Piyo - Month 1

I have completed month 1 of Piyo!!! Tricep push-ups are a BIG DEAL in Piyo, and while they are not amazing or perfect, they are definitely getting there!!! The two moves below are from one of the workouts that was in week 4 - different and fun! I'm definitely more flexible because of this program, and my core strength is so much better!!!!

The two additional workouts included in month 4 that I haven't discussed are "Strength Intervals" and "Drench."

STRENGTH INTERVALS; Only 20 minutes but the perfect mix of cardio and strength work will DEFINITELY get you S-W-E-A-T-Y!!!!!!!!!!!!

DRENCH: This one is 50 minutes. This one makes me very much aware of how thankful for my 30 minute workouts! The kids asked 325,439 during this workout "if I was done yet," and I was watching the clock like a hawk. The workout itself was great - challenging the whole time, for sure, but since I've gotten used to 30 minutes, 50 minutes seemed like an eternity! It's okay though - it's only on the schedule a few times.

So overall, I'm definitely happy with my decision to begin this program. I'm excited to begin month 2!!!! I've only lost 1 pound and 2 inches during the first month of Piyo, BUT, my eating has not been wildly impressive..... I'm kicking my planning and effort up a notch, so we'll see what's in store for month two ;)

Review: 21 Day Fix & P90X3

As of Saturday, I will have completed one full round of 21 Day Fix and the entire P90X3 program!

For the visual people..... here's a little Venn Diagram (lol, the teacher in me!) to compare/contrast....

Before these two programs, I had not enjoyed (or even fully completed) a single workout video in my life. I thought they were cheesy.... for people who haven't even walked around the block in year. I didn't like learning from the TV; I enjoyed listening to my music while working out; I never thought they were productive enough; I liked the gym.


Then I had kids. And I felt guilty leaving them to workout at a gym. I jogged with them during the nice weather, but that didn't work out when it was 20 degrees. Eventually, I fell into a habit of only exercising during the summer. YAY! for three months of exercise. BOO! for only exercising for 25% of the year.


I NEEDED a solution. I decided to give these DVD's a chance -------- I'm HOOKED!

I was completely wrong when I thought the workouts would be a waste of my time. They COMPLETELY kicked my butt. Some make me sweat more than others, but ALL make me work in different ways... it is CONCENTRATED effort for CONCENTRATED results!

A photo sneak-peak of 21 Day Fix ;)

Photo sneak-peak of P90X3 ;)

I start two months of Piyo on Monday.... stay tuned for that review... I'm NOT so great with the flexibility :/ But I think it's necessary! We shall see :-)

How to Fit BBQ's into a Healthy Lifestyle

Beginning a new lifestyle is challenging. Finding a routine early on is crucial since we are all creatures of habit. Especially when we are working toward a health/fitness goal, we often tend to do and eat the same things every day. We develop a schedule, and we stick to it. That's why weekends are typically a challenge - there's less of a structured schedule.


Well, My brother and sister-in-law were in town last weekend, so my family had BBQ's planned all weekend. The old me would have tossed up my hands and said let's do this! I would have justified NOT being mindful of my meals or activity level because:

"It's rare that everyone is together."
"It's just this weekend."
"One weekend won't make or break my fitness journey."

While all of those statements are true, something else is true too...

"I love my new life. I can easily fit clean-eating and my workouts into this fun, family-filled weekend. That's what I'm going to do because a BBQ or two isn't going to slow me down!"

So that's what I did. I made a game plan. I started with a list of goals for the weekend. Call me cheesy, but it makes me happy to see it written out:



*I really wanted to finish my book, but I put it twice on the list by accident lol

**I chose not to have carbs with dinner so that I could have some corn tortilla chips with guac and not feel left out of the snack situation ;)

*I enjoy a cold, adult beverage on a warm day at a nice gathering. There, I said it. BUT, I'm not willing to let alcohol get in the way of my goals. SO, I picked a day and that was it!

The rest of our weekend consisted of healthy meals and as much activity as possible!! 

SATURDAY:

We had HOURS of dance class before BBQ #1. I started the morning with a jog with those two, packed our stuff, including my healthy lunch-on-the-go ---> SHAKEOLOGY! ;)

SUNDAY:

BBQ #2.... Filled with as much activity as possible! This was my alcohol day, but I did NOT have any carbs with dinner...lotsa protein and veggies :) Then some corn tortilla chips with guac.

MONDAY;

First, I planted flowers in new hanging baskets on the deck railing and the new veggie garden fence. (There's more to come with that veggie garden fence... it's super cheesy but I'm going to LOVE it!!)

Then....

P90X3 Isometrics followed by Lunch...  Strawberry Shakeology + watermelon + mint = WHAAATTT?!?!? Was that a frozen cocktail I just had?!?! Amazing!!!!

Later...a clean dinner and a family walk.... 

The ending to a perfect weekend full of family, fun, fitness, & clean-eating!

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