Earning Fitness - The Beachbody Way

Shakeology deconstructed. In O, the Oprah Magazine MAY issue page 214

2011-04-21T23:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's THE Shakeology that is being dissected in the pages of O - the Oprah Magazine in the current (May) issue.

If you checkout our website you can find out all you want to know and more about Shakeology, the site is snazzy-cool and full of testimonials and over 100 doctors that are fans, giving their reasons why they drink Shakeology and why they want their patients to drink it.

Why? MOSTLY because it is the simplest way to deliver a straight shot of superfoods into your system. Boost your immunity, energy, minimize cravings and cholesterol, side effects? weight loss.
You'd be amazed what happens after just a few days of drinking a Shakeology for breakfast...or as an afternoon snack (what's better than a chocolate milkshake snack?). Click on this pic for the doctors own words. Seriously, they're not actors.

There's SO much to Shakeology and I'm happy that Oprah's team has broken it down for the masses to enjoy. But you can enjoy the actual shake. After reading all about it and watching these videos...start drinking it. Once you know how good it is and how good it is FOR you, your body will thank you.

The Zealous Life

2011-04-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

I have some pals who keep my brain fresh when it comes to “getting out of your box” type of thinking and have been serving as reminders to just enjoy life.

Now, a couple of these people I don’t really KNOW at all (a la Facebook), and some I’ve met through work. The conversations have progressed in a fun way and they keep me smiling and appreciating these people.

Now, sure, there are plenty of folks who are posting their to-do lists as their statuses, or about the trials & tribulations of life …that’s all fine & dandy and it's definitely a great way to get out information/news that sometimes isn't great, but needs to be shared. But I’m sort of a positive gal so the good news posts stick with me longer. At work, there are a few of us who sometimes burst out with “It’s a great day to be alive!” And no, that’s not said facetiously, we mean it, we say it with vigor and throw our hands in the air. It started as a jest but – now it’s a good motto and reminder and it makes us smile and laugh every time. That’s just to say that I’m drawn to people moving forward and looking forward and I have a few of those superstars in my life right now…for instance:

Ed
Ed started running a few years ago and really took to it. He’s run here, he’s run there, he’s racked up the events and the miles (or… K’s) and eventually became an ultramarathoner. And what does that mean for Ed? It means he found the toughest race…a race across the Sahara that lasts days. Yes, DAYS. You’ve heard of the Sahara: heat, sand, scorpions. I’ve followed the website and his blog and he’s kept me on the edge of my seat with his very, very short posts (they only get to put one out a day). I can’t wait until he gets back – I want to hear EVERYTHING. Ok, well, maybe not about the tattered feet. The race is called Marathon des Sables (MDS) or Marathon of the Sands. It’s really a test of heart. Not OF your heart as much as just…heart.

From the MDS website: It covers 243km/151 miles (in sections similar to 25, 34, 38, 82, 42, 22 km) run over 6 days (7 for some) - equivalent to 5 1/2 regular marathons. That's a speed of between 3 and 14 km an hour for competitors aged between 16 and 78). In addition to that, competitors have to carry everything they will need for the duration (apart from a tent) on their backs in a rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc). Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint.

MB.

I have a pal who recently tried out for the television show Wipeout. Have you SEEN that crazy show? It is a huge gauntlet that is set in cold water, or mud, or suds. And you get stuff thrown at you while you get wet, muddy, cold and exhausted. The humans that run this course look TINY as they are whipped into the air like 3 oz. puppets, as they’re flopped into the water like water-logged stuffed animals. For the amount of people that have run the course during the many seasons of the show, you could count the hospital visits on one hand. I find that astounding. I fear for my friends body. It’s not that I don’t have faith in his gumption to DO this thing, but I’ve seen the show enough times to know that an ill-timed step, an unlucky bounce…I’ve seen more than one person bend in ways they shouldn’t. See pic below for an extreme backbend wipeout. (yikes!)

AND I’ve seen a few people quit. Even at the last minute, I’ve seen someone so exhausted that they couldn’t continue and they’re thrown a lifesaver and dragged out. So yes, I’m worried about him BUT far more proud that he’s even tried out. (For the record, the tryouts don’t require physical feats, it’s mostly a weeding out process- they want personality explosions. Basically, physical fitness ain’t the big point) buuuut you have to be physically fit enough on paper to get through the first step. Again, this is about heart. If he makes it to the show I’ll be bursting but according to the show many thousands of people respond to tryouts. Until we find out, I’m really just happy to know that my pal is a little bit crazy.

Spaz.Ok, that’s not her name but since she doesn’t know I’m writing about her, I’m just going to call her Spaz (short for Spazzy, Spazmanian Devil, etc.)

She knows who she is because I’ve already called her Spaz. She’s a person who is excited about life. She is excited about fitness, competitive events, getting a dog, her upcoming wedding, and she just USES life up. I don’t know her in 3D life, only from Facebook. We’ve exchanged messages and fun and posts. I can count on her posts to be a good representation of that zest for life that she has. She's young and you can feel it and it wakes up that young woman inside of me. She appreciates the good stuff that happens and really revels in it. It’s easy to get swept up in a smile when reading her posts. I’m glad to have “met” her already so if we actually ever DO meet, (we live close enough that meeting one day isn’t out of the question) it’s going to be a good day.

So I post this to remind myself of my luck to know such people just enough to get their message. To LIVE with zeal and make it your own brand of zeal. Yes, there are “chores” to do in our daily lives but they become less of a chore if you somehow make it rewarding, even if just in your own mind. And dwelling on them isn’t the way to do it. Just as a smile exercises the muscles in your face, a positive thought can fire the synapses in your brain at double the regular rate. Don’t let someone’s untimely death or illness or injury be a reminder to LIVE every day with purpose, make it a daily thing – for no reason at all and for every reason in the world.

SHAKEOLOGY

2011-04-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

The Benefits of Superfoods

Susan Casey, O’s Editor in Chief, wrote an article that outlined the ingredients in a way that really gets to the core of WHY Shakeology is the healthiest shake on the planet. It was great to see Oprah's team shedding light on our product and it got me to thinking about the simplicity of "superfoods" even though it seems like it's ... difficult.

Growing up, I wasn't much for getting sick, I was more prone to injuries from falling out of a tree or flying off a merry-go-round at the neighborhood park (really, thinking back now, those things were SO unsafe!). However, when I DID get sick with a tummy ache, my mom would go out into the backyard and pick her herbs and make me a tea. Soon, I'd be out scraping my knee again.
I never complained, it didn't ever taste bad, just warm water that she'd sweeten. It was my body's introduction to superfoods!
Sure, some are plain and ordinary but there are FAR many more difficult to pronounce superfoods (like the ones in Shakeology, harvested in places like Peru).
I'm glad that have a grown-up "tea". I'm healthier, heal faster and have jillions of inner body workings that are working better because of Shakeology. And it's tasty-good. I don't have to know how to pronounce them, they've been vetted by the best company I know. It's a reminder of when I was a kid and even though I was thinking "mom just picked weeds from her yard and is making me drink them?" she knew what she was doing, it worked. I trusted her then, like I trust Beachbody now. Shakeology is my superfood.

(to purchase Shakeology click here, or on the pretty link on this page - it's AMAZING and comes with a bottom-of-the-bag guarantee!)

ChaLEAN Extreme is $30 off for the next 2 weeks!

2011-01-15T12:14:00.000-08:00

I’ve done P90X, Power 90, Slim in 6, Turbo Fire..lots of Beachbody programs, I believe in them. And this one delivered just as promised! I loved lifting heavy and I didn’t bulk up however you could see the leaner build and I felt stronger all over. Through January 31st, this program is $30 off for customers. Club members get an additional 10% off and coaches..if you are wanting this program, now’s the time! Almost half off for you! Did you look in your store and see the price? Amazing! It's TIME! If you have any questions about this program, just ask!

I am a Team Beachbody coach. My coaching is always free. Sign up for your free account or a club membership where you get to use the online meal planner and other tools and get a 10% discount! Or join as a coach and let me help you at least cover your cost of nutritionals and workout programs!

JANUARY IS 1/2 GONE - How's your commitment to health going???
You can't stop time from passing, but you can make the BEST of the time you have left!

No matter what program you do, get started TODAY making healthier choices. Make exercise and eating better a priority. Look around you, look to your older relatives - how's their health? what could they have done to help their ailments that you can do NOW and avoid the same fate? Don’t wait until you have heart problems or cancer threats or worn down joints from too much weight and not enough exercise. Don’t wait. Don't just join the crowd who thinks that aging means getting fat and disabled by health problems. Be the person who makes a plan now and finds the tools and support to make 2011 your healthiest year! Join me!

Biggest Loser's new trainer Brett Hoebel ! Who is Brett Hoebel?

2011-01-04T20:47:00.000-08:00

Brett has create some phenomenal bodies across the country but he's based out of New York City. His programs taught in gyms, have spread across the country because of the results he gets: sculpted abs and strong bodies that are super lean and gorgeous - he uses traditional moves and then throws in some capoeira to keep it interesting and keep your body in the game. He's got a body to prove that his method works, and the brains to tell you why (pre-med/science background).

When Beachbody heard of Brett a few years ago, they created REV ABS and people started getting amazing results right in their own living room. You can too. RevAbs is fast paced, FAST PACED and demanding. If you order it, be ready to WORK!

You'll see results you didn't think your body could produce.

This season of Biggest Loser, Brett Hoebel is joining as one of the two "new trainers on the block." On the one hand I want him to be exclusively OURS but I also know that this will show people that are so stuck on "I NEED BOB, I NEED JILLIAN" that they just need a plan. They need to get serious about their health and take steps in control what goes into their health, what goes into their fitness, what goes into their mouths. It's a combination of all of those things. YES, the contestants on Biggest Loser will be dropping weight like crazy week after week. It's their JOB when they get on that show, it's ALL they will be doing. If you've seen any of the interviews with past contestants, you know: It's 6 hours of working out a day on that ranch. Your food is portioned and provided. While there are tough parts about it (being away from their loved ones is the toughest) it's also a time that they can take and JUST THINK OF THEMSELVES FIRST. They're away from work and appointments and not having to run around the house or work putting out fires.

With this "new trainer" thing...they'll get to see that it will work (after getting the whiney thoughts about not getting Bob & Jillian as trainers) with hard work, dedication & focus. You need a plan. They will get a whoopin' with Brett, I know, I've worked out with him LIVE. He'll be a great addition to the mix and I'm excited to see him on the telly week after week. He's not bad to look at. :)

All of our (Beachbody) programs come with several workouts, calendars, relevant nutrition guides. We have online support and you get a free coach, (that would be me!) And, if you want to later, you can become a coach yourself and help others get fit. Do you need to be an expert? Nope, you're just a guide to point them to the tools, like Brett Hoebel's RevAbs. You'll see...

Go local, go fresh, make the connection

2011-01-04T08:52:00.000-08:00

The obvious connection to your local growers is the nearest farmer's market. But it might not be all the near so while it might take a little work to find local foods, you might find that either your favorite foods are produced by a local grower or that a locally grown item is in a great grocery item!

For example, I LOVE Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider. It's 100% apples and it's from the town I grew up in, my parents even worked in the orchards for a time. They have lots of products now but I like the classics. We have the straight juice less of the time, usually going for the sparkling apple cider to fancy up a meal and the holiday celebrations. (I say that I buy a ton for all the kids but I just want to make sure there'll be some leftover!)

http://www.lundberg.com/

Or, another example: nearby there's a company that I've bought products from for years called Lundberg Family Farms. They're really growing and keeping up with all the sustainable practices and it makes me proud that they're from NorCal. I buy their brown rice in large bags from Costco which is great. Last year I found a product called Sunshine Burger (a patty, really, not quite a burger) that has some really purist ingredient (Certified Non-GMO) practices and they USE Lundberg Family Farms rice! What a great discovery that was! I contacted the Sunshine Burger company and made friends with the rep, had breakfast with him and his colleague when they were coming through town.

And so the obvious fruits, veggies and grocery items might be easy to find but meats might be harder to locate. If you have been paying attentions to the headlines, you can get a little worried about all the recalls on meat products. If you start asking around you might find that local colleges and universities might have the names of local agricultural extensions and groups that will provide you can with names of local meat producers who will proudly tell you about their sustainable farms, grass-fed, free-range, etc. If you've seen the video Food, Inc. (available through Amazon.com or check your local libraries) then you probably have a hankering to know where your meat is coming from.

If you're curious, put out feelers and see what's going on in your neck of the woods. In bigger cities it might not be so obvious but there are surrounding rural areas providing their goods. If nothing else, it's a good way to explore your area and make some great new friends.

Vegan for 4 weeks? Doable! (PCRMs 21-Day Vegan Kickstart)

2011-01-03T20:36:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day of the kickstart offered online by PCRM, it's free and a great informational tool. There are no vegan police if you slip and it's on you and only you if you skip a meal or quit.

The first time I did this in August I did it completely vegan, even went for a vegan protein shake to replace my usual one.

I'm not going completely vegan because my morning chocolate health shake - well I'm not going to give it up this time because it makes me feel great and I haven't found anything even close to all the premium ingredients it has for the money. (Plus the company is working on a vegan version so I'll wait.) It's 140 cals by itself but I usually add a banana to it and so it's about 240 cals for my wonderful chocolate treat in the morning. It's supposed to help you stop having cravings EXCEPT for that I crave the shake. Mmmm...so good.

So the Kickstart is something you can sign up for and get the emails and just ... peek into it. No police to say "DO IT!" There's a daily message, video clips, all sorts of cool little tips and tricks they share.

The meal plan is cool, goes out every Saturday so you can plan the week. Plenty of recipes that are tasty and not very complicated.

Again, this is just a cool guideline to have, great recipes that help you use leftovers, etc. If you find something you really like, then make it over and over again, substitute whatever you need to - you don't have to follow the menu exactly. Go easy on yourself, if you do an "all or nothing" you might quit at your first frustration. This is all about easing into this interesting world of healthy food. There are often 2 or 3 opportunities to do a kickstart (they don't ONLY do this in January) so peeking in on this one could be a good way to start some good habits.

List of Health Books I've Read...

2011-01-02T22:29:00.000-08:00

I usually find book titles in the library, referenced in a health magazine, maybe a radio show. I try to follow the credible trail. These are in rough order, starting a few years ago as I began adding this health track to my life. I have a ton of new vegan/vegetarian cookbooks, I’ll add them later.

Reversing Heart Disease (Dean Ornish)

Eat More, Weigh Less (Dean Ornish)

Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes

Fast Food Nation (Eric Schlosser)

What to Eat (Marion Nestle)

Sugar Busters (H. Leighton)

The Eat Clean Diet (Tosca Reno)

The China Study (Thomas M. Campbell II)

Omnivore’s Dilemma (Michael Pollan)

Quantum Wellness (Kathy Freston)

The End of Overeating (David Kessler)

Eat to Live (Joel Fuhrman)

In Defense of Food (Michael Pollan)

Get Healthy Go Vegan (Neal Barnard)

Skinny Bitch (Rory Friedman)

The Kind Life (Alicia Silverstone)

Thrive (Brendan Brazier)
Eating Animals (Jonathan Safran Foer)

DVD’s

Food, Inc. (good introductory documentary on all aspects on food & food production)

Earthlings (warning: this is NOT for the faint of heart, it will change you)

The Cove (what goes on in another country, brought to light by some courageous people)

Not a vegan, Not a vegetarian...but I'm leaning that way

2011-01-02T22:16:00.001-08:00

TofuXpress

That's been my response when people ask me why I’ve been talking about trying different foods (spelt tortillas, beets)and kitchen gadgets and recipes. ("I GOT A TOFU XPRESS!!")

To be clear, I do not call myself a vegetarian or a vegan, although I have leanings toward the food aspects and I’ve been considering the consumerism of it (production, suffering, etc.) When I meet a vegan who says they are a vegan for compassionate reasons, they have my full respect (especially when they take in & use absolutley no items made from animal, from leather jackets to silk to... everything). That kind of level of commitment is admirable. But, I'm not there yet. If anyone calls me a "bleeding heart" or whatever, that's their issue. I'm not going to be one who judges so I hope people on either side can take my clunky journey into this new world. I'm just learning here.

Food-wise, I'm lucky that I've liked fruits & veggies since childhood. But of course, along the way, I learned to love crap too. Fatty, sugary, salty crap. Yummmm, right? Yeah, I know. The pull is there.

I've been eating healthily enough for a while to know that your taste buds change and ...taste again. You can go back in time and, after eating healthy for a while, you'll find that fatty foods coat your tongue and leave a residue, that sugary foods are far too sweet and you just don't need much salt anymore. It takes time and the where-with-all to find the foods you love, fix them and eat them regularly enough for the transformation to happen. Learning where to find proteins and B vitamins and all that...it's a process!

Confessions of a Book Fiend

by Grant Snider

I have been reading A LOT. I have always loved to read and I use reading up on a subject as a foundation for the next action step. Like many people who love to read, there often isn’t enough time to read all the books you want, but more books keep getting added to the list (am I right?). Well, as you may have read in a previous post, I was laid up for a several weeks while I healed from ear surgery. That meant not a lot of physical activity and some issues with balance and dizziness. BUT I COULD READ!!

I took advantage of reading the books I was piling up in my Kindle and had stacked on my bookshelf. Since I was curious about the health ones, I read those first.

My interest in health is not just a hobby; it’s helpful in my business as a Team Beachbody Coach. By NO means do you have to be any sort of expert to be a coach and I am NOT, not even pretending to be, but I like to read and I like to share what I learn and it’s helpful with customers and coaches alike. I try to get information from the best sources I can find and I’m always looking.

I have my own issues with lactose intolerance and I seem to have a sensitivity to wheat or gluten or something so it’s not like I’m new to working around regular foods and trying to find good replacements.

I know people who say “OH! I would DIE if I couldn’t eat cheese!!!” Well, I do without dairy because the consequences are gross and I’m just not going to deal with it. I've found lots of substitutions and replacements over the years and vegans have a LOT of the BEST stuff! I know they're not keeping secrets but I feel like I'm really discovering stuff here. I guess I should save my "finds" for another post; keeping the focus on certain aspects of this journey at a time so you can pick what you want to know about and what you can shelve.

I’m going to list for you the books I have read regarding health that have turned me towards a more vegetarian/vegan path. I also bought a ton of vegan cookbooks, I’ll list those too, I guess. I’ll keep adding to the list so I'll make a separate post. You can find that list here. Until then, consider your food choices...just consider where you learned them, what they were as a child, etc. Just for fun.

Setting goals, reaching goals.

2010-12-31T14:06:00.000-08:00

It’s that time where everyone starts making SOME kind of resolution for the coming year.

What were your goals last year?

Don’t remember?

Did you write them down?

Writing them down is your first step in achieving goals. Here’s how:

Sit down to think about this goal plan when you have time set aside and you are mentally awake & present. Why? Because this is important! If you’re feeling a bit less than energetic when making this plan, it will show in how high you’re shooting and your belief in yourself will be lacking. Go through this list with each of your goals (business, finance, health, family, time management, property, etc). Anything you want to accomplish – apply this list.

***If you have kids, this can be made fun for them by translating it into pictures, which adults also use and make as “vision boards”. Kids are WAY more visually-oriented than the average adult. It keeps kids motivated when they see their favorite family members (“spend more time with grandpa”) family trip pictures (next time I want to ski down that hill by myself), career-oriented pictures (firefighter, logger, sports star, whatever dad is, etc.) on their specially made poster up on their wall. They can add/detract as they live with the poster, it makes it interactive and keeps it on their mind whenever they see it. This activity will really help you connect with your child’s inner wants and needs.

Let's get started:

(In each step below we’ll refer to an example so we’ll take a common one; let’s say you want to lose weight.)

1. Be specific about your goal.
A general a statement doesn’t have enough oomph. You need some drive and power in a statement by really getting into the point of what you want. Set a specific goal.

In our example: Instead of “I want to lose weight” say “I want to lose 5 to 10 pounds." Even better than pounds, aim for those jeans that fit you last year (and you still have) but are now tight. That is very specific and physically present goal that is completely within reach...right in your closet. While there are several variables, one pants/dress size is about 8 pounds. Those pants shouldn’t be a reminder of the inches you’ve gained, they should be the trophy you earn for the inches you’ll lose.

2. Set a realistic goal.
Of all people, YOU know YOU and what you can do and who you are right now. Your starting point needs to be considered. Don’t kid yourself but don’t sell yourself short. Get it set in your head in order to make this goal achievable and sustainable.

In our example: It might be tempting to say “well, 10 years ago I was able to lose weight easy & worked out __ hours a day…” That might not cut it for who you are NOW. Your starting point and circumstances may be different today than they were (sedentary, stressful job, spouse, family, sporting & school events for kids). Adaptations can be made to set aside the time you need, incorporating small changes here and there add up.

3. Establish a plan to reach your goal.
What have others done to reach a similar goal? Don’t re-invent the wheel, learn from others. Go to the library or bookstore, attend seminars, look online for groups that are similarly aimed. Map out the plan with specific steps that will get you to your goal. Arm yourself with knowledge to avoid being tripped up by small challenges. Pick up reputable glossy magazines with pictures to keep your goal in focus.

In our example: “I’ll exercise and eat right” is a good mantra but again, it’s too general. Say things like “I'm going to exercise four times a week” (work out the days that are best for you) and “I'm going to eat smaller portions," (which might mean getting smaller plates for the house and SEEING smaller portions on your restaurant plate, doggie-bagging the rest). Keep athletic shoes in your car. Set up workout appointments with friends. Sign up for a 5k, 10k, marathon training program (I found a local running shoe store has it’s own FREE program).

4. Set a time frame to reach your goal.
Consider you schedule and work within the confines of your life doings. Look at your plan and allow yourself adequate time to get there, but not enough time to get lazy about it. Conversely, if you set an impossible time-frame you set yourself up for failure. Wanting it isn’t enough, you need to give yourself the time to attack this goal full force.

In our example: “I need to lose weight for my reunion, the wedding, the …” That is fine BUT after that special event passes, then what? You’re in this for YOUR life which IS a special event! It’s chock-full of special events from now until forever! Maybe start with thirty days as a manageable goal to start with, and then go from there.

5. WHY are you doing this?

What is your WHY? Keep THAT reason in your mind and at the ready when your energy is lacking and your motivation is flagging and you’re ready to throw in the towel. This reason can be selfish & private or selfless & public or anywhere in between.

In our example: Is your reason that you want to have washboard abs? you want to get off your medications? don’t want to be out of breath after one flight of stairs? you want to play with your kids and be around and vital for your grandkids? you want to look hot in stylish clothes? you want to be proud of what you see in the mirror and the photos you see of yourself on Facebook?

It’s YOUR specific reason and yours alone so there’s no reason to feel weird about it. This is about you being an active participant in your own life. Take charge!

And if you ARE looking to lose weight and get healthy in 2011 or start a business in this area, consider going to EarningFitness.com and selecting a 6-week, 60-day or 90-day workout program that comes complete with nutrition advice and a free coach (Me!).

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011

2010-12-30T20:42:00.000-08:00

January - July
The first 1/2 of 2010 was pretty typical as far as activities and travel and daily life...but in those first 6 months I started to notice that my hearing was going.

People at work seemed to be whispering just beyond my range and while on a trip, in order to not wake up our hotel mate, my friend and I were whispering in the dark and I thought she stopped talking. The next day she asked me if I had a hearing problem. That was in around the beginning of May. From then on it seemed to worsen. People at work were startling me because I didn't hear them come up behind me and I was beginning to try to read lips. I was driving them crazy having to repeat themselves for me. That freaked me out!
I went to the doctor and while the obvious route that most people take for this problem is a hearing aid, there's also surgery. I opted for the surgery. While the surgery is out-patient, the recovery is a bit of a sensory-overload experience. The restrictions were a bummer (no flying, no elevation changes, no running/jostling to head, no lifting over 3lbs to begin with, no head lower than shoulders, no scuba). Since my bf lives in another state, I couldn't travel during that time, no workouts like I like...but at least the scuba wasn't a factor. ha.

SO, August was left ear surgery and I recovered in time for an October visit from a Floridian friend, by that time I could take elevations and we went for a hike in Lassen Volcanic Park, Bumpass Hell. It was SUPER cold that day up there but the steam coming out of the ground was warm (& stinky) and really cool. So I enjoyed that as a break & back to normal activity and then...back in for surgery on my right ear in November. This surgery took a little longer and was a little more involved which meant the recovery took a bit longer. As a matter of fact, my final medical release date was Dec 17 and I wasn't up to snuff. (comparative to the 20/20 you want for your eyesight, you want 10's across the board for your hearing graph. The higher the number, the worse it is. I had some 15's on my right side and my balance wasn't all there yet.) Doc gave me a 2 week extension to better-up, which ends up being the last day of the year: Dec 31st.

I usually don't like waiting until the first of the year as a start date because I make "resolutions" all the time for all sorts of things. HOWEVER, since I've been "man-down!" for so long, it seems that this beginning of 2011 is really going to be a new lease on life. I feel that I am being released to move and jump and hear and BE who I was before August came around and I started the surgeries. I DID get a lot of reading done during the last 6 months, which I'll share with your in future posts. I love reading but am always adding books to my list and not reading enough to catch up; not the case when you have a couple surgeries.

Don't get me wrong, I am happy that I chose to get both surgeries so close together. I'm aware that getting them both so close together was a hindrance to many things, but I would do it over again. The outcome is what I wanted! It took some time but - I can hear!

With my return to my normal life, I intend to blog regularly. So I'll see you later, and hear you if you're within 80 miles of me (Bionic hearing, dontcha know)

2010-09-26T22:47:00.000-07:00

This was posted by Beachbody CEO Carl Daikeler... LOVE it.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

My Dinner With Obama

Well, to be honest, it was supposed to be dinner. But I will get to that in a minute.

I don't bring my politics to this blog unless it coincides with our goal of Helping People Achieve Their Goals To Lead Healthy Fulfilling Lives. But I do want to describe how in one evening I got complete validation that this little business Jon and I started 12 years ago has now evolved from start-up to being worthy of the White House.

Last night we attended an event put on in Philadelphia by the Democratic National Committee featuring a visit with President Obama. Clearly, this was about fundraising, but it was also an opportunity to meet the President and perhaps open some doors.

Jon and I were invited to the event by two attorney-friends from the firm Cozen O'Conner, Mark Alderman who was co-hosting the event, and my long time friend Michael Heller. We got there a half hour early and got coached on "positioning" in the room - literally - how to be at the right place at the right time to not just shake the President's hand, but actually get talk-time.

Time crawled by and the strategy of room-positioning intensified as we saw the security detail move into place. Mark was co-host so he clearly had a right to the first position in the room, but for Jon, Michael and I, it was "block or be blocked". For the next twenty minutes 15 VIP guests tried to subtly jockey to be first. It was "game on", and our intent to be first intensified...

Michael squared up to the left of Jon to block anyone from crossing along the top of the room, while Jon used his giant wingspan to close off the middle. I stood to his right keeping traffic from passing between me and a large table protecting my flank. We looked like we had it nailed, until one guy circled below the tables on an end run. Disaster. Then luckily, they changed doors for the President's entrance, and our position favored the new location. it pays to be lucky.

This is quite literally how the event started, with adults shifting position, eyeing each other up, and Michael and I red-faced with laughter as we urged each other to "box out" the competition. Politics is not pretty people!

At once the door swung open, and in walked Obama. He gave a quick hello and a hug to Mark and then he walked straight up to Jon who said "Hello Mr. President we're the co-founders of Beachbody - This is Carl Daikeler. You might know our products like P90X."

With that Obama moves in and grabs my hand in a handshake and says "P90X! My wife does that. Man, I can hardly keep up with her!"

Did you ever see a fight scene in "The Matrix" when all time and motion come to a stop? That's what happened to me right then as what he said sank into my mind. "The President of the United States just told me that the First Lady was using a product that I came up with one day when I was thumbing through fitness publications at a magazine rack in 2002. The President. His wife does P90X."

In a blink, time returned to normal and I seized the opportunity to cram my entire agenda into one comment; "We've heard a lot of people in the White House are using the program, and we're all really proud of the work the First Lady is doing with the Let's Move campaign in fact we think that to really turn around childhood obesity it's critical that the parents are the example (BREATH) that's what's so impressive about what she's doing because she's a role model that hard work of real fitness is worth it and we'd love to talk to you both sometime about what we're doing with Team Beachbody which is really changing the health and fitness model and is getting more parents accountable (BREATH) which is showing the kids that fitness is not just something we're SAYING is important it's something we're SHOWING them is important by taking on."

Then the President interrupts me and says "I totally agree. We definitely want to hear more about what you are doing - and I mean that." He turns to his entourage and says "Let's make sure of that ok guys? I want to make sure we follow up and connect with them to hear what these guys are doing."

The President turns back toward Jon and I and says "Hey you two guys look like you're in good shape, I guess you know what you're doing!" At which point Michael breaks in and says "Why didn't you say that when you looked at me?" which drew a big laugh from the entire party. Attorneys always get the laugh.

With that I got an "attaboy!" slap on the arm from the President as he walked by and the next wave of hand shakes reached in.

Jon and I looked at each other in disbelief. "Did that just happen?" It was as if we threaded a needle as it ran by, surrounded by press and donors. "Yes, that really. did. happen."

Mark Alderman then stepped in and said "I heard what the President said, so let's lock this in guys" at which point we walked over to the President's two "body men" to give them our business cards, only to learn that one of them also had just completed a few weeks of P90X, and that- in their words - "the entire White House is using P90X."

A few minutes later we went into a room for photos. As my turn approached, the person across from the President whispered something, and the President says "I know these guys, come in here and let's get a picture guys." I took one, then Jon.

A little later, the President gave a brief speech, which was refreshingly similar to the message we ascribe to at Beachbody; That the mess we got into took a long time and a series of complex decisions and circumstances in order to materialize. It's taking hard work, sacrifice and persistence to turn things around, and every bit of progress is easy to second guess because it's easy to forget how bad things had gotten and how close we were to total collapse of the system. People needed to take action and they did. But the work is not over. We still must have a plan, and we must not make the same mistakes that got us where we are today.

I was gratified to hear the President re-emphasize the importance of solving the health care crisis as the number one lever for cutting the deficit. It is not lost on me that Team Beachbody has the potential to make more of an impact on that than any other force in the country. And of all the things that made me proud at that event, that makes me the most proud. I truly believe that. No other business model has such a radical potential to turn things around. It's not going to be easy. But we knew that. We all signed up to take this on, to make a difference, and we know we're a long way from success. We have to stay committed and we have to stay focused on what we know works.

With some closing remarks and a standing ovation the President left before dinner was served to return to Washington, and Michael, Jon and I ducked out to catch the rest of the Phillies vs. Atlanta game.

Footnote: To top it all off, while at the baseball game I got a text from an industry friend who said she was attending a trade-group board dinner. One of the board members, an executive at one of our competitors, broke out a mini-blender during the meeting, plugged it into the wall, and mixed himself a batch of Shakeology.

Things are happening. People appreciate the real thing. Word is getting out there aboutTeam Beachbody, because we refuse to give up. We know we have the solution, and we know it's worth the effort to share these tools with everyone we meet.

Thank you for never giving up!

If you're reading this and you think you want to be a part of TeamBeachbody, Let's do it!

The Shakeology Cleanse - Priming your body for life

2010-07-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

The Shakeology Cleanse was developed and checked out by the creators of the product and those who worked with it extensively with test groups.

This cleanse is excellent as an entry into your best inner fitness, your chance to shatter a plateau and melt off some lbs. in a quick and nutritionally sound manner. The plan they laid out is as follows:

Using: Chocolate or Greenberry Shakeology

(adding the fiber supplement if your system is already used to fiber and you could use more)

SHAKEOLOGY 3-DAY CLEANSE

The basics:

3 SHAKEOLOGY Shakes a day
2 Cups of Green Tea a Day
1 piece of fruit a day
1 salad for dinner
Only white grilled protein in salad (poultry/fish)

For Maximum results:

No Dairy or extra sugars

Only Low Fat Dressings.

You can put your 2 snacks before/after any of the MAJOR MEALS-Breakfast Lunch & Dinner

The fruit is optional, some of you will need the calories where others won't. People who aren't looking to lose weight & are in good athletic condition may include the fruit.

*** For maximum results NO additives, no substitutions.

REPEAT 3 Days in a row.

1 cup of green tea
(Recommended: Triple Leaf Detox Tea)

BREAKFAST:
Shakeology 140 calories
1 scoop
½ cup of fruit (60-90 calories)-optional
add ice
8-10 oz of water

SNACK (85 calories)
1 piece of fruit
- Apple, pear, orange, banana mango, etc

LUNCH::
Shakeology (140 calories)
1 scoop
Add ice
10 oz of water

1 cup of green tea
Recommended: Triple Leaf Detox Tea

SNACK:
(either snack here or after dinner one or the other)
Shakeology (140 calories)
1 scoop
Add ice
8-10 oz of water

DINNER:
Salad Grilled white fish or poultry (340 calories)

SNACK:
(either snack here or after dinner one or the other)
Shakeology (140 calories)
1 scoop
Add ice
8-10 oz of water

You want in? Check out www.NinasShake.com

Even though I thought I half-assed it, the Turbo Fire workout got it ALL done.

2010-07-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

Today I popped in Fire55ez, one of the bazillion workouts in TurboFire, the latest program out from Chalene Johnson through Beachbody. I was a bit...afraid. After a great start to the program I went on vacation, a yearly vacation/eatfest/drinkfest that some of my bestest friends from around the country make a point of attending. We love each other and are SO far from each other that we make it a point to gather here. In our regular lives we all workout, we all try to eat clean and make good choices on a daily basis but MAN, we just throw away any rules away when we get together. I think the word gluttony would fit in. We all just make that choice and don't feel guilt, and it opens the door to pure enjoyment of tastes and items of food that we only have once a year. And while we dress nice enough,we end up with stains from food, liquid, we sweat like crazy in the humidity and the women decide that make-up is a dumb idea (it sweats off within 3 minutes of application). Deoderant is important. And now I have 2 weeks before I hit my last vacation of this summer, a shorter and more controlled/sedate vacation that will include being a tourist, lots of walking and sightseeing. When I get back from that, I'll be doing TurboFire SOLID to the end of the year. Any mini-vacations or loong weekends won't interfere because a couple double-days would be easy (schedule-wise).

So, as I said, today...after a week break from it, I put in Fire55ez and...waited. I put on my TurboFire bra (I bought an industrial one just for this workout program), I put on my Polar Heart Rate Monitor and I put my shoes on while it loaded.
I went all out until after the second turbo fire. I looked at my HRM and it says 29 minutes, 216 cals. Not bad! I wanted to quit because my feet were hurting. Yes I was panting hard because I had given it my all but my FEET were just ... aching. I could have stopped. I'm at home - nobody's watching, I "worked out" right? Yes. HOWEVER I knew that:
1) my feet would recover in a minute
2) I had less than 30 minutes to go
3) I didn't want to quit without hitting at least 300 cals.

So while the TurboFire crew was taking a one-minute recovery, I took an extra minute. I hit pause (the beauty of home workout videos) I watched my HRM count down another minute. My huffing was calmed and my feet were better so I got up, hit play....I was back in it.

I never quite got back to my full-on first half. I was going through the motions at first, it took about 6 minutes for me to get my "second wind", right when Chalene SAID that very thing. But still, my second wind was...more like a breeze. But I kept going. I worked my way through both finales without jumping & stomping but I finished all the way to the end. I never got back to the level of "whoop whoop" but I got it done.

I checked my HRM: 52 minutes, 506 calories.
So you see, while my first 29 minutes were all out energy and my last 23 were just barely hanging on, I burned 290 calories in that second half! That first half was carrying me through and I'm going to be riding the afterburn all the way through the day.

I can now say "yes - I worked out!" instead of hanging my head if I would have quit without hitting my usual goal of any workout (the 300 cal mark). Some days that's all you can do and that's fine but I KNEW that my feet were a temporary excuse and I COULD do more. And nobody would know, right? I WOULD KNOW.

And with all the "letting go" that I did on vacation, I also know that it is just that: Vacation. My day to day has to be conscious and deliberate in all aspects in order for me to pay the respect to myself that I deserve. Turbo Fire is a gift to myself.

Mr Horton Goes to Washington

2010-07-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

Tony Horton has been going to Washington, he's addressed congress, put them through workouts, they've loved them. He's been invited back to address our military fitness standards and those of recruits. We have many awesome Americans who are proud of this country and want to serve - however they can't pass the physical training tests to even get IN. His message - you can workout anywhere, anytime - he has specialized in the moves that you can do in a hotel room, small space, and not every workout needs weights.
The picture above is from his address to the National Press Club that appeared on C-SPAN (Tony Horton on C-SPAN, I'm SO jazzed!) And today his visit was covered by CNN CRAZY! I love it I love it I love it.

After he addressed the National Press Club he worked them out, RIGHT THERE. Then there was a 10K outside in the sunshine that Tony led.

Congress is working out with Tony. Our military folks are working out with Tony. Why aren't you?
He has a ton of workouts for every level so you don't have to feel like you have to go extreme right out of the gate. I'll help you pick the one for you, just give me a holler!

Another of our trainers goes to Washington!

2010-07-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

We've had Tony Horton go to Washington D.C. and workout with Congress, we just had another one make a mark - Donna Richardson Joyner

Alongside a couple doctors, former Olympians and notable Americans,
We have on of our own on the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition!
Who is Donna Richardson Joyner? She is the trainer for our Body Gospel, the faith-based program that is catching on with church groups and people who want to focus on their fitness in honoring His gift of life. It's a really great, inspirational program that is helping folks get results.
Here's the part about her:

Donna Richardson Joyner, Appointee for Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition
Donna Richardson Joyner is a fitness instructor who has spent more than 20 years working to educate, empower, and energize children, women, and families about living healthy lifestyles. She has starred in more than 25 award-winning fitness videos, including “Sweating in the Spirit,” and “Body Gospel.” Ms. Richardson Joyner has served on the Women’s Sports Foundation Board of Trustees, is an advisory board member for the Boys and Girls Club of America, and serves on the national advisory board of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity. She has lectured and conducted wellness seminars at schools and community centers in more than 30 countries. In 2006 Ms. Richardson Joyner was inducted into the Fitness Hall of Fame and named by Essence Magazine as one of the 25 most inspiring women in America.

You can read the rest of the press release here.

P90X One on One Series, add your move to it!

2010-07-05T18:24:00.000-07:00

You have the chance to add a move into a

Tony Horton workout!

It begins tomorrow! Fans of P90X (or any other Tony program), we want you to submit a video clip of your most unique workout moves. YOU the community will then vote on all entries and decide who makes it to the finals! Winners will receive prizes like a 1-year subscription to P90X One on One, a YEAR supply of P90X Results & Recovery Formula, and consideration of your killer move, to be featured in an upcoming P90X One on One workout! Join the fun on the (official) P90X® facebook page!

The Spawn of P90X

2010-07-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

I've been a One on One subscriber since the beginning, LOVE the random workout surprise that comes at me every month to be able to make endless hybrids and NEVER get bored. Well, Volume 1 is done, Volume 2 is currently out and now a new name and the official announcement that:
P90X One on One® Is Finally Here! Tony is dedicating Volume 3 to be his “test kitchen” where he hammers out new workouts for the next P90X. The P90X sequel will go by the name “P90X:MC2” (MC2 stands for Muscle Confusion 2), and is scheduled to launch in late 2011. Every subscriber who purchases all 12 discs of P90X One on One, Volume 3 gets a 50% discount on P90X:MC2!!!!! BRING IT!!!

So, all of you who've done P90X can move on to P90X+ (shorter, just as intense workouts heavy on push/pullups, lots of sweat) OR, the P90X One on Ones. It's just going to be THAT much more fun to be the guinea pigs for the next generation P90X, "P90X:MC2" The Spawn of the X. Get on the list now so you know when it's available!

Turbo Fire? yes - TURBO FIRE!!!!!

2010-06-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

I have it, FINALLY.
Last year I went to TurboCamp and they tested some TurboFire on us, then at Summit, they let out the info and a huge teaser for it, all the info & the release date.
It was worth it.
I got the complete package which includes more workouts and other coolness.

TURBO FIRE
This program is Fire (cardio), Core, Tone, Stretch and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)
Fuel the Fire (nutrition booklet)
The Turbo Tracker is a nifty little booklet, great motivational tips from Chalene, tracks your days food, calorie counter...all in a pocket size.

The workouts are TIGHT.
The workouts are filmed as if you're in Chalene's live class (yes, as busy as she is, she still teaches). So instead of traditional workouts where the workout folks are all looking at you, you're looking at Chalene and 2 buddies on stage and then the rest of the people are beside your vantage point, floating camera catching glimpses of your workout class pals. I've been in Chalene's live classes before, the energy is OFF THE CHARTS. They did a really good job of capturing that here.
The choice of "New to Class" is awesome and I appreciate it. I'm familiar with Chalene's 11 moves that carry through her other programs but I know that she's too innovative for me to think "I got this". So with choosing that option, her quick breakdown of the moves and a run-through is shown before we get into it. Less awkward flailing from me trying to learn on the fly! (which is what I do in live classes) Next time, or the time after that, I can do it without the "New to Class" and just do the whole thing straight through.
FIRE DRILLS - You hear the fire alarm, these are her go-all-out minutes, then you recover, then do it again.
MODIFIER MOVES - I was glad to see that a woman on the stage was doing all the moves and incorporating alternatives for the jumping moves for those that either have limitations or just don't like jumping. Her moves still drive the intensity because she is focussed on form and the depth of a squat, etc.

The music is pure DJ Chalene. She mixes great snaps and unleashes them, her moves with her mixes are what keeps that pounding undercurrent driving the energy up up up.

The schedules are something that you can choose from, they accommodate everyone.
It has a 5 DAY INFERNO plan to get FAST results for those people who need that quick proof and want BIG results to keep them motivated.
For those of us - it has a couple of calendars "Class Schedules" to plan for the months ahead.
The PREP SCHEDULE is for you to ... prime yourself. It isn't exactly easy, but it does stave off the HIIT until the 6th week.
Then the regular CLASS SCHEDULE which just throws you into the fire feet first.
The HYBRID SCHEDULE is for those of us who have ChaLean Extreme, it incorporates these two programs for maximum cool.
So basically, you have a year's worth of workouts. Crazy good.

Shakeology cleanse Shakeology 3-day cleanse what is it?

2010-04-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

Steve Edwards is the fitness/nutrition expert/guinea pig for Beachbody - products don't reach the customers without Steve going through every detail. Here's an excerpt from his blog regarding the cleanse, why do it, how, etc.

It came as an evolution of a cleanse I’d done using Shakeology as a substitute for our (BB) current fasting formula. Spruced it up a bit, we turned it loose on our test groups, and voila!

I’ve just returned from a weekend in Moab for Romney’s birthday (and birthday challenge, report coming soon). Along with a fair amount of exercise we did a fair amount of reveling. I mean, it’s the off-season and pints are two bucks around town and what else are you going to do on a birthday weekend? Therefore, even though I spent four to six hours each day running around I feel like pig that’s been fattened for slaughter, making this a perfect time to flush my system and bring everything back into homeostasis.
This is a performance-oriented system designed to support hard training. It’s not the Master Cleanse. The goal is to promote flushing junk from your system and regulating hydration levels. It’s calorically restricted to be sure. But in its 1500 or so calories will be more nutrients than most people get by eating well over twice that amount. The key is caloric efficiency; getting the most nutrients possible out of the fewest number of calories.

It’s too fat restrictive for a lifestyle plan. I’m on a low cal cycle of the ABCDE diet so it’s the kick start to that. After three days I’ll roll this into a 1600 calorie a day plan with additional calories added for sports performance only—this means targeted calories consumed during and immediately after workouts don’t count in the daily total.

The plan consists of three Shakeology shakes* a day with a salad in the evening. If the shakes are plain (Shakeology and water only) I can add three pieces of fruit. The salad is unrestricted as far as veggies go, with 4 ounces of a protein source (if it’s meat or fish and slightly more if it’s a veggie source like legumes), and two tablespoons of an olive oil/vinegar dressing. For fatty acids, each salad will also contain a tablespoon of chia seeds (or flaxseed or hempseed). Plenty of water washes it all down. Coffee, tea, and herb teas are fine as long as they are sans additives, as all are performance enhancing. In three days I plan feel recovered from the weekend and ready to roll into my final prep phase for the Copper Canyons.

* Any meal replacement or protein shake could be substituted but I’d recommend adding at least a greens formulation to this to try and equate Shakeology’s 70 ingredients.

So that's it! Shakeology is only available through your coach, that would be me!

11 Life Law of Fitness by Tony Horton

2010-04-18T19:44:00.000-07:00

The following is written by Tony Horton, well-known trainer for the company that I'm a coach for. Simple, stellar advice from the man.

1. Variety: You avoid boredom, injury and plateaus. Do those things you are afraid to do.

2. Consistency: You are only good at stuff you do often. You should exercise 5-6 times a week. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

3. Intensity: Go hard! Add a rep, add weight. Don’t jeopardize the form. If you go only 8 reps, go 9. Go lower on your pushups, whatever, but go at it hard.

4. Purpose: Why are you doing it? Whatever your motivation, keep it going. Your real reason should be health, fitness, quality of life, getting sick less and having less injuries. Be aware that your purpose changes, but keep at it.

5. Reality: If you are 14 and weigh 100lbs you won’t be a linebacker in a football team. You are either an ectomorph, mesomorph or endomorph. Skinny, muscular or really big person. Stop trying to shape your body into someone you are not. If you are trying to manipulate reality with some fantasy you are always going to come up short. It’s just better to be really fit and healthy, authentic and unique. Be you rather than a fake celebrity or other version of you that you were never made to be. Just be happy with who you are. It takes time. Most people want what this person has. But most of the time what that person has, 9 out of 10 times, what they have ain’t all that great. Be unique, stand out, be yourself, be different and people will be drawn to that rather than your version of someone else. Just be you.

6. Sport or Play: People who get involved in sports accelerate their fitness levels. Don’t be afraid to experiement with different sports (see # 1). Do kayaking, cross country running. Do something, anything. Go out and play.

7. The Plan: If you don’t have a plan or system, you are screwed. Get a calendar or pda or whatever, schedule it in. Have an appointment. You make appointements for everything else, why not your meals, your exercise. Put it in your bathroom, your refrigerator and your front door. I work out 6 days a week and only 1 or 2 times a month by myself. If I didn’t have people to push me, I would blow it off. I find like-minded people and they make me successful. Have a plan. Successful people have a plan. I have these little note pads all over my house. Everywhere I am I write my ideas and then I put it all together and get through it so I am not so scatter brained. I keep writing it down and I accomplish it.

8. Rest and Sleep: It’s an uphill battle all the time. 7.5 to 8 hours of sleep. Your body recovers during sleep. Sleep is healing. No sleeping, no healing. Stress is how you are going to deal with life. Just let it go. If you sleep, you will have less stress. If you have these little notepads, you will be able to write things down, get them off of your mind and you will be able to sleep better.

9. Loving it: Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life. Find something you love to do.

10. Flexibility: Don’t become a robot doing the same thing over and over again. Get variety into your workouts, stretch and do some yoga. If you work on your flexibility now, it will impact the rest of your life later.

11. Food and Supplements: You are what you eat. It is your fuel. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats. Finally, vitamins supplement the food you are eating. You need extra vitamins to help you recover. Make sure you get some quality supplements for your nutrition needs and take them. Don't let them sit on your shelf.

JAKE OWEN THROWS DOWN A P90X CHALLENGE!!

2010-03-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

2009 ACM Top New Male Vocalist,Grammy-Award nominated American country music artist, Jake Owen has issued a P90X challenge! He wants to see who has the best results beginning April 1st. (Take good “before” shots on that day!)

He is going to fly the top two winners to Malibu to a houseboat and hang out with them all day! If you want to get in on this challenge, it's EASY! Just ...follow this link, http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/Neeeena?bctid=25219321001 to get your P90X and get me as your FREE coach!!! Good luck! Let's do this! Here's his throwdown:

He’ll release full rules of engagement on his site: jakeowen.net (that's where the picture is borrowed from)
Ready?????

Ok ok, I’ve had some people asking…just what do you do?

2010-03-03T21:46:00.000-08:00

I am my own health care plan

I am my own stimulus package

What am I?

I’m a Beachbody Coach!

What’s a coach? 

Beachbody refers to their reps as “coaches”. Coach is an appropriate word because we are more than just “distributors” or “reps”. We sell and suggest fitness products and workouts, but in being a “coach” we invest ourselves in the people who invest in the product. We want them to be their best and we have the tools to help them.

What qualifications do you need to be a coach? 

If you have the desire to be your best, to reach your goals and to help others reach theirs – then that’s you! Anyone can be a coach! (well, if you’re 18 years old or older) If you want this experience for yourself, you can sign up today. Beachbody wants you to join the TeamBeachbody Army (they don’t call it that, I do) The coaching business is a home-based business working as a coach people reach out to to get fit! If you have certifications, degrees, or years of experience working in the fitness industry that’s great, however – not required. Shocked? All that is needed is for you to be an example and share your successes with others! If you are committed and dedicated to staying accountable, you can help others become accountable in their goals too. We appreciate the fitness professionals who join us and expand their clientelle just as much as we love to have someone who is just beginning to find the fitness in their lives.  And as our team says, "You're in this business for yourself, but not by yourself". I'll help train you, the company has a ton of tools for you to use and you have a whole big team with you that will keep us current on a weekly basis.

What’s the “job description” of a coach? Just what is it I do?

That depends on you. The way you want to work it into your existing life will be your business (because it’s YOUR business). I know folks who do this 6-8 hours a week, I also know people who have thrown themselves into it and left their “day jobs” to become full time coaches and tripling their salaries from their previous job. So, it’s different for everyone and I encourage you to talk to me about the possibilities for you. As far as your job description: Sharing what you’re doing is really all it takes. As a coach, you have the ability to sell any Beachbody item in their expansive catalog, ( equipment, nutritionals, workout videos, accessories) Just start telling your story and letting people know of your new business venture. You’ll be surprised how quickly the word will spread. You’ll find it amazing how many people already know about the products. Now it’s just letting them know that YOU are the way to get them! If you spend your time getting in touch with your own network and circle around you, you will have the greatest gains in your business because of the dedication that you have for one another. If they become coaches as well and start their own businesses, you build your down line team of coaches. You build by helping them build and sharing the fitness and health revolution.

OK, let me have it…how much are the fees? 

Hard to believe but you can start your own business pretty inexpensively.

Sign-up cost: $39.95   This includes your Business Kit which will be shipped to you (s/h extra) and your FIRST month’s fee of your personal Coaching Webpage.

Monthly Webpage Fee: $14.95 Your webpage & online office will serve you in multiple ways. Beachbody automatically updates and maintains your webpage! They feed the current information into it. You personalize it with your photo and bio and you’re up, ready for business 24/7. Your customers can make purchases from your virtual store, sign up for the club membership so they can receive 10% discount on any item they buy, your page is also for signing up your coaches!  Your coach online office is just that - this is the hub for your coaching business. You will securely access this to build, maintain, and watch your business grow from your down line coaches to your weekly pay checks, see your customer activity and communicate with them.  Also, you’ll see all that you need to build your business in the tools that Beachbody provides you (training, video library, retail clips, etc)

Now think about that...you are sort of buying into a franchise... have you seen the buy-in costs of a franchise? This is unbelievably low.

Oh, and about that “club membership” I just mentioned…

This Club is an OPTIONAL choice for you: Club Membership: $38.87(4 times a year total- billed quarterly)  As a club member, you will have access to additional goodies available to you on your webpage. As a customer there are so many great extras to being in the club (shopping lists, contests, etc) As a coach, the best reason to be a part of this is Beachbody’s Lead Generation Program.  As an active Emerald coach, you will be given free customer from Beachbody! Beachbody spends over 100 million dollars each year in advertising. (which is why most people say – “oh, yeah, I’ve seen that”) At this time, we have the #1 & # 2 infomercials on TV, (P90X & Insanity) When those TV-watching customers contact Beachbody to purchase something or to get more involved, Beachbody assigns those contacts to Active Emerald (& higher) coaches!

Wait. What? Beachbody GIVES coaches customers? 

Yes, yes they do. Reach the basic level of EMERALD and maintain and active status, and you will receive customers in your database every other day, or everyday, depending on business that day. Beachbody receives about 30 to 50,000 customer leads a week! (Yes, even in this recession we’re in. And that’s a lot of people right? So you see, you KNOW these people) Those new customers get assigned to the next active emerald coach (or higher) in line. You will earn commissions from these customers repeat business and you will also earn bonus Commissions off of their club dues (billed and paid quarterly).

Commissions and bonus commissions? 

Any sales to customers of products from your website or directly from yourself- 25% commission.  Customers who join the club membership- you earn 50% of their quarterly membership dues. Personally sponsored coaches who are in the club membership earn you 50% commission. Aaand- your downline team will be banking points as they build business, they will cycle and you will see those cycle bonuses pay out when they bank a certain amount of points.  Customers in the Club Membership- you receive 15% commission on any of their purchases.  As a Beachbody Coach, you get a 25% discount on any item you personally want to purchase as well! 

How much inventory do I have to stock?

None. This is a virtual business operated via a webstore that is provided to you by Beachbody. You can take advantage of your 25% discount to purchase items for yourself at any time however no “inventory” is necessary. Your customers order through your webstore and the items go straight to them, you don’t have to handle anything. Even the customer service and returns are handled by your webstore force!

I’m interested but I’m already just SO busy! 

You’d be surprised at how many times the conversation ANYWHERE will turn to losing weight. Someone complains about their level of fitness, complain about their clothes being tight, feeling lethargic, etc. Opportunities to share are everywhere.

It’s just about weaving it into who you are and sharing with with others, if you are committed to your own fitness program, then it’s a very natural thing to talk about.

I’m already in the fitness business, how does becoming a coach benefit me?

If you’re a fitness trainer, gym owner, teach group classes, this benefits you, your clients and their families even more than what you can provide them now. As a coach you’ll now have some great tools in your arsenal that will serve to reach beyond the client in front of you. As your client, they’ve probably shared a lot of their family fitness foibles with you. You will be able to offer them programs for their wee kids, teens, their parents, the aunt with diabetes, you name it. The client in front of you is the person who values you and they will value your opinion of programs for those they love. Let’s face it, not every person in the family can afford to go to a trainer or gym, or maybe they’re just not “sweat in public” people. You can reach them now. As a trainer you get paid for face time. As a coach, you can reach so many more and still see those commissions come in and the success stories double.

Sounds good but what if it doesn’t float my boat?  

Then you can cancel. You can cancel in your first 30 days, and be completely refunded the first months fees. After the first 30, you can cancel at anytime and only be out the amount of time you were in the business. If you consider canceling first consider that if you decide you want to rejoin: you will lose your seniority position, lose the level you were once in the company and you’ll have to wait a 6-month period from your cancellation date before you can join us again.

Click here if you want to sign up, you'll see a note indicating that NEEEENA will be your Coach. That’d be me! If you still have questions, email me at www.beachbodycoach.com/neeeena J

P.S.

Beachbody has been in the process of registering with the Canadian governement. We hope this process will be complete in 2010. We also have plans to extend the opportunity to numerous other countries. At press time, only USA, USA Territories and Military locations can sign up as a coach.

EASY FOOD GUIDE...

2010-03-03T06:30:00.000-08:00

Before Beachbody became a huge company with over 150 workouts, the most basic of food guides was created and included in their programs, called Michi's Ladder.

The most basic list of foods to stick with, top 2 or 3 Tiers of Michi's Ladder, sign on to your teambeachbody account. Go to EAT SMART Tab and you'll find it there.

If you are not a FREE BeachBody community member, go to click this link to join so you can have access to Michi's Ladder. I will also become your free coach.

CHOICES

2010-02-17T22:03:00.000-08:00

It's strange when people ask me "do those workout programs that you sell really work?"
All of those folks on the infomercials for P90X, Turbo Jam, Insanity, Slim in 6...all those success stories happened. I know some of those people.
I also know a lot of people who had success and then backslid. I am one of those people, I know many others. But, because I know people who bought a program, got fit and STAYED fit...I see the pattern SO clearly..

The motto is "Decide. Commit. Succeed."
Sounds simple enough and, if you REALLY do one before the other, fully, then it works.

However, if you only do something halfway...how could you expect anything but halfway results?

If you workout - you need to power your newly functioning body properly with good healthy power-packed foods. You need to hydrate, you need to rest and recover, you need to get the supplements your body needs, and you need to enjoy it.
In short, you need to pay attention to YOU.
People think that this is selfish. It is. It's Self-CARE. In giving to yourself, you have a more "quality you" to give for others around you. You know it's true.

So while it all seems SOOOO complicated, it's really not.
It's all about choices, you make a million of them every day but the ones I'm talking about are about your fitness:
You make a choice every day - to workout or not.
You make a choice with the food you put in your mouth. Every time you open your mouth. I hear people say they don't know what to eat. I'm hear for you to ask, the Beachbody Club guides you with a high-powered beam through that dark maze.
Now you don't have to feel "all or nothing" about all this, just eeeeeeaaase into it. A couple days a week. Hey, just ONE day a week to start. Just make that decision. Am I saying to get the hardest program? Nope - walk. Take the spouse, take the pet, take the children..or take the time for yourself. Just moving a little bit will make you feel a lot better.
For all the things you think you don't know, you hear things, you know things, you know how you feel after you make lousy fried, fatty, sugary foods all the live-long day. If you think antacids are your friend, think again. (ugh, don't get me started!)

Listen, (or, er...look).. http://teambeachbody.com/eat-smart/michis-ladder is a general guide, a simple breakdown of the way best food choices to feed a body, the further up you stay on the ladder, the better your body will feel, look, and perform.

So start with the basics: moving more, eating better. It's all your choice.

SLEEEEEEP

2010-01-31T23:35:00.000-08:00

I say it all the time: take care of yourself by eating nutritious foods, getting restful sleep and working it all out with a good workout, sports, or whatever you choose for play in your life.

well I didn't practice what I preach. and I paid the price.

During the holiday break I stayed up past EVERYONE's bedtime. I took great pleasure in the quietude of 2am. It's not as though my days are full of noise and people and cell phone and on and on, but really, at 2am there are NO interruptions (and hey, if you DO get interrupted then you'd better have your cellphone handy to dial 9-1-1!)

I read a lot, I listened to satellite radio, I re-discovered tv programs that I had forgotten existed...

and then a funny thing happened when I had to go back to the office. I didn't change my sleep schedule. (or..non-sleep schedule).

That didn't last long. I had hammered my immunity level down far enough to freely accept the first germ that wafted my way.

I got a cough & cold. Willing it away didn't work.

In my best "eat/sleep/play" mode, I don't get sick. I watch those around me fall like dominoes as they pass the germs from one to another, the germs not able to permeate my immunity shield.

Well without sleep, I allowed a giant crack in the shield. Every night I went without my 6-8 hours I just let that crack travel further and further.

And guess what happens when you get sick? You don't eat much (my throat hurt even when water & soup went down) and FORGET about working out. I was a snotty mess.

And so those 3 things: eat/sleep/play. Nothing. I was a slug.

Do you know what happens when you suddenly find yourself depending on cough drops and going through Kleenex after Kleenex box? You long for the days of eat/sleep/play and, if you had the strength, you'd kick yourself for throwing that out the window. It lasted SO MUCH LONGER than it should have too. Ugh, what a dummy.

I am so appreciative of the health that I usually have - once I get 100% again, I'm going KEEP myself healthy.

I urge you to learn from my stoooopid mistake.

it's simple:

eat nutritious foods that taste good and are good for you.

get good restorative sleep to power you through your day.

workout, play sports, just get moving doing whatever makes you happy.

You ward off sickness, stress, you're more alert and more positive with those around you, you LIVE!

Get out there and live. :)

SHAKEOLOGY contest - how easy is this?

2010-01-11T21:18:00.000-08:00

Ok, you wonder what Shakeology is. Click HERE and read about it. It's a pretty cool website, really easy to navigate, info galore. So much good stuff, so much good taste.
It's soooooo good. But I know, I know...how do you buy something taste-untested?
Go to my beachbody webpage and hit "contact me" if you have any questions.

Now,did you notice? on the Shakeology website there's a little box in the top corner that looks like this box (on the left)
click on it and you'll see how amazingly easy it is to submit a chance to win $1000. The picture of me on the right, with my package of Shakeology and a short little info sheet (simple rules right?) AND PRESTO!!! my name is in the bucket to win that grand for that week. (you'll see that there is a "no purchase necessary" clause as well- an alternate form to fill out without having purchased it)
And every week that you do it, you have that chance.

And did you see below that? $5000 for a Shakeology Success Story Contest Winner. yep. $5K So many ways to win a little money while your health just gets better and better.

Friends helping Friends helping Friends

2010-01-10T17:04:00.000-08:00

Friends. I love them for support and laughter and well, for life. I give, I get, I ask, they provide, it's a never-ending quid pro quo that is SO natural that it's not even noticed by either party.
It's strange how I began my relationship with Beachbody by watching TV, alone and late at night, probably eating some crappy junk food. I ordered P90 off of an infomercial. What I discovered is that with that purchase came a community. There are so many people willing to help you, and are either at the same point you are or WERE and want to just ...get better. I became one of them. I became completely immersed in all the positive of it all. I made friends online. I couldn't believe that I was making friends online because...well, I always thought that was 'yucky'. Little did I know that there was 'the other internet" Not the one I always saw on Dateline, with the underbelly of society using the internet as a tentacle to do evil things.
Years have now passed and I have continued to make friends of the same mind-set, finding that it's so much easier to communicate when you don't have to explain so much of yourself. Like-mindedness... it doesn't mean you're completely the same but that your overall goals and way you go about in life is enough the same that you will keep each other moving forward.

I am part of a team of scores of people that are like that. We want to live the best life that is available to us, in every way. And if you want to get there, reach out and ask a friend if they want that too. Formulate a plan. Where's that new year resolution right about now? What do YOU want? Reach out to a friend, a group of friends, together - you're better.

You may only know me on the internet, but I can be that support if you like. Together, we're better.

Opportunity Event Featuring Tony Horton in Lincoln, Nebraska!

2010-01-05T19:03:00.000-08:00

Tony Horton goes to Lincoln, NE this weekend. Crazy to leave California weather for the Brrrrrrr but there's going to be a gathering there of people like you and me, health-conscious and wanting to spread the love. It's an EVENT with Tony being the guest. Traci Morrow will also be there (Master's Series, P90X+ and Tony Horton Fitness Camp Host). So if THEY can get there with the weather being what it is, hopefully YOU can get there to greet them!!

Tell them Nina said Hi!!!

It's time to....

2010-01-01T21:41:00.000-08:00

DECIDE.

Seriously, this is the real deal. Click on the word "Decide" and get a peek at what I'm doing. If you are interested in seeing a webinar (from the comfort of your own home, no strings) let me know, they are held on Monday evenings. Just sayin' Beachbody is a great company.

2010 California restaurant law begins: trans fats nixed in restaurant cooking

2010-01-01T17:18:00.001-08:00

Today's the day! California restaurants will be fined if they use trans fats under a state law that was signed in 2008. Restaurants were given one year to stop using trans fats. Bakeries are still exempt from the law – they need to comply beginning in January 2011. California is the first state to bar restaurants from cooking with trans fat, but some US cities – including Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia – already have a ban in place.

Trans fats have been linked to a myriad of known health problems like clogged arteries, strokes, and coronary heart disease. Trans fats are created when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil, a process called hydrogenation meant to improve the shelf life and enhance the flavor of foods. The process turns liquid oils into solid fats, such as shortening or stick margarine. As products get more solid, trans fats levels increase. You still have to check labels on items you buy, but restaurants are supposed to take care of that for you.

Locally some restaurants known for their greasy foods are surprised that their food is tasting better, customers noticed it although they can't describe the difference, they just note a difference. Good news.

Assemblyman Tony Mendoza, D-Artesia, is the author of the ban; Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the measure (Assembly Bill 97) in 2008.
The law affects oil, shortening and margarine used in spreads or for frying. Restaurants can be punished for serving dishes with more than .5 grams of trans fat per serving. Monitoring will be done by routine restaurant inspections that have already been conducted by local health departments. Violators may be fined up to $1,000. We have trans fat cops!!

Bakeries have an additional year to comply because their products are harder to adapt to the stipulations.

Enjoy & Celebrate and Appreciate!

2009-12-24T19:47:00.000-08:00

☮☯❆❆º°¨¨✞¨¨°ºMERRYº°¨¨°º❆☮☯☮❆º°¨¨°ºCHRISTMASº°¨¨✞¨¨°º❆❆☯☮
☮☯❆❆º°¨¨✞¨¨°ºMERRYº°¨¨°º❆☮☯☮❆º°¨¨°ºCHRISTMASº°¨¨✞¨¨°º❆❆☯☮
☮☯❆❆º°¨¨✞¨¨°ºMERRYº°¨¨°º❆☮☯☮❆º°¨¨°ºCHRISTMASº°¨¨✞¨¨°º❆❆☯☮

BRAZIL BUTT LIFT IS HERE!!!

2009-12-19T19:35:00.000-08:00

ok, done with Day 1 of the "Slim & Lift" program of Brazil Butt Lift (depending on what your "booty blueprint" is to begin with, you choose the program). Would love to actually get a count of how many times they say "butt" or "butt cheeks". The trainer reminds me of Bradley Cooper, only...Brazilian.

The "booty blueprints" are:
Lift & Shape (flat solution)
Slim & Shape (pear solution)
Slim & Lift (too big solution)
Combination (classic solution)
Each are 4 weeks and can be achieved with the basic program. The Deluxe program has additional workouts and a schedule that shows where to add them in for enhancements. :)

There are diagrams and tips to finding out which you should do.

I'm starting with Slim & Lift and doing it over until I move on to Lift & Shape. I basically have a big flattened rectangle back there so I need to attack it in different ways.

Among the extras that come with the program, is a pencil. Yes, a pencil. You are to use THE PENCIL TEST to check to see the progression of your butt lift process. Basically, you place and hold the pencil horizontally under your buttcheek (bottom "smile" area) then you stick it there Day 2, Day 6, Day 30. The goal is that the pencil can no longer be held because your butt lifts and the pencil falls. Because of my rectangle butt, I don't have any gripping overhang; I can't hold anything unless I put it vertically in the crack (no, I didn't do that). Perhaps at the end I will be able to sit the pencil on the top of my buttcheek? A little buttcheek nightstand? I hope to hear of other people and their pencil test but when I tried it, ...there was nothing to be done. And so I know the pencil is not the ultimate test because OH YES, there is work to be done.

The workouts are as follows for the regular package:
7 workouts

BUM BUM: Leandro's signature workout (named after the Brazilian slang for "butt" and pronounced "boom-boom") combines fat-blasting cardio with the best lower-body sculpting moves you've ever tried. (35 min.)
BUM BUM RAPIDO: quick blast to the back side (10 min.)
BUM BUM LIVE: additional workout to shake up the moves and keep it fresh.
HIGH & TIGHT: Focus on all those stubborn trouble zones: the hips, glutes, and saddlebags. Leandro uses his secret weapons—the Booty Resistance Band and ankle weights—to lift your butt to new heights. (35 min.)
SCULPT: In this video, Leandro takes you through a total-body workout with a sexy Brazilian twist, to sculpt your entire body while focusing on your glutes. Look like a sexy supermodel—lean and toned, without the bulk. (50 min.)
CARDIO AXE: Feel like you're dancing in the streets of Brazil with Leandro's signature axe (pronounced "ah-shay"), a fat-burning, cardio-blasting, dance-based workout that delivers all-over slimming results fast. (30 min.)
TUMMY TUCK: Leandro's surefire way to get flat, sexy abs in just 15 minutes. (15 min.)

3 Deluxe workouts: (plus you get ankle weights, etc in that upgrade/program)

RIO EXTREME - Break through exercise plateaus with this challenging workout. (50 min.)
ABS RAPIDO - Slim and strengthen your abs with this tummy-tightening workout. (10 min.)
UPPERCUTS - Incorporate kickboxing moves into your workout for sleek, sexy arms. (13 min.)

It's recommended to do the "booty basics" workout to familiarize yourself with some of the moves coming up in the program. I did it, still fell over and got confused many times. Oh well, that's what Day 1 of a new program is all about.

The trainer's accent is such that he says "RICH!" instead of "reach" but thankfully the screen will translate at times, ( "tempo change" when I thought he said "kick-ball-change") so..could mess you up in a funny way. lol. Many familiar BB moves, some totally unfamiliar. Not too strenuous but challenging to the balance and you can feel where your butt is being taxed. (like the bottom butt cheek 'smile' part - yeeouch)

Anyways, Booty Basics is 20 min, just a quick run through of proper form for the moves.
The actual workout for Day 1 is Bum Bum (pronounced boom boom) and is 35min.
The video didn't exactly tax me because I stayed in Level 1 on most the moves, there's definitely room to move into the taxed zone. They edit in shots of the same workout but shot outside on the beach (with some different girls and all doing the higher level of the moves) alternating with the in-studio workout crew. The subliminal message is the Level 1 people stay inside, those that kick butt and challenge themselves deserve a more beautiful setting. (?)

Included on this disc are 2 other workouts: Bum Bum Rapido (which is 10 minutes of rapidfire butt moves for when you want to hit that butt but don't have the time) and Bum Bum Live which is just the trainer and a girl in a less stylized workout, just in a loft doing the moves and sweating, no fancy lighting. I just peeked at those since they were on the same disc, I'm not going to preview the workouts to come, just gonna do them and report.

I only burned just under 100 calories during Booty Basics and 300 cals on Bum Bum so i did some pilates to get me up to 500 and work on stretching moves, hopefully lessening the soreness from the new moves.
Day 1 was a short/easy day because of the learning disc and I did Level 1. The rest of the program will be 50-65 minutes daily because of the combined/longer workouts.

If I were a man I would buy this for my wife or girlfriend so that I could have some condoned super-soft-core porn in the house. And if I was a woman I'd.. wait..did I just say IF I was a woman?

Day 2 of Brazil Butt Lift, Slim & Lift Bluepint Plan

Workout 1 is Cardio Axe 30 min
Workout 2 is Hight & Tight 35 min (with equipment)

Cardio Axe
First, stop saying “ax” because it’s pronounced “ashay”
(I can’t remember what it means right now but I’ll come back and edit it in when I hear him say it again.)
Second, the dub flubs reminded me of the badly dubbed Japanese movies I watched as a kid. There aren’t THAT many but enough for me to mention.
If you’ve done BB videos before, I would reference some moves and similar to Hip Hop Abs however, the “feel” is different in that the colors of the set, outfits and music help that island vibe come through. Plus they have the edits cut in from the crew out on the sandy beaches doing the workout.
This is a fun workout. They only briefly show the moves and then take off. While a beginner will find this a bit frustrating (especially if you don’t have insta-rhythm like me) HOWEVER, I know that once I get the moves I’m going to appreciate the way there’s no wasted time there. I was in a full sweat at 20 min and totally having a great time.
There was this one move where I absolutely flipped out because I thought he tripped over his feet and was going to fall. Nope, just the move. Then what happened? I just about bit it doing the move. Never fear, I caught on later - a very effective move for the abs and butt.
The accent, the silly/happy of it, the sexy moves “I stole this from Shakira!”, and…well there are the bodies. ..
At one point, there’s a shot of the crew on the beach and the girl in the back, you can see her butt peak around her. I SWEAR. It’s supposed to be in the back. I know we’re doing a move that has a twist but her butt….gosh, it’s just so…present and accounted for.

High & Tight
Break out the leg band included in the pack
Deluxe package includes ankle weights.
The workout is broken up into 3 parts you can play one at a time or hit “play all”:
-Standing leg work with band
-Floor work with band
-Floor work with ankle weights

Simple and straight forward moves with … hips involved. He’s great at defining the way your form should be and feel, the slight moves in the angle of lift and angle of foot make a difference that you can feel the effects of immediately. It’s that familiar “repetition until you die” type of count.
I really appreciate the bodies. They look almost mechanical in movement and my eyes are burning into them as the same part of my body wants to just..fall off.

I forgot to stop my HRM right after I finished, I’m estimating about 600 cals. Yesterdays workout was definitely "beginner/intro" and I don't know how much of it I really felt the effect of today.
I will definitely feel these two tomorrow.

TeamBeachBody CEO Carl Daikeler Invites YOU.

2009-10-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

Don't wait for any "stimulus plan", take health reform into YOUR OWN hands..get fit, healthy and make extra money for sharing your story. Take 5 minutes and watch this video let me know if you want to know more. It's enriching my life and, well, it's just exciting. I just want people to know about it. :)
Nina
(530)520-6680

LOTS of info :)

2009-10-01T18:50:00.000-07:00

LOTS OF INFO COMING – SIT DOWN AND RELAX…. ☺
Holidays full of candy and rich foods and yummyness are on the way. More than ever, it’s time to be pushing play. If you have people who are wanting the results you’re getting, you can do a couple things; 1) Share the info with them, have them workout with you, or 2) buy them a program as a gift (check the “gift” box and it will arrive at their house without the $ amount on the receipt). This works especially great with friends and relatives who are far away – give the gift of health!!! Then, remain accountable to each other and face the holidays together-armed with fitness!

Ok, the following info is for/about a lot of different programs and goings on from Beachbody:

Saturday, October 3rd! P90X Plyometrics andTony Horton comes to lululemon Santa Monica! Are you ready to BRING IT? Class starts at 9am SHARP! (And in case you didn't know Plyometrics is an explosive jumping cardio routine proven to dramatically improve athletic performance.)

From Chalene:
Calling all "Extremists" !!!! We’re looking for Chalean Extreme testimonials to appear in our next infomercial!!! We know there are those of you out there that have had extreme success/results on this program & want to share your "extreme enthusiasm" with the world! Well, now is your chance, just email ChaleanExtreme@gmail.com with your personal story & photos of ur extreme transformation-we can't wait to hear from you.

10Minute Trainer stories!
Beachbody is looking for before and afters to spotlight the 10 Minute Trainer program! Is that you!!!??! Let me know!

P90X called The Ultimate Business Traveler Workout (article)
http://www.execdigital.com/Magazine.aspx?id=1585&page=72

Looks like Chalene’s sometimes "Fit Life" appearances on That Morning Show on E! are becoming more regular. Set your DVR's. The show is on from 6am til 9am daily PST.

Update: Protein Bars!
Our Wildberry P90X Bars have made the jump from a chocolate to a creamy yogurt coating, and the difference is delectable.   Plus, we’ve upped the ante to 20 grams of protein. So, next time you order the Wildberry bars, know you’re getting the crème de la crème of healthy. And enjoy ;)

Shakeology is now available in Sample Packs! You have no excuse to try it now! BNN clip & Info page:
http://teambeachbody.com/showcase/-/bcp/42719263001

https://images.beachbody.com/tbb/store/shakeology/shakeology_storepage.html

Here is a Teen Vogue Blog from Beauty Director Eva Chen on RevABS This program is from a new trainer to Beachbody but he’s been around for a while, his stellar work is why Beachbody brought him on board! Here’s some info on him: http://www.hoebel.com/about_brett.htm

http://www.teenvogue.com/beauty/blogs/beauty/2009/09/my-workout-with-karolina-kurkovas-trainer.html&ct=ga&cd=HsSZp_rIhOo&usg=AFQjCNGr9fu6A_uEnkk0aLKaUSIZKbrSag

From Beachbody -
Are you or someone you know seeing great results from your Beachbody workouts?   Enter the Million Dollar Body Game monthly Success Story Contest and you might be the next $1,000 winner!  Winners from each monthly contest will be automatically entered into the $10,000 quarterly contest and are eligible to enter the $25,000 grand prize contest.  The Million Dollar Body Game is a fun way to participate in the Team Beachbody experience and to celebrate your success.  Even if you're still a work in progress, you have a chance to win cash and prizes and inspire others on their fitness journey.Tips for creating a successful submission:•   Make sure you have entered your bio, transformation story, and all of your body measurements in the “Progress and Goals” area of your Team Beachbody profile.• T  he Before and After photos on your profile page are your official Before and After photos for the contest. They should be full or ¾ body shots (head to just below the knees) and you must show your face to be eligible. Please do not crop or retouch your photos.• Wear a bathing suit or workout clothes that allow the judges to see your muscle tone.•   If possible, use the same pose in both your Before and After photos.•   Photo quality is important.• Take advantage of the additional photos: you are allowed to submit up to 2 additional Before and 2 additional After photos in addition to the Before and After photos on your profile page.•   Take the time to fully answer the essay questions.   This is where the judges can get to know you and the story behind your transformation. Yes…you have the chance to win..TAKE IT!

Tony Horton Is Coming To Lincoln, NE - Jan. 9, 2010
Come join Tony Horton in Lincoln, NE on January 9, 2010 for a lot of fun, a workout, and more. If you’re in the area or want to travel to this Super Saturday event, let me know!

(NEW PACKAGE DEAL OFFERING & the BEST deal)
P90X Peak Results Package
Along with your P90X Training System, you’ll get a Chin-Up Bar to help build that ripped upper body. You’ll also receive a month’s supply of Results and Recovery Formula, a delicious shake that helps you refuel, re-energize, and reduce muscle soreness after workouts. Plus, we’ll include three heavy-duty resistance bands to maximize your results!
Price: $239.70

P90X Peak Results Package vs. P90X.com (& the costs that could cost ya)
If you were to order P90X through P90X.com or the informercial you would go through what is called "the upsell" where a customer service rep/telemarketer will upsell you items based on what other customers have bought. They are not just doing this to "sell" you. You actually need resistance bands/weight, a pull-up bar and the recovery drink helps immensely with your results and recovery. The upsell occurs online at P90X.com also. After you select to order P90X there is an offer to add items to your order. What isn't discussed with you, the consumer, is the fact that for every item you add, you are adding additional shipping and handling charges to your order for every item you add.

Get the most value for you dollar! paying extra in shipping charges is not how you will get the best value for you money. The best value is to order through an Independent Team Beachbody Representative/Coach. That would be ME!
You can get an additional 10 to 25% off of your purchases (being a club member or becoming a coach)

What's the breakdown? if your ordered P90X through the P90X Infomerical or through P90X.com -
$119.95 for P90X (can be broken in 3 payments) – Shipping: $19.95
$43.95 for P90X Results & Recovery Tub – Shipping: $6.95
$59.85 for P90X Pull-Up Bar - Shipping: $14.95
$39.95 for Resistance Bands - $5.95
Total Shipping Charges = $47.80
Total Amount = $311.40

Only benefit is you get to make monthly payment on P90X for $39.95 instead of all at once. If you choose that option, your initial total would be $231.50 but you still have to pay at $39.95 for the next two months.

What if you ordered through an Independent Team Beachbody Coach? (me) What would that same order look like if you bought everything individually?
$119.95 for P90X
$43.95 for P90X Results & Recovery Tub
$59.85 for P90X Pull-Up Bar
$39.95 for Resistance Bands
Total Shipping Charges = $15.82
Sales tax to be added but should be around $22.
Total Amount = $301.78
SAVINGS = $9.62
What if you bought all of those items but in one bulk order? What does the cost look like to you and what are the savings?

P90X Peak Results Package includes:
P90X
P90X Results & Recovery Tub
P90X Pull-up Bar
Resistance Bands
You pay: $239.70
Total Shipping Charges = $14.38
Estimated Sales Tax = $20.33
Your Total = $274.41

P90X.com/Infomercial $311.40
Items separately through a Beachbody Coach $301.78
Bought P90X Peak Results Package through a Beachbody Coach $274.41 Savings = $36.99

PHEW!!!
Ok, there you go, information overload.
Remember, any questions you have about ANYTHING Beachbody, email me.
KEEP PUSHING PLAY!!!!!

where have I been? ALL OVER!!!

2009-08-20T20:39:00.000-07:00

I spent my summer taking some trips to visit friends, all of them friends that I made through my interest in fitness! I spent time in Ohio for a Polish Polka Festival (sounds crazy fun, right!?!) and met up with friends that lived there and others that flew in from Florida, Maryland, oooh so much fun.
I just returned from Turbo Camp. Chalene Johnson (creator of Turbo Jam) puts on a great big show/party/workout/motivating camp. A lot of fun, a lot of people who enjoy working out and having fun, a lot of great memories made.

Now I'm back, I'm working out to the program Insanity by Shaun Thompson aka "ShaunT". It's something he put together that IS insane. Cardio like no other. It's ideal for anyone that is trying to build stamina and speed and ...like say if you're a runner...perfect! But I'm not a runner. I'm just looking for some of the results that the test group got! INSANITY!!!

SHAUNT's INSANITY just around the corner...

2009-06-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

Slated for early July!!!

INSANITY is the program, what you did is just one of the TEN workouts that encompasses the program. :) The "weight" ones use no weights, but your own BODY weight & resistance. It's definitely high intensity cardio heavy though :)

1. Dig Deeper/Fit Test

2. Plyometric Cardio Circuit

3. Cardio Power & Resistance

4. Cardio Recovery/Max Recovery

5. Pure Cardio/Cardio Abs

6. Cardio Abs

7. Core Cardio & Balance

8. Max Interval Circuit

9. Max Interval Plyo

10. Max Cardio Conditioning/Cardio Abs

Plus it will include the Insanity Fitness guide, the Elite Nutrition guide and Wall calendar.

SHAKEOLOGY!!!! seriously, those other guys should just give it up...

2009-06-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

We've got this amazing product, super good tasting and good for you. Check the link and see the cool info.
I have it daily, I love it. Get rid of that Starbucks or other not-so-great-for-you habit and pick up something tasty and ridiculously good for you. :)

BeachBody's own Transformation!

2009-06-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

take a look at what's coming! Beachbody boards will transform into a more user friendly place with only ONE sign on, (no more here/there different password business!)

So it's going to happen on June 7th (june 6th 9pm PST) and might take one day without glitches, up to 3 to fix any weird anomalies. Stay tuned!! Wheeeeee!

Lots of stuff happening at Beachbody!!!

2009-06-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

well, if you click on the title, you'll see some flickr views of the coming changes to the face of Beachbody. It'll be very social networky in feel, should be easier to navigate. Great! The site will be suspended June 6th at midnight (eastern) and come back up (HOPEFULLY) in a day.

What else is going on besides that HUGE change?

June 2009 - Project You Type II is half price. Yes, the comprehensive program that partnered the American Diabetes Association with Beachbody is half price. If you have a loved one with type 2 diabetes that was told "eat right and exercise" by their doctor...and that was it..guess what? This is the tool to help guide them through their needs. Trainer is Kathy Smith. Click on it to preview, let me know if you have any questions!

Have you been to Shakeology.com? it's a slick little website with info galore on the precious powder. :) Can you tell I'm a fan?
Click on the Shakeology button if you want to see a little clip - and if you're in Canada.... it's now available to you!!

what else.. oh...ShaunT is a traveling man...was in Japan just recently for Hip Hop Abs. Japan? Yes. One of Japan's most popular singers is a BIG fan of Hip Hop Abs, did some moves in his video and put ShaunT in it! Isn't that something? If you follow Carl's blog, you've seen it, if not, check it out here: SHAUNT IN JAPAN!!

Are you in/near Los Angeles? Santa Monica? Every Tuesday night through June my coach Traci Morrow will be co-hosting coaching opportunity seminars at the Beachbody Headquarters in Santa Monica - let me know if you can make it, she'd love to meet you!

more news later. cuz there's always news!!!

Here's the thing - by Tony Horton

2009-05-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

From our friend and trainer, Tony Horton:

Life with exercise creates a completely different journey than a life without it. Making the time for exercise means that you're setting an intention to have a great life. Life without exercise means you're setting an intention to miss out on a better life. The quality of your life improves with exercise and it will get worse without it. Period! Your weight loss is a minute piece to the overall health and fitness puzzle. Every time you exercise you improve your fitness, healthy and quality of life. You always feel good afterward and you allow your mind and body to become less vulnerable to illness and injury. Every day you decide NOT to exercise your health, fitness and quality of life diminishes. You become more vulnerable to illness and injury and the energy and enthusiasm (feeling good) for a better life is not there. This is true for everyone. No exceptions.

Make a plan, stick to the plan and do it... forever!

Happy Earth Day 2009 - from Beachbody!

2009-04-22T18:26:00.000-07:00

Just another reason Beachbody is a great business! Click on the title above to get a sense of what Beachbody is doing with regard to the planet. Make a difference, choose at least one thing in your life that you can change to help out the planet. :)