Powerful Transformations Are Not Just Physical

I'm a Beachbody Coach. 

Wait! Just wait. I'm not here to sell you anything. I have a point. A good one. Just hear me out.

So, as a Beachbody Coach, my newsfeed is filled with other fitness-minded folks, many of them also coaches. And most of them have these amazing transformation stories to share. Their before and after photos are amazing. I have long been a fan of those stories of physical transformation. Of people that challenge and push themselves to become stronger, healthier, fitter.

I don't have one of those. I mean, I've gotten stronger, healthier, and fitter through Beachbody Coaching. But a 10 pound weightloss and more toned muscles does little to inspire when you have those amazing folks with 50, 100, 150 pound transformations. In comparison, it just doesn't seem that hard to tone up and drop a few pounds.

Seriously, this was a big deal for me.

But it is hard. Or, rather, it is so easy to just live with those extra 10 pounds, weak, unhealthy, and cramming bags of Doritos into my mouth every night. (Like, every. single night. Bags of them.) I mean, it's not like I look unhealthy. Because the unhealthy is on the inside, where you can't see it. But I could feel it.

You can't see my transformation as easily as a great weightloss story, but it's there. My clothes fit better. I feel stronger. I run faster, longer. Nothing you would really notice in a before and after photo. I haven't lost 50 pounds or dropped 3 sizes. 

But my transformation has been just as dramatic. 

I've lost self-doubt and gained self-confidence. A lot of it.

I've dropped negativity and replaced it with goals. Positivity.

I have vision, focus, determination, motivation, and a huge heart filled with gratitude. 

So, you see, just because someone can't take a photo of it doesn't mean your transformation isn't very real and very powerful. You don't have to have some amazing weightloss story to inspire others. The inspiration is inside of you. And really, if one looks closely enough, they can see it in your eyes, your smile, and the way you carry yourself a little higher. 

Click here to learn more about starting your own transformation.

Preparing for a Healthy Holiday

Preparing for a Healthy Holiday

Thanksgiving is upon us. For most American households, that means turkey, stuffing, gray, mashed potatos, and pumpkin pie...all in copious amounts. 

And leftovers. Lots and lots of leftovers.

And napping on the couch. 

And more leftovers.

Add to that the tendency to stay inside during colder weather and it's not surprise that our jeans start to fit a little tighter this time of year.

Let's make a #YearEndResolution to avoid that weight gain this year.

Can you commit to these 3 things?

1. Drink more water, fewer sugary drinks and alcohol. According to WebMD, you should drink about an ounce of water for every pound you weigh (WebMD, 2015).
2. Load up on the veggies. Daily serving recommendations vary, but your body will benefit from more fruits and veggies (not the processed kind). And the more veggies on your plate, the less of the high-calorie/low-nutrition foods you'll eat.
3. Take a brisk 30 minute walk each day. Do it first thing in the morning, over lunch, or after dinner. Whatever fits your schedule, but just get it in. Can't spare 30 minutes? Then just do 20, 10, even 5. Just move!
4. Do a Turkey Trot! Sign up for an organized race that you and your family can run/walk together or just do three miles in your own neighborhood. 
5. Practice gratitude. I know. It doesn't seem to have much to do with health and fitness. But really, it does. The more we practice gratitude, the less we stress about the small stuff and the happier we are. Lower stress and increased happiness are as key to health and fitness as nutrition and exercise. So, go ahead and count your blessings each morning and each night.

References

WebMD. (2015). Water and your diet: Staying slim and regular with H2O. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/diet/water-for-weight-loss-diet?page=2.

Summer Vacation. Summer Chaos. Summer Workouts.

With summer here and all of my sons' friends fully mobile with their beat up cars and driver's licenses, my house is never empty.

I love this. I love having a constant flow of kids moving through my house. I love that they want to be here. I do.

BUT, this constant flow also means that I do not get the house to myself...ever. And the very open floor plan means that my workouts are on full display. 

It has taken me some time to get fully comfortable with this concept. I mean, the kids that come and go from my home are athletes. They are in what may be the best shape of their lives. I anticipated ridicule. Laughter. Pointing. Mean tweets. A few smirks, at the very least.

Here's what happens instead. They join me. Maybe not for the whole workout, but they join in. And they see how challenging these programs can be. And, more and more, I hear them doing the workouts even when I'm not. Seriously. There are times when I have a basement filled with teenage football or soccer players doing some Les Mills Combat. 

These are kids that whine and complain about summer two-a-days and suicides and Saturday soccer practices. And here they are spending their down time doing High Intensity Interval Training. By choice. 

It is, in a word, awesome.

So, all you moms and dads out there, don't let the chaos of summer vacation throw you off your game. Keep getting those workouts in, kids or no kids. 

Creating Action for My Vision

On Friday, I passed my Personal Trainer Certification Test. Yep, I'm certifiable.

That little milestone (and let me tell you, it was not easy by any stretch of the imagination...) marked the completion of Phase One of my achievement plan.

That means it's time for Phase Two and I find myself needing a little more focus and guidance for my plan. Phase One took up so much of my focus for the last six months that I'm left feeling a bit out of sorts as to what to focus on next.

Enter the Action Board.

I'm working on my Action Board to help me clarify, define, focus, and guide my next steps toward my ultimate goal of financial freedom. 

Financial Freedom. 

*sigh*

Want to join me? Check out The Key To Achieve website for some helpful tips on creating a powerful action board for yourself. 

Power 90 In-Home Boot Camp Challenge Group

New Power 90 In-Home Boot Camp starting soon. This is a perfect program for those getting started with fitness. You can achieve great results in this 90 program, but it is also perfect for beginners.

If you'd like to join us in our upcoming fitness support group or just want to know more, complete the form below and I will follow up with you!

I Challenge You

If you want to make effective change, you must first change your thoughts.

I challenge you to spend the next 24 hours avoiding complaint, criticism, anger, or worry.

I challenge you to spend the next 24 hours focused ONLY on those things that will get you closer to your goals. I challenge you to spend the next 24 hours thinking and talking ONLY about those things that will get you closer to your goal. I challenge you to spend the next 24 hours giving your attention ONLY to those things and people that will support your happiness, positivity, and success.

I challenge you. Now, go.