Category Archives: Health & Fitness

October 11, 2010 · 10:41 AM

and the results are…..


Believe it or not 2 weeks of INSANITY are in the books, which means that this morning was Fit Test #2. I pushed myself really hard because I had to beat my own numbers from the first test. I was quite successful in doing that with all of the moves except for those dreaded Globe Jumps. They are hands down my least favorite along with Power Jumps….pure evil!

So, here is what you really came here to see…..The Results of Fit Test #2:

Here is a link to my First Fit Test Results if you missed them.

Overall here are my improvements:

Switch Kicks:     +5
Power Jacks:     +6
Power Knees:    +18
Power Jumps:    +4
Globe Jumps:       0
Suicide Jumps:  +2
Push-Up Jacks: +7
Low Plank Obliques: +6

I’m very pleased with my improvement in only 2 short weeks. I was a little upset during Low Plank Obliques because my arms became tired before my legs or obliques did and I could have went longer. Also Power Jumps followed by Globe Jumps are just sheer torture. I know I could do more Suicide Jumps if I wasn’t coming right off the previous two.

Here to another 2 weeks of digging deep, cause this sh*ts bananas yo!

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October 5, 2010 · 4:32 PM

Experimenting with Sport Beans…


During the past week of Insanity, trying to find balance between meals and workout times has been a challenge. I’ve found that I have to wait at least 2 hours after a meal to begin my workout or I will puke. The problem with this, is that I’ve been eating every 2-2.5 hours since beginning this program, so I end up running out of energy halfway through my workout and struggle to finish.

While talking with my #insanecrew the other day my beloved coach brought up Sport Beans. I had never heard of  them before so I instantly started asking questions. I found out that there is this whole group of energy aids out there that runners like ranging from Sport Beans to some stuff called GU. Apparently you take them before a hard workout and they give you the energy that you need to make it through without a big meal…SCORE!

Of course I hunted down these beans and bought a few bags in various flavors, along with some GU to test them out and see if they actually worked.

Last night was the big night…I decided to test out the Sport Beans! I flipped over the bag, read the directions and started chomping away on them 30 mins before my workout as directed. Some of the flavors were quite icky (yes, I used the word icky) while the fruit punch and berry were actually quite good. I grabbed some water since you are supposed to hydrate while using them and started my workout.

Fast forward to the halfway point were I felt the beans sitting in my chest and I was as jittery as a junkie who took too much speed! I had TONS of energy but couldn’t hold a plank pose to save my life cause my arms were shaky and I felt sick from the sweetness of the beans.

Of course when my workout was over I told my #insanecrew about my experience and found out that I shouldn’t have followed the package directions. It seems that eating 3-4 beans as I’m waiting for the disc to load is all I should have done…..can you say oops?! (Or should I say “Thanks for the heads up tweeps!”)

Lesson of the Day: Don’t eat a whole package of Sports Beans to do an INSANITY workout unless you want to be a jitter-iffic mess for the rest of the night/day.

Today I tried them again for Pure Cardio and I only popped 2 beans as I pressed play. I had plenty of energy for the workout, didn’t feel hungry at the halfway mark and didn’t get jittery at all. (Insert the “SCORE!” I was searching for.)

By following this modified way of using them I give them a huge thumbs up and thank my coach for telling me about them. (Even if I wanted to kill him last night for not telling me this sooner to ignore the package directions.)

For those you interested in Sport Beans here is some info or you can go to their website. I also found out that they make Extreme Sport Beans with caffeine. I guess I should be grateful I didn’t chomp down a whole pack of those last night!

Sport Beans™, from the makers of Jelly Belly® beans, are specially formulated to fuel your body before, during and after exercise.

  • Simply explained, Sport Beans are Jelly Beans formulated with carbohydrates, electrolytes and vitamins B and C
  • Eat one packet with one to two cups of water about 30 minutes before exercising
  • During a long workout, eat one packet every 45 minutes
  • Eat after a workout to replenish muscles of depleted carbohydrates

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October 2, 2010 · 11:06 PM

End of INSANITY Week 1

Well….I did it! I survived week 1 of INSANITY. That’s right, I’m still breathing, still walking and still able to move! Ha! Take that Shaun T!

*To celebrate my achievement I purchased the items in the photo as a gift for myself at the Beachbody Game Plan Tour today in Brooklyn.

Day 4 – Cardio Recovery: I would like to rename this workout “Recovery My Ass” or maybe “Quad Killer”. I don’t know who Shaun T thinks he’s kidding, but this is no recovery workout. I felt more discomfort in this than the others because of how long you had to hold the poses and then pulse on top of it. Don’t be fouled people…this is no typical recovery! Lesson of the Day: Don’t go up and down stairs right after Cardio Recovery. Stairs + jello legs = falling on your butt.

Day 5 – Pure Cardio: This workout and I have met before in the past. It’s the typical INSANITY warm-up that’s you’ve come to know and dislike followed by 15 minutes of puke-tastic cardio that will leave you dripping with sweat and begging for your mommy! Lesson of the Day: “That sh*t was BA-nana’s, yo!”

Day 6 – Plyometric Cardio Circuit: I already wrote about this one since I did it on Tuesday. I did this workout late tonight after coming home from the Beachbody Game Plan Event and I was surprised that I’m getting better at it. I’m not as winded after the warm-up, I’m getting lower in my stretches and as I learn the routine I’m flowing easier. I also noticed that I’m fine as long as I don’t stop. Stopping seems to be the kiss of death! Lesson of the Day: Don’t wear a t-shirt to do INSANITY workouts unless you are truly insane and want to sweat your last braincell out. Stick to tank tops, sports bras or no shirt if your a guy.

Day 7 – A day of rest: Thank you lord.

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September 30, 2010 · 12:03 AM

Let the INSANITY begin…


That’s right! You heard me! INSANITY!  Yes, I know I tried it before and failed miserably, but this time I’m here to complete it…all 63 Days of it! Nothing is going to stop me this time…well…nothing as long as I have access to my masseuse that is.

Monday was Day 1 – The Fit Test. I woke up at the ungodly hour of 5:30 am and jumped right into it with my husband by my side. We huffed and puffed through the first few moves and then I heard the dry heaving coming from his side of the room and he was out. I kept chugging along wishing this was all a nightmare and that I would wake up in my nice warm bed, but that never happened.  Instead I was left in a puddle of sweat dragging my nutrient deprived body into the shower so I could  face the day. I was shaky, felt like puking and light headed as could be. It all faded away before the first kid headed off to school on the bus and I was left with these numbers which I am proud of and the Lesson of the day: Don’t Workout at 5:30am EVER Again!

Day 2 – Plyometric Cardio Circuit: I am quite familiar with this routine since I started it two weeks ago as my introduction to Insanity. I knew what to expect, how hard I would have to push and how sore I would be the next day. What I did expect was that I would puke during the 3rd round of Level 1 drills. Lesson of the day: Wait about 2hours after eating before attempting an INSANITY workout!

Day 3 – Cardio Power and Resistance: Once again Shaun T kicked my ass like it has never been kicked before. I actually tried this workout last week and it is just brutal, especially when you are also finishing up ChaLEAN Extreme while doing INSANITY (I don’t recommend it – I am clearly insane). By the end of this workout I looked like I took a shower with my clothes on, my quads and glutes were on FIRE and I desperately needed my Results and Recovery drink! Lesson of the day: Beware of ceiling fans when doing jump training!

I ended Day 3 with a wonderful 2 hour massage and my body is very grateful. Tomorrow is a recovery workout but this is an INSANITY recovery day so I am sure I will be sweating and cursing up a storm.

Now, I don’t mean to scare anyone who has never tried Insanity, but I’m not one for sugar coating either. I believe that any results worth achieving come with hard work and dedication. Without those two things, success will not be the end result with this particular program. It takes a lot of determination to puke and then go right back into the workout!

Quickly, I’d like to give a big thank you to my #insanecrew! You guys keep me motivated and I’ll need you all for the next 60 days! We will push each other to the next level and wear those t-shirts with pride at the end of this crazy ride.

Here’s to 60 more days of puke, sweat and tears! Dig Deep!

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September 18, 2010 · 9:18 PM

The People We Meet Along The Way…

There is a saying “Everything happens for a reason”, and I’ve come to learn that you either love this saying or absolutely hate it, depending on the situation. At the current moment I am not a huge fan of the saying, but I am sure that once I start thinking clearly again things will work out for the best and I will agree with it.

Anyway, I read a quote just now while catching up on Twitter “… the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they’ve taught me.” ~ Scott Adams which made me stop and think about some of the people who have come and gone in my life.

I think the two quotes work hand in hand in a lot of ways. I think people come into your life for a reason, even though you may not realize that reason until long after they are gone. Some people spend many years with you. They share good times and bad times, laughter and tears and are with you when you need them most. Others may only be there for a few months, share a few brief moments, a conversation or two, or maybe just an occasional hello or smile in passing. Regardless, both can be equally as important even though you don’t realize it at first.

Over the years I have had the pleasure of meeting many people. All have brought something to the table and taught me a lesson in one way or another. Most of those people don’t even know the impact they had on my life because we no longer speak and went our separate ways.

One of those people are responsible for my taking the steps to become the fit person I am today. They have no idea of the strides I have made, the influence they were, or how thankful I am for our chance encounter, and they most likely never will since we no longer speak. I have thought about sending them an e-mail, but always decide it’s for the best not to since we chose to go our separate ways for a reason. One day our paths may cross again and if they do, I will be sure thank them, until then, I will be forever grateful in my heart.

Recently, I’ve noticed that it’s the people I’ve known for the shortest amount of time who have taught me the most valuable lessons about myself. I don’t know if subconsciously we seek these people, or if it is fate leading us to them but I am happy I have found each and every one of them. I will cherish them for as long as I have them and most likely even once they are gone, for they have all taught me a lesson along on the way. Even if I haven’t realized what that lesson is yet.

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September 7, 2010 · 12:25 AM

A Time For Revenge

Once upon a time, I attempted INSANITY…and I failed miserably.

I knew going in I was  biting off more than I could chew, however, as many of you know I can be very strong willed and thickheaded. I barely finished my last day of P90X and I was already jumping into the INSANITY fit test because everyone else was doing it. (Insert jumping off a bridge joke here)

Surprisingly, I did well on the fit test. The rude awakening came during the first workout….I blocked most of the experience out of my mind but I believe it was Plyo Cardio Circuit. The warm up itself felt like a full workout and Shaun T was absolutely relentless. I tried my best to keep up and by the end of the workout I collapsed in a pool of my own sweat wishing for a bucket to puke in. Thankfully I had my cellphone near me so I was able to Tweet from said pool of sweat about the experience.

The next day was Cardio Power and Resistance. My husband walked by the room and saw me covered in sweat, struggling to keep up and just shook his head at me. By the end of the workout I dragged my sorry self up the stairs and laid in the fetal position in the shower for what felt like eternity. This program was kicking my ass and giving me a reality check. My. Cardio. Sucked.

I made it through the first week of this program wondering why I was doing this….then…..my back decided it couldn’t handle any more and I quickly pulled the brakes on INSANITY.

For a week I did nothing but yoga and stretching everyday in hopes of finding relief for my herniated discs. (This is an old injury and not caused by the program) I also took the time to think about things and I while I hated to admit defeat, I knew it was in the best interest of my body to not continue. This bugged me to no end!

Round 2 of P90X started the following week and I did the Classic version so I would have Plyometrics in the routine. Upon completing that round I started ChaLEAN Extreme and walking/running on a semi regular basis.

I know my cardio is still lacking but I have decided to try my hand at INSANITY again starting on September 27th. I feel I am better prepared for it this time (or at least I hope I am) and I will be doing it with @tmgrant7 since we are good at motivating each other and pushing each other to the next level.

Time for me to seek my revenge, Dig Deep and take my fitness goals to the next level!

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August 24, 2010 · 2:30 PM

I’m a Slacker and Injuries Suck!

Hello boys and girls. My slacking self is back to writing, although I did think about “cheating” with another vlog today. I quickly realized I would need to make sure my room was neat, hair was done, clothes matched and realized it was easier to blog without you seeing what a hot mess I can be!

I am also suffering from an injury which is keeping me from my supplemental booty shaping workout and forcing me to take an actual rest day. *GASP! So I might as well be productive and actually write, right?

As many of you know I have been doing ChaLEAN Extreme which has a catch phrase of “Go heavy or go home”.  Since I already am at home for my workouts I’ve been making sure I go heavy every time for these workouts. The results are already showing and I have quickly graduated to weights that I didn’t think I would ever be using. *insert happy dance here.

During Friday’s workout in the PUSH phase I went heavy for my deadlifts but I think I went a little too heavy and/or a little too low as I felt a “tweak” in my right hamstring. I didn’t think much of it, did a little extra stretching when I was done and went on with life.

Fast forward to Sunday where I was running up the stairs at home and felt a sudden “pop”, then pain, then tightness in my right hamstring. I hobbled my way into my room and knew this wasn’t good. I was instantly scared that I really messed myself up like I did almost a year ago when I had to stop all workouts for 2 months, not cool!

I spent all of Sunday night resting and last night I took a friends advice and bought an Ace bandage. The tightness of it being wrapped was absolutely dreamy.

Today I stretched it out and I must say it is feeling better. I made a promise that I would take it easy and allow it to heal and so far I am keeping to that.

I am jealous of everyone else who is working out because I really want to right now but I need to heal in time for a 5K on September 11th that I signed up for. I also don’t want to end up sitting out on the sidelines for 2 months like I did with my back injury last year. I’ve come way too far to mess up now.

Since I can’t do my workouts I’ve decided to take this time and regain  control of my nutrition which hasn’t been very ideal the past week. *Confession: Last Wednesday night I had cheese fries and only cheese fries for dinner. Not one of my prouder moments.

I have goals that I want to reach with my fitness and I have set dates to reach them by. There is no reason why an injury should set me back when there are other ways I can reach them. It would be easy to use this as an excuse and turn into a lazy couch potato but it’s just not in my nature to do. I’m hoping to maybe do some light cardio on the stationary bike tomorrow – something is better than nothing right?

Basically, the point of this post is that injuries suck. I am not a patient person. I have nutrition issues that need my attention NOW, I am not always camera ready and I needed to get back to writing.

If you have any nutrition tips you would like to share with me please feel free to comment. I could use some protein bar ideas as I am bored with my current ones. Also I love to snack so I would love to hear what your favorite snacks are. Lastly, if you have a recipe to make Greenberry Shakeology taste good I would LOVE to hear it. I have packets of the stuff piling up.

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August 16, 2010 · 7:49 PM

My First Ever Vlog!

Ok fellow followers…as I let some of you know last week I have a fear of video cameras. Well not really a fear as much as I am just not a fan of them. Soooooo….I decided tonight to make my first ever Vlog.

Please have mercy on me as you watch this. Try not to laugh too hard at my awkwardness, and get ready to possibly deal with a weekly vlog from me as I attempt to come out of my shell, quit hiding behind a keyboard and let everyone get to know me a little better!

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August 14, 2010 · 11:57 AM

Just Being Me!

If there is one thing I have learned over the past year it is that I am who I am.

A favorite quote of mine is: “The hardest challenge is to be yourself in a world where everyone is trying to make you be somebody else.”

For many years of my life I did what others expected me to do, wanted me to do or what I thought I should be doing. I would put aside who I really was, what I was really thinking or what I wanted to do so I wouldn’t “rock the boat” and so I could “fit in”.

Part of me was scared that people wouldn’t like me if they knew what I was really thinking or if I went against the grain. Now I realize that those people never really liked ME….how could they? They didn’t know ME. They just liked the illusion because it was what was expected….the quote on quote “norm”.

I now try my hardest to stay true to myself. I say what I feel. I call a spade a spade and I don’t sugar coat anything. I refuse to do something just because everyone else is or because that’s what’s expected of me.

Now the tricky part of this is that I refuse to quit being myself for my business. As a Beachbody Coach the “norm” is to always be upbeat, positive and basically a cheerleader. I have no problem doing that as the average person yearns to be happy and I want to see people have success. This is why I became a coach (well the discount is nice too – just being honest).  However I will not mask that fact that I am human. I have good days and I have bad days. I have things that bother me, I speak my mind and yes, I use foul language. (GASP!!)

This is who I am and I refuse to change myself at all, for any reason. I know that this might hold me back as a coach to an extent but I’m ok with that. I would rather have it take me longer to be successful and have a team of people who like me for me, instead of who they think I am.

I tend to talk to people who are real with their feelings and who are truthful in what’s going on over those who portray a constant upbeat persona. I have more respect for people who can open up and be honest that life is not always a bed of roses and there are obstacles in life.

Ultimately it comes down to my favorite Dr. Seuss quote: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”
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August 9, 2010 · 4:59 PM

Back On Track

This past week I found myself unmotivated and quickly turning into a fitness train wreck.

I wasn’t planning my meals, I wasn’t doing my workout first thing in the morning and before I knew it I was eating over processed junk and NOT doing my workouts because I had no energy for them. (*gasp….I know….bad coach!)

I knew I needed to get myself back on track and fast, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Then I remembered my before photo and pulled it up on my laptop. I stared at the photo in disgust and knew if I didn’t get my act together I could easily slip back to THAT. I then pulled up a current photo of myself and put it next the before and man did something just click in my brain.

It was a click I had felt before….it was the click that propelled me onto this fitness journey a year ago.

While sitting there looking at the two photos I finally realized how far I’ve come. How much I have grown as a person. How much I have learned and how badly I want to help others reach their fitness goals.

I realized how I could NEVER go back to being that person again….I REFUSE to let that happen. (Those of you who know me know just how thickheaded I can be.)

So I pulled up a Word document and started typing out my goals. I made a list of things I want to achieve and I felt a new purpose wash over me as I did this.

I also shared my before and after with everyone I know on Facebook and Twitter. The messages and feedback I received were the motivation I needed. I was even retweeted by Beachbody on Twitter and that allowed me to connect with people I never spoke with before and answer their questions.

Knowing that I can help someone who wants to start their goal to a better life is one of the greatest things to me. I want nothing more than to see everyone succeed at this. To reach their goals. To find motivation. To find happiness and most of all health.

If you are someone who has been thinking about taking that first step to a new you please feel free to contact me. I would be more than happy to help you figure out what your first steps should be and to help you along the way.

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