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Tropical Shakeology!

Tropical Shakeology Is HERE!!!!  
My shipment arrived on Saturday and I've since had a few opportunities to test it out!  I still am tweaking it to find out what recipe I like best (plus I've been out of Coconut Extract and didn't feel like driving to the store). But here's what I've tried (and liked best) so far.


Tropical Shakeology Smoothie
~ 2 cups water
~ Ice (at least one cup)
~ 1 scoop Tropical Shakeology
~ 1/2 banana
~ 3/4 cup frozen pineapple chunks
~ 4 frozen strawberries
Blend, blend, blend, blend, blend.....and this is what you get!

As soon as I buy some Coconut Extract, my next Shakeology meal will perhaps be:


Tropical Pina Colada
~ 2 cups water
~ 1 cup ice
~ 1 scoop Tropical Shakeology
~ 1 tsp Coconut Extract
~ 1 cup pineapple chunks (frozen or defrosted)


One more I would love to try is


Strawberry Lemonade
~ 2 cups water
~ 1 cup ice
~ 1 scoop Tropical Shakeology
~ juice from 1/2 lemon
~ 3/4 cup frozen strawberries


The tropical Shakeology is yummy, and very sweet!!!  This new flavor is 100% VEGAN and when you open the bag, it smells like fruit punch bubble gum.  The vegan protein source is raw sprouted brown rice and sacha inchi, and provides 15 g of protein per serving! Tropical Shakeology contains the same antioxidant/super-fruit blend, prebiotic and probiotic blend, digestive enzymes, the same phytonutrient/super-greens blend and adaptogen herb blend as well.  It also contains a fruit powder blend (strawberry, apple, banana, pineapple, and papaya) to give it its tropical flavor.  Tropical Shakeology provides:
Calories - 160 per serving
Protein - 15g
Fat - 1g
Sodium - 70mg
Carbohydrate - 20g
Dietary Fiber - 4g
Sugars - 10g
Cholesterol - 0   
Don't forget all of the benefits of replacing one meal a day with Shakeology.
~ Weight loss 
~ Improved digestion and regularity
~ Reduced cravings
~ More energy
~ Lowered cholesterol
~ Reduced risk for heart disease and other degenerative diseases
~ Improved mental clarity
~ Healthier skin, hair and nails
(Who doesn't want all that?!?)
Try it and see that 100% vegan nutrition is not only, DELICIOUS but truly is the healthiest meal of the day!!
~Cheers!!!

Sleep, it does a body GOOD!

This week is school break, which means VACATION!!!  No, my family isn't going anywhere exotic or exciting.  We've opted to just stay put in our cozy, wonderful home and relax the week away!  We're the type of people who go full speed, 900 miles per hour all the time.  This break couldn't have come at a better time!  I, for one am sooooo looking forward to sleeping, relaxing and resting!

My very first night of vacation, I slept a full 8 hours!  The second night, another full 8 hours!  It is a rarity for me to get that much sleep and I cannot even tell you how great I feel.  Combine that with a full weekend of sitting around doing very little, and I am a new woman!!!  We busy ladies (and mothers) often neglect ourselves, put ourselves LAST on our priority list and hesitate to give our bodies this most basic, precious human requirement - adequate sleep.  

Here are some benefits from getting proper sleep:


1.  Improves memory. 


2.  Live longer!


3.  Curbs inflammation.  Inflammation in the body has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, and premature aging.  Get your sleep and stay away from these awful side effects!


4.  Increase creativity.  You know how kids have the uncanny ability to come up with impromptu plays, little games or what have you?  They sleep A LOT (or at least my kids do).  Their brains are well-rested, therefore, the creative juices are flowing!


5.  Improve athletic performance.  No wonder I have been struggling with my workouts lately.  5-6 hours of sleep a night just isn't cutting it for this girl who needs 8+ hours to rock it out properly!  


6.  Improve grades.  No wonder my children are so smart! :-)


7.  Increase attention span.  For me, going through a day after getting a less than adequate night's sleep must be what it feels like to have AD/HD.  I have a very difficult time focusing and getting tasks completed.  


8.  Healthy weight.  Now here's the kicker!  We all want to be at a healthy weight, right?  Sleep the proper amount and it could be that much easier!


9.  Lower stress.  Duh.  I think we all know that.  A good night's sleep makes you feel calmer and less stressed.  That's a no-brainer.


10.  Avoid accidents.  


11.  Combat depression.  Raise your hand if you feel weepy and sad when you are chronically sleep deprived! 


Also (for me), when I get the proper amount of sleep, I feel happier, am a nicer person to be around (my family can attest to that), I feel like I can do anything, and the "Negative Nellies" disappear.  So pull those covers tightly up around your chin, close your eyes, snooze away......and don't feel guilty about those extra few hours of shut eye.


Happy Weekend!
Carrie 

Superbowl = Epic Diet Fail?

Survive the Big Game By Eating Clean!!!

When you look at the images above, what goes through your mind?  Looks good, right?  High fat, high calorie, typical game watching fare which is bound to set a focused, healthy eater off the rails.  I think - holy moly, that looks good, but it's gonna do a number on my waistline, my "life plan", and not to mention cause some next-day regret (and stomach pains).


Good news!  You CAN enjoy (what feels like) indulgent, high fat, high calorie snack food while enjoying the Big Game tomorrow!!!  Clean Eating Magazine posted some awesome cleaned up versions of typical game food.  I'm so excited to try them out!

The first recipe is for Skinny Skins - by preparing your potato skins this way, as opposed to the traditional, you save

285 calories!
29 grams of fat!
17.5 grams of saturated fat!
48 mg of Cholesterol!

Another one I cannot wait to try is Sweet and Crunchy Guacamole.  I heart guacamole, do you?  This clean recipe is vegetarian, gluten free, and easy to prepare!  

  
Finally, there's the Boneless BBQ Pork Strips.  What is it about men and meat?  I know I am not a huge fan of ribs and bbq sauce, but I know my husband would love this recipe.  

Preparing it this way saves:
100 Calories!
14.5 g of fat! 
6 g of sugar!
516 mg of sodium!


Think the Superbowl is just another excuse to drink tons of beer and eat high fat food?  Think again!  There is a way to clean up it's reputation, have a good time, eat yummy food and not feel awful (or terribly guilty) in the morning.  Here's a more complete  list of Clean Eating's Superbowl food.  


Enjoy the Game!!!
~Cheers

How's That Working For Ya??

"YOU FIND THE FOCUS AT HOME AND YOU GO AND YOU LIVE IN IT...."

~Shaun T.

So today, I began my day doing The Asylum - Speed and Agility.  This is an extremely intense workout which incorporates every muscle in your body.  Not only is this workout challenging physically, but also mentally.  It requires the use of an agility ladder and you have to carefully assess your footing in order to not hit (and move around) the ladder.  The Asylum utilizes familiar moves from INSANITY (i.e. power jumps and in/out abs), but in much more tricky sequences - all while using the ladder.  There is also very little time to rest or to take water as you move quickly from one pattern to the next.  Trust me when I say I was dripping in sweat at the end.  Every muscle in my body was shaking.  Today's workout is an example of how I aim to complete all of my workouts.  I go in with complete focus and 100% commitment to the process as well as the end result.  

I (obviously) hold myself to a very high standard when working out.  I do not expect the same from everyone, but expect at least a little sweat, a little effort, a heart rate increase and some huffing and puffing.  I understand that not everyone can complete extreme workouts, but at least do SOMETHING!  When I encourage people to start a home fitness regimen, join a fit club, or begin a program, I often hear  "No thanks, I'm doing my own thing."  First of all, I wouldn't approach someone who I didn't think could benefit from the physical activity, and second "your own thing"?!  What does that even mean???  If it is clear that month after month, "your own thing" is not producing real, visible results, I wonder what is actually happening.  Are people only appeasing me or just phoning in their workouts and not being completely honest with themselves?  I find this extremely frustrating.  I don't know about you, but if I was spending money, time and energy "doing my own thing" and not reaping any benefits, I would be asking for my money back.  The truth is, when you give something your all, when you focus, when you approach something with determination (no matter what it is), you WILL see results.  However, if the size of your behind is not decreasing, "your own thing" might not be working for you!  If your pants are still tight, the very expensive gym membership that you pay for may not be worth the money.

Here are some examples of excuses that really get under my skin:

"I don't have time" 

Oh really?  Make time!!  When it's a priority, you just do it without even giving it much thought.  It becomes a habit like brushing your teeth or breathing.  I get up at 4:30 in the morning to work out, work a full time job, take graduate classes, have 3 children running around all afternoon/evening with their busy schedules, spend all weekend doing school work and teaching Sunday School, and trying to manage my very full schedule.  If I can do it, anyone can do it.

"Exercise is uncomfortable."

Yeah?  Well, so is being overweight.  I, myself would rather spend 45 minutes a day being uncomfortable, than spend the other 23 hours a day struggling to exist in my own skin.

"Shakeology (or healthy food) is too expensive."

You know, I bought a large (i.e. "venti") mocha at Starbucks a few weeks back (as a treat) and it cost me more than $5.  No nutritional value whatsoever (except for perhaps a little calcium in the milk).  Shakeology is $4 a day for customers and $3 for Coaches.  You do the math.  A lot less money for substantially more nutrition.  Again, people invest money (or time, or energy) into what is a priority to them.  All it takes is a shift in thinking and a reorganization of what a priority is. 

"I'm not ready."

This one I do not understand.  Ready for what?  To feel better?  To look better?  To have more energy?  To be a better person inside and out? 

As Shaun T says above - you have to FIND THE FOCUS and you have to live in it!  Yes, it is often all too easy to get caught up in the easy.  All to easy to slip into sluggishness and apathy.  FIND THE FOCUS and stay there!  When you live in that mindset, trust me, everything else will fall into place.

I am so excited to offer a Fitness Challenge - starting February 6.  So far, I have participants who have chosen to use the INSANITY program, and some who have chosen to use the P90X program.  I am honored that these people have put aside their fears, recognized that this will not be an easy journey, have delved deeply into their reasons for entering the challenge, expressed their desires for change and put their trust in me to help get them achieve their goals.  These people recognize that "doing their own thing" has not worked for them in the past and a drastic change in priority and focus is needed to get them the healthy, positive results they are looking for.  

Want more information about a Fitness Challenge?  Leave a comment below with your contact information and I will get back to you. 

~Cheers!

Fitness Challenge Group

"It is never too late to start, it is always too late to wait."

How are those New Year's resolutions holding up?  

If your answer is "not so great." I have some GREAT news!  My February Fitness Challenge Group is starting in about a week.  February 6 to be exact!!!  This is going to be an amazing opportunity to get the "full package" - fitness, nutrition and support!  Lucky participants will get it all, and in turn, they WILL get the results they have been looking for!  I will be there every step of the way virtually kicking butts to make sure people are staying true to their commitments and their "why."

"Before" - June 2010

"After" - August 2011

Don't let time (or lack thereof), a busy life, kids, limited money, or low motivation be your excuses for not getting what you want.  I have been there!!!  This is ALL about reorganizing your priorities!  Great results do not come from an “I’ll start tomorrow” attitude.  Great results start today and come from a place of intense focus, determination and 100% commitment.  Let me stress that I am NO DIFFERENT than anyone else!  I live a cuckoo life.  I work a full time job.  I have a busy family with people running in (what seems like) 100 different directions on a daily basis.  There are life stressors to contend with and the endless treadmill (no pun intended) that we all get caught up in.  Throw in a few food temptations to boot and trust me, I know how difficult it is!  All of these factors get in the way of our focus, determination and commitment.  I am asking that you make a choice today.  Choose right over wrong.  Choose healthy over unhealthy.  Choose activity over being sedentary.  Choose me as your fitness Coach!  Sound good?  Let me help you achieve the results you are looking for.  Let’s do this thing together!!!  

As I said, the next challenge starts February 6 and I would LOVE for you to be a part of it!  This is going to be a very limited group, and I still have a couple spots left. Sound interesting? Leave a comment, let me know and I'll be happy to send you more details. I look forward to hearing from you.


~Yours in Health,
Carrie




     

SUMMER'S FINALLY OVER

Holy Moly!  

I just looked at the date of my last post and it was a LONG time ago.  What have I been up to since my last post?   A lot!  I have been to the beach, to a lake house in Maine, celebrated an anniversary, spent a week in Disney World, enjoyed a birthday whale watch, participated in the Beachbody Success Club Team Challenge and throughout it all, I remained dedicated to working out and eating right.  


I am so blessed to have had a healthy, wonderful, full and FUN summer.  My family is amazing and I am so happy to have gotten to spend so much awesome time with them (and yes, that last photo is me holding a dozen cupcakes - it's all about balance, right?).

~ Cheers!

Shake Pops

SWEET TOOTH SATISFIED

True confession time:  I have a massive sweet tooth!  I love sweet treats of any kind....cupcakes, ice cream, cookies.....oh my.  But my biggest weakness?  CHOCOLATE!!!  Mmmmm, yummy!!!  Whenever I go to a restaurant and feel the need to order a dessert (chocolate or otherwise), no one better come near it.  I make it very clear to everyone around me that I do not share dessert!  If they want some, they better order their own!  When it arrives at the table, it's all mine.  Get your spitty fork away from my dessert, ya hear??  

So, with my rigorous exercise and nutrition regimen in place, and because I am working VERY hard to lose weight and be fit, there really is no room for decadent treats.  Woe is me.  Summer is my favorite time for "the bad stuff", too.  Good news, however.  I believe I may have come up with a solution to this problem.  Shake pops!!!  Recently, my awesome Beachbody Coach had mentioned that she wanted to try making Shakeology into frozen popsicles.   I decided to "borrow" the idea and give it a try.  How perfect would this be?  I decided to make one of my very favorite things in the whole wide world into a frozen dessert!

The first thing I had to do was head to the Dollar Tree and buy some popsicle molds.  These particular molds are teensy (probably only 2 ounces each pop), but they will do the trick (I'll just be able to eat more than one)!

Next, I made a blender full of Shakeology.  For this one, I did not use my usual Almond Milk, but opted for 1% milk instead (1/2 cup) - just in case my (nut allergic) child wanted to sample one.  In this case, I was willing to share.  I also used 1/2 cup of water.  For fruit, I added about 1/2 cup of frozen strawberries and 1/2 cup of frozen mixed fruit (to include peaches, mango, pineapple chunks and more strawberries) as well as 1 scoop of chocolate Shakeology.

Once blended, I poured the concoction into the popsicle molds.  There was plenty left over too, so I poured the excess into an ice cube tray.  One never knows when one might need to refresh a Shakeology with a frozen Shakeology cube!

Deliciousness in the making!

Next step, is of course, putting the lids on the molds and popping them into the freezer.

So colorful!

A few hours later, the treats were ready!  I was excited.  My assessment?  It tastes a little different than a traditional Shakeology shake (not as chocolaty), plus it's a little grainy (due to the water content).  I gotta honestly say, it's not a sugary, decadent treat, but it's okay.  It isn't a fudgesicle, an ice cream or a naughty frozen dessert, but it will definitely do the trick when sweet cravings overtake me and my self-control is nowhere in sight.  The beauty of Shakeology is that it contains so many awesome ingredients, and it helps to reduce cravings.  I will definitely be tweaking this recipe until it at the utmost of perfection and I will definitely be keeping my readers posted when perfection happens!   

Give it a try and let me know how yours turns out!


~Cheers!

On the Road to Amazing!

BE AMAZING!

~Tony Horton

I recently purchased Tony Horton's new book "Bring It!".  Tony is the creator and trainer for the wildly popular Power 90 and P90X workout DVDs.  His book is full of inspirational tidbits, nutritional advice, recipes as well as a full section of detailed workout moves.  In the beginning of the book, Tony talks about the importance of getting your head in the right place for exercise, getting fit and living a positive existence.  He calls it the "Cycle of Success".  He says that often times (unfortunately), the perils of negativity and self-doubt live within all of us.  He maps out 12 specific success tools to get everyone on the right path to fitness, health and living a better overall life.  These 12 tools are integral if one is looking to make a change and start living a healthier lifestyle.  The one out of the 12 that spoke to me most deeply was his advice to "Be Amazing".

Everyone wears a mask - one which often hides our "true self" from the rest of the world.  We often deny ourselves the ability to be authentic and true in order to try and fit in and be who we THINK others want us to be.  Part of living a Fit Full Life is being AUTHENTIC, TRUE and AMAZING!!!!!  We need to stop caring what others think of us.  We need to stop being so sensitive to other's criticism and negativity.  We need to stop focusing on the negative voices within us and (as Tony says) "celebrate your victories and accomplishments and recognize the things you do really well."  

Years ago, a friend of mine asked me to take an indoor rock climbing class with her.  I was totally and utterly freaked out by this notion!  "Are you kidding me??!!"  The possibility of the rope snapping or the harness malfunctioning thereby sending me plummeting to my death did not even enter my mind!  What I worried about was....what if someone sees and makes fun of my giant, dimpled bum as I am suspended in the air attached to a teensy rope.  Yes, my friends, that was my biggest fear.  You know what?  I needed to get over it and forget about what others thought!  This was a fun class that I was taking for ME, to better myself and to get over some fears (of heights and teensy ropes) and shed my self-consciousness.

After the first rock climbing competition I ever did!

A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to display Beachbody products at a local Health Fair.  It was an incredible opportunity, with the potential to speak to over 2,000 people about the awesomeness that is Beachbody.  However, I was dragging my feet and couldn't commit!  What was wrong with me??  Fear!  Self-doubt!  Negativity!  What if I couldn't do it??  What if no one talked to me?  What if I wasn't successful?!  After about a week of questioning myself, my wonderful husband sat me down and said "Just do it!  You love what you do and people need to hear it.  What have you got to lose?" So I did it and it was a fantastic day!  I had the opportunity to speak about what I am passionate and I hopefully was able to lead others toward living healthier lives.  It was worth stepping out of my comfort zone!!

Me in front of my Beachbody table at the DreamRide Health Fair

So, the bottom line:  YOU are defined by everything you are - your inner being, your mind, your talents, your everything.  Let that be your guide, let it out and BE AMAZING every day!  When you start living as your true self, it is the most freeing feeling in the world.  Keep in mind, this is not something that is accomplished in one day or even throughout a 63 day exercise program.  Living authentically takes time (maybe even years) especially since people tend to change throughout the years.  Open your eyes, recognize what you need to change in order to live this way and start living for YOU (not others) and become the most amazing YOU that you can be!  Once you start doing that, you will see awesome things start to happen!

~Cheers! 

Pushing Through

"If you don't push yourself past the barrier, there's no way you're going to progress."   

~ Shaun T

June 7, 2010 - Day 1 of INSANITY

June 7, 2010 - Day 1 of INSANITY 

So, as you know, I've been working hard and sweating it out day after day in my basement.  I began this journey almost one year ago.  June 7, 2010 is my INSANITY "birthday".  Since the day I began, I've completed several rounds of INSANITY, did a month of P90X and dabbled in other Beachbody programs.  I thought I had gotten into fairly decent shape.  I lost weight.  I lost inches.  People were noticing and making comments about the changes in me.  It all felt great!!!  I was (am) very proud of the weight and inches I had lost during those rounds of INSANITY, but for some reason, I felt the urge to continue to push even harder and dig even deeper.  The best was yet to come......  

Entering The Asylum: 

May 1, 2011 - Day 1 of The Asylum 

May 1, 2011 - Day 1 of The Asylum

May 1, 2011 - INSANITY The Asylum Changes Everything

The beginning of May and entering The Asylum changed everything for me!  The Asylum is a 30 day, over-the-top-extreme fitness program featuring the same trainer (Shaun T) as in the INSANITY workouts.  It features sports specific drills involving an agility ladder, weights, resistance bands, a jump rope - every tool in the fitness trainer's tool box!      

Yesterday, was my Performance Assessment (or Fit Test) or Day 30 of INSANITY The Asylum.  The end of round 1 for me (since I plan to start round 2 on Monday)!!!  I found out through this assessment that I am stronger, faster, and have more inner gumption than I ever thought possible.  I was assessed in nine different areas in categories of speed, strength and agility.  From Day 1 to Day 30, I improved dramatically in all areas.  I am very proud of this accomplishment.  I also weighed and measured myself.  From Day 1 to Day 30, I lost an additional 8 pounds and 8.5 inches!

I know that most of you don't know what any of this means, but here are my Performance Assessment results (the first number is Day 1, the second number is Day 30):

Agility Heisman : 7 > 8

In/Out Ab Progression:  27 > 47

Lat Push-Up:  15 > 20

Mountain Climber Switch Kick:  60 > 80

Agility Shoulder Tap:  4 > almost 6

X Jump:  20 > 33

Moving Push-Up:  3 > 3.5

Agility Lateral Shuffle:  13 > 15.5

Agility Bear Crawl:  6 > 9.5

One thing I took away from this program is something that Shaun T says in one of the workouts.  He basically says that you can do anything you put your mind to if you have the MENTAL strength to do so.  He says "if you don't push yourself through the barrier, there is no way you are going to progress."  This is an incredibly important quote to remember and is significant in weight loss, fitness and life itself.  There are always going to be barriers that hold us back.  There will always be something that stops our progress, happiness, success, comfort.  We need to rely on our mental strength to push ourselves through those barriers and get better!  Shaun T also says, "if you left it up to your body, you'd have quit a long time ago".  This is so true!  Our mind is what gets us through everything - especially when the going gets tough!  What are your barriers?  What is something that is holding you back?  Will you make the commitment today to pushing through so you will see amazing progress on the other side?  30 days is not a lot of time and yet I have had the fastest and most satisfying results to date.  As I said, I plan to do another round.  

June 5, 2011 - The completion of Round 1 of The Asylum!

June 5, 2011 - The completion of Round 1 of The Asylum

June 5, 2011 - Round 1 Complete

One thing people need to keep in mind with fitness and weight loss is that there is no finish line!  It should be a daily activity (one which hopefully you enjoy), which delivers the results you are looking for in order to live a more healthy and fulfilling life.  I plan to keep pushing through barriers, working out in my basement, sweating my tush off, and continuing to be proud of myself for doing something I never thought possible.  Care to join me?

~ Cheers!

  

Hubby As Guest Blogger Part 3

Paul Speaks Part 3

MAY 14TH SUPER SATURDAY

Carrie and I walk to the stadium, register and go up to the workout room in the Fidelity box. To say I'm a bit nervous would be an understatement. Today I am going to do two 60 minute workouts with the guy that created the Insanity workouts. This is not me working out in my basement.....no phoning it in folks! We told him the night before we have been doing this for about a year and I'm sure he is not going to let us slack. There are all kinds of people there from very fit to some that are in the middle of their fitness journey. You can feel the nervous energy in the air. We were told by the event organizer that there are going to be about 150 people working out. Lots of people are talking to one another about the different workouts they have been doing from P90X to INSANITY to several other Beachbody exercise programs. We also realized that there are a few local  "Fit Clubs" here. These groups get together at local gyms or other halls to exercise together to Insanity etc...  9:30 rolls around and we hear Ozzy's "Crazy Train" being played and in comes Shaun T. Carrie and I are in the back of the room in order for us to have enough room to move during the workout. Shaun T starts to high five and shake hands with people and sees me and shakes my hand as well! Carrie said he probably looked at me and thought "You've been doing Insanity for a year huh?  I'm going to KILL you now!!!" 

Getting a handshake from Shaun T on his way into the venue

He gets up on stage and gets his stuff together and starts the workout and now I'm thinking "Here we go this is it. Let's see if yo can hang with him like the people in the videos". I have said to Carrie from time to time that even he can't do his entire video workouts cause he stops and goes around to the other people in the videos to encourage and to correct form. Well, I can say now that HE CAN do his entire workouts. This guy has muscles on top of muscles. I know he is a fitness professional and should look like this but he takes it very seriously and I can relate to that with things in my life. After the warm-up I am back to when I started Insanity that first night and think I am gonna die here. 

Dying already and it's only the warm-up (the WARM-UP!!!)

He is running this workout faster than what is on the videos! Again I say to myself "I can do this, this will not beat me" The whole room gets through about 30 minutes of working out and he stops everything and tells us to take a break and listen. Now he is going to give the key piece of information I needed except I didn't know he was going to do this. It usually takes one piece of information to bring it all together for me. Whether it was going to night school taking all those engineering classes, playing the drums or making cymbals for that matter. He said "When you feel you can't do it anymore and you want to stop, push through and channel that mental energy telling you to stop into positive energy and tell yourself you can push through" It's a mental thing people not physical! You can take a break and take two quick deep breathes but get back into it. Push through and Dig Deeper People! 

Shaun T giving a motivational pep-talk in the middle of the workout

OK that's it! I got it now. No more needs to be said. He continues the work out and he is walking around the room encouraging, working out next to people and really energizing the room. All of a sudden he is standing next to me doing one of the exercise moves and I am worried he is going to tell me to go faster. So I keep up with him and he moves on to someone else. I realize that the little talk in between the workout has changed my focus. I am no longer in a room working out with 150 people I am working out with and against myself! I get into a trance and am just listening to his cues to change from one exercise move to another. So, 60 minutes is now up and I have a sense of accomplishment and a little relief! 

Drenched in sweat after workout #1 with Shaun T

Carrie and I have about 5 1/2 hours before we do the second workout at 4 pm. I very rarely work out twice in one day especially at this level of intensity. I got through the first workout and am determined to get through the second. We went back to our hotel room took showers and headed out for a nice lunch. We headed back to the Fidelity box to have our picture taken with Shaun at the meet and greet that started at 2. We waited in line until it was our turn and Carrie gave him a really big hug that made Shaun T laugh a bit. 

He then said something to Carrie about my determination during the workout, which I totally missed him saying, and that indicated to me that he is really watching everyone during the event. Carrie asked about the second workout and Shaun said he is really gonna bring it and it will be harder than the first. I'm thinking great. but also told myself, I can do this. 4 pm rolls around and we're told that Shaun T is not quite ready yet and at about 4:20 he comes out. Now having played drums for almost 33 years I know that you have to mentally prepare for a gig. I know why he was late and why he didn't start right at 4. He was in a room mentally preparing to do the workout with us. Although he is a fitness expert he still has to prepare mentally and not just rush into things. As we start the second workout he says be prepared because I am going to kill all of you! Well, the second workout was twice as hard as the first. About 20 - 30 people were not at the second workout. Either they had other commitments or the first workout wasn't what they thought it was going to be and decided to bail on the second. A couple of moves that he had us do toward the end included a 64 count push up, 32 counts down and 32 counts up. Are you kidding me?! He told us it is not in the arms people it is in your core. Tighten up your core and you will be able to do this move with him. Well he was right, I tightened up my core and noticed it was a little easier.

Telling us it's all in the core - right before the killer 32 count push-ups

I remember looking up to watch him and he was solid as a rock doing this. One of the last moves was to get into a squat position and do 64 low squat pulses up and down with your arms straight out. He told us that if anyone gets up out of the squat position to take a break that he is starting the count all over again. Well a few people couldn't do it and he DID start over again.....twice! One of the people that caused us to start over was the event coordinator Kevin!!! We were all yelling at him. I felt like my quads were being poked with a red hot spike. The workout is now done and we stretch to finish up and I have this huge sense of accomplishment. I feel like I have climbed a Mt. Everest in one day. Carrie and I changed out of our workout clothes, clean up in the restrooms and get into our street clothes. What a great day. One that will I will never forget.

Workout #2 is done and the event is over.
Beachbody Diamond Coach Kevin Lopes presenting Shaun T with a personalized Patriots jersey

The one thing that I have taken away from this experience is that I have to use my mental ability to keep going when I think I can't. This has changed my focus with exercising and life from now on. I am also changing my outlook on my diet. I am really starting to look at what I eat everyday. Shaun T said at the end of the workout to not deprive ourselves of things that we like. It is OK to have a dessert after dinner once in a while. Control your portions. It is a lifestyle he told us, not a race that you complete. This race never ends.

I am now renewed with exercising. I am still doing Insanity but it is different now as I am not just trying to get through the routine, I am challenging myself to work harder during it - creating more personal goals within the workout. I'm very much looking forward to when I can attend one of these workouts with Shaun T again!

There is no finish line.  Always a work in progress!

Thanks, Peace out :)