. Another great quote of Tony Horton's is "Just keep pushing play!" And that's what I did today. I pushed play and then pushed myself as much as I could for both Shoulders & Arms and Ab Ripper X.

Funny Story- my son woke up from his nap and comes downstairs while I'm in the middle of Ab Ripper. He comes over to me, kneels down and says, "Mommy, hurt?" I laughed and thought about how I could explain it to him... Grunting,  I replied, "No, Heeaavy. Mommy's body is heavy!" He's like, Ohh I see.

Awww, it's so nice to be done with today's workout. I know that it's ok "not feel like working out" sometimes. But it's not a good enough excuse.

Day# 16- Plyometrics

I "jumped" ;) right back into the game with Plyometrics today! I was wondering how it would go since I hadn't gotten a really intense workout in a few days, but it went well. I stuck with all of the moves and was able to squat lower and jump higher then I have before.

One more thing I wanted to share... I've noticed that from my workouts and from using Shakeology that my mental clarity is improving. I can tell this when I talk to people, when I'm reading, etc... My mind just doesn't feel as foggy. When I read I'm able to follow the words on the page and the ideas that I'm reading with much greater ease. This makes me very happy because it's something that I've been struggling with for a long time. I would go to read a book and it was just too much work to stay focused on what I was reading. Increased mental clarity and alertness are both proven results from exercise and great nutrition, like with P90X and Shakeology. It is a great blessing in my life. :)

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So can *YOU* do something like this?

So many people avoid intense workout program like P90X because they think they can't handle it. Yes, these are very challenging workouts, but no one expects you to do everything at the same intensity as Tony Horton and the people working out with him at first. He says: modify, modify, modify and if you have to take short breaks, take them! How are we ever going to achieve results in our lives and in our bodies that we've never had/seen before, if we're not willing to take risks and step out of our comfort zones? I've heard from people that's it's "Too hard" or "It hurts." There are things to help with issues like that, but know that it gets easier. The longer you stick with something challenging the easier it will become and you'll be able to push yourself even more! (Of course, some people are unable to do these kinds of workouts because of certain physical ailments, but most people would benefit from this type of program.) Many, many people have gone from super overweight (even obese) to super fit using P90X. I am so happy that I have committed to changing my life with this program and I really look forward to seeing the results. You can do this! (Or a similar program.) You just need to believe that you can and that you're worth it. You can be healthier, thinner, more fit, and have more energy! Whatever you need can be yours if you commit to a plan to make it happen!

Day #5- Legs & Back/ Day #6- Kenpo

I have officially completed Week #1 of P90X (hooray for me)! My biggest obstacle for completing my workouts this last week was getting to bed on time. I have a busy life taking care my family and all of the household chores. Some days I got to bed way too late and didn't wake up at the optimal hour (for me) of 6 AM to complete my workouts. On these days I found time to do them during my children's naps or after my kids went to bed for the night. I think that for most people working out and getting healthy is about priorities. If you willing to commit to it, you'll make it happen. Now, not every day is going to be perfect...but we can do the best we can with each day we're given...and that's what I'm striving to do.

Overall, I am very happy with how well P90X is going for me. If someone were to ask me why I hadn't done this sooner I would say that it's because I wasn't ready for it. Doing such a intense workout regimen takes a lot of commitment...and time. You have to believe that you can do it and that you're worth it! These workouts are long, (most around an hour), and certainly not easy. But when you find in your life that you really want a change, and want to get into the best shape of your life, a person can achieve amazing results through P90X (or another similar workout program). I'm very much looking forward to the changes I notice in my body over the next 90 days. It might take a little longer then 90 days to reach my fullest potential, but I'm just going to keep working and enjoying what this is doing for my body and my life. :)

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Yesterday I completed Legs & Back for the first time. It involves a series of movements to build muscle in all parts of the legs: the hamstrings, quads, glutes and calves. And then it would jump to working on the back through different variations of pull-ups (or you can use resistance bands coming down from up above.)

With the leg workouts they have you do lots of lunges, leg squats, dead lifts...Oh, and don't forget the wall squats!! Doing those brought back haunted memories of grade school when my gym teacher had competitions for who could do wall squats the longest. I was the super skinny wimpy girl and I always hated them! Luckily, they weren't as bad as I remembered them and Tony Horton doesn't make you do them too long. And you alternate with different angles on wall sits, so it felt like I was working on different muscle groups at different angles.

I felt that the legs part of "Leg & Back" wasn't too bad since that is my strong point...But my back is going to need a lot of work. I expect that building strength in my upper body is going to be a grueling process through these next 90 days and beyond. For the pull-ups I relied heavily on a chair and my legs...but I did do my very best to use all the strength I could use in my arms and back to lift up above the chin up bar repeatedly.

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Today was Kenpo X!! At the beginning Mr. Horton mentions that with Kenpo you'll be having so much fun that you'll forget how hard you're working. I found that remark to be pretty true for me. I very much enjoyed Kenpo and found that I'm actually pretty good with it. It requires strength, but also balance and focus. In Kenpo you do kick-boxing type movements with a lot of kicking and punching. It actually reminded me a lot of a self-defense class I took in college.  I loved all the variations of punches. The jabs and hooks, and then the kicks; to the side, front and back. I was so excited to do well with it. I'm not sure if it was because I've just completed my first week of P90X and I'm stronger, or because I'm just naturally good at this type of workout. Either way, I'm down with Kenpo!

Tomorrow, Day #7, I will be taking my rest day...gladly. :)