No DVDs? No problem. Beachbody on Demand explained

            Good morning everybody! I am at my parents right now (which is in Illinois) and I'm since Corey and I are doing the same workout program, I left my DVDs at home so he could use them. The great thing is that I have access to Beachbody on Demand online which gives me online access to all of the workout programs I’ve bought. I can log onto my computer and do that if I wanted to, and there's also an app on my phone that I can use to stream my workouts.

            A lot of people didn't don't know about this capability from Beachbody or they prefer to work out in an actual gym, or don’t like DVDs, or just find themselves traveling (like me) and don’t have my program with me. Well now you can take your workouts wherever you are!

            Today I want to work out a life-size Tony Horton and since my parents have the newest Apple TV, I wanted to show you guys how simple it is to log on and stream your workouts if you don't have the DVDs. The new Apple TV has a Beachbody on Demand app in the App Store. It is a free app, and after you download it you can either create a free 30-day trial account or log in with your account that you already have. After you log in to your account, you have access to all of the programs you’ve already bought as DVDs. There’s also over 3,000 unique workouts like exclusives from all of the super trainers, it's even got a maternity line, and you can pay for a “digital unlock” of other premium programs if you don’t want to buy DVD copies.

You don’t just get the workouts; you get the nutrition guides, the workout calendars, everything that you would get if you bought a physical copy! You can get all of this if you use the Beachbody on Demand app on your smartphone, too. The great thing about the app on your phone is that you can download up to 7 workouts to use offline! I’ll be doing that when I’m in Nashville for Summit since I’m not sure the tv or Internet situation for where I’ll be staying. ;)

            If you have any questions about Beachbody on Demand or would like a free 30-day trial to check it out, please contact me by commenting below or follow me on Facebook at bit.ly/1fitlife

When your transformation has nothing to do with a number: a turning point in my transformation

#transformationtuesday

Here are my before and after pictures for Cize. I didn't lose/gain any pounds or inches in the 4 week program. That's why we also say to take pictures because they will show a different story than your numbers. But my pictures look really similar. To be honest, you can gain or lose a couple inches and pounds from a big bloaty cheat meal or a really good trip to the bathroom. (You know what I'm talking about! 🙊)



Did you see my before and after videos I posted though as I finished Cize? Now THERE was a difference! I gained coordination, had fun, and got sweaty. (Check out my YouTube playlist of Cize routine progressions here: bit.ly/kboecizevids)

I looked back at my weight tracker app and I've been steady with my weight for a year now! Even my body measurements have been pretty much the same. I could let this lack of a "transformation" bother me, but let's be realistic. I weigh 112 pounds and am 5 feet tall. I'm not going to lose much more weight or inches. It's just not there. I can tone up or gain muscle, sure.

But fitness and clean eating (with "cheats" in moderation) is my LIFE now. It's not another round of the 21 Day Fix or looking for a before/after picture from a particular program. It's EVERY DAY, IN AND OUT. And guess what? That's how the weight is going to stay off!!

I could get complacent and take time off, or eat out more, or buy junk at the store because it's easier, but those are the habits I left behind. That was my BEFORE. My AFTER is the life I'm living now, and the life I will continue to live.

If you'd like my help starting with your transformation pictures, I can do that. But more than that, I want to be there to see your before and after LIFESTYLE.

Sometimes our transformation can't be seen on a scale, measuring tape, or picture. Sometimes it happens inside of us. 💟

Coming soon from Shaun T: CIZE

Have you heard about CIZE? It is the newest Beachbody workout from Shaun T, the creator of T25 and Insanity. Cize is being called "the end of exercize". It's being released at Summit in Nashville in mid July 2015...so possibly 1 in more week!

Now, you need to know one little piece of info. It's a dance program. I know. I know. You CAN'T dance. Guess what...neither can I! I'm serious. Shaun T will TEACH you how to dance step by step and you will definitely have fun doing it. And the best part is that you are doing this at HOME so no one's going to see you do it but you! PHEW! Cize is a 4 week program and you'll be burning fat and calories while you are mastering everyday moves Shaun T has turned into choreography routines.

I had the opportunity to sample a complete workout from this program from Beachbody On Demand and I had fun! Don't judge, but here's my video trying out Cize.

 

What do you think? If it looks like fun, click here to be added to my mailing list to be the first to know when Cize is released in July! http://www.cizetbb.com/?referringRepId=352740

What I've lost in 1 year with Beachbody, and what I've gained

**I started this post and then it got lost...but better late than never

to show my 1 year transformation story with Beachbody!**

1 year ago Monday I started the 21 Day Fix with my husband- officially kicking off our Beachbody transformations. This Monday we started the 21 Day Fix Extreme. A year to the day! So here is a comparison of what I've lost in 1 year. But I've also gained...and what I've gained isn't shown by the scale or a measuring tape.

 

I've gained knowledge about nutrition:

• You don't have to make a drastic change to make a difference. Try first going from white bread to wheat to whole grain, or even Ezekiel bread; or go from flavored chemical-laden regular yogurt to Greek yogurt to plain Greek yogurt with your own flavorings.
• Generally, you should build your meal around a protein and use carbs sparingly. I used to begin every meal plan with a carb or always add bread/butter, biscuit, fries, etc. to every meal. Not any more!
• The more healthy the food is, the larger space it should take up on your plate.
• You can't really overeat on veggies or fruits.
• What a proper portion looks like, and how many portions I need of what type of food each day.

I've gained confidence:

• No one else's thoughts should dictate how I feel about myself.
• If I don't love and accept my body, who will??
• If I don't treat my body with respect for the amazing things it can do, how will my daughter learn to do that?
• My mood should not depend on a number on the scale.

I've gained strength, energy, and muscle definition:

• I have more energy than my daughter and can get up earlier in the day to get more done.
• I can do things around the house without having to ask my husband when he gets home from work.

I could go on and on, but I'll stop here. If you'd like this type of transformation - inside and out - in your life, please reach out to me! I'd love to help you achieve this for yourself.

Sharing more than my highlight reel: getting real with you all

You all have seen my progress pics, sweaty post-workout selfies, or action pics. Earlier this week I posted how I've lost 40 pounds in the last 16 months from Shakeology and Beachbody programs like the 21 Day Fix, PiYo, T25, and Les Mills Pump. The stats and posed shots look great, but I still suffer from times of frustration because I still do not look "perfect" or how I'd like to be. You see, I've NEVER had abs, and I've had stretch marks since junior high when I gained a lot of weight but didn't hit a vertical growth spurt until a couple years later. My core has tightened a LOT in the last 16 months, but there is still a lot of excess skin on top that I'm working on, and those stretch marks don't show any sign of leaving. But you know what? I don't want to just post my "highlight reel"- I want to actually BE REAL with you. Throughout this journey I have come to love my body and the miracle of carrying a baby for 9 months and nursing for 36 months (and counting). I might never have a completely taut tummy. But I never want my daughter to think that her outward appearance is what defines her. So I'm showing you my "flab" today to show you that I'm not perfect. Looking perfect is not how I measure my success. It's how I feel on the inside.

 



Beachbody's motto is: decide, commit, succeed. My story started with a decision 1 year ago, I commit and recommit daily to making myself better, and I find little successes along the way. I want my friends, YOU, to find this life changing transformation in their life. All I'm asking for is for you to make that decision and commit to it with me. I'll help you succeed, just like my coach did with me. I would love to help you start this type of inner and outer transformation. Please reach out to me via email, Facebook, or comment below.

What is PiYo?

Summer 2014:

          After 3 rounds of the 21 Day Fix I was looking for something new to try and the buzz around PiYo was huge. The Pilates Fix workout is one of my favorites from the 21 Day Fix so I wanted to see what Chalene Johnson had cooked up in her brand new program that was inspired by pilates and yoga. I decided to give it a whirl and FELL IN LOVE. No jumping or impacts, no weight or equipment, and no holding stiff poses like regular yoga and pilates.

          The workouts range from 20-50 minutes and get your heart rate right into that medium fat burning, sweaty range without leaving you out of breath (except for those power sections!) I should add that around this time I also bought a Garmin Vivofit band and heart rate monitor so I was able to see my heart rate and calorie burn for each workout.

          It's hard to explain, but your muscles get so warm from these workouts, it's the energized high from a good workout while also being incredibly relaxing because it's pilates and yoga. I think that's why I love it so much. The program calendar felt a bit long to me at 8 weeks but I think that is because I got spoiled by the short calendar of the 21 Day Fix.

          I was totally floored by my results from PiYo. It just shaved inches off of my trouble areas! All but 1.5" I lost were from my hips and thighs- but don't let that fool you into thinking I didn't see results in my upper body. I saw increased muscle definition all over and for the first time really saw biceps start to come out. Those tricep push-ups are no joke! Don't be fooled into thinking you need anything more than your body weight to sculpt your body!

          Another thing it did was really help get rid of my back pain. I've always suffered from sciatic pain and working out started to help that, but the increased flexibility and low impact of PiYo really diminished my pain and strengthened the supporting muscles for my back. I seriously cannot say enough positive things about PiYo. I think it's my soulmate workout program!

21 Day Fix

Spring 2014

          The 21 Day Fix changed my life- and I'm not exaggerating at all! I've always struggled with portions and not knowing how much was the "right" amount to eat. I sort of knew what was and wasn't healthy, but didn't know where to start. I wanted to make a change and needed structure, but nothing too drastic that had too many "off limits" foods- I am picky and NOT a fan of vegetables. I'm so grateful to my coach Toni for introducing me to the 21 Day Fix!

          The 21 Day Fix made healthy eating so easy- there were lists of foods for each container and I found many things on each list that I already ate or was willing to try. And it's not so restrictive- there's "cheats" allowed too.  My husband and I enjoyed learning how to plan our meals (check out my coach's post on post-it meal planning here: http://tonihatinger.blogspot.com/2014/04/my-21-day-fix-meal-planning-made-easy.html?m=1) and found that the plan allowed us so much food- we definitely were not starving! But we were losing weight and inches super fast.

          The 30 minute workouts were really challenging, but with each move only lasting a minute, we pushed through. My husband works full time and we worked out together before bed- our 2 year old daughter loved joining in too!
 

          I loved that there was a different focus every day (legs, arms, cardio, pilates, cardio with weights, dirty 30, and yoga) so you weren't overworking the same muscle groups day after day. 

          Seeing immediate results was so gratifying and once our bodies got used to the right portions and eating clean, we were no longer craving junk food or processed stuff. Shakeology was a big reason for those decreased cravings too. Our deep fryer is now collecting dust- haha. Since the program is only 21 days long, it's so easy to stick with and stay committed. Over the last year, the portion control containers and meal planning has become our new lifestyle.

          We continued with 3 rounds of the 21 Day Fix before moving on to another program.
 

The start of my journey...winter 2013

          My name is Kristen. I am a 29 year old stay at home mom to an almost 3 year old daughter. My husband is a PE/Health teacher for elementary and high school aged kids and coaches several sports. We live in rural northwest Iowa. We also have 2 fur-babies: a maltese/Shih-Tzu and a German Shorthair pointer.

          I kept a diary from 6th grade until I had a baby in 2012. It started out on paper, then went online in high school and from daily entries to monthly catch-up posts. Since my daughter was born, I haven't updated that but keep a calendar/diary of sorts for her. I started this blog to chronicle my health and fitness journey and to reach out to other people who are in the same boat I am, or are wanting to follow in my footsteps. :) I figure to start out, I'll tell you where my transformation began:
          I played soccer my whole life and in college and going from that to nothing in grad school really affected my fitness level and weight. In 2010, my OB-GYN told me I needed to lose 40 pounds before getting pregnant and that my weight could affect my fertility. I think I technically had an "obese" bmi: there's not much wiggle room when you are only 5 feet tall! Thankfully I got pregnant right away and ended up leaving the hospital with my newborn (April 2012) at the exact same weight I was when I got pregnant!!

          Breastfeeding for 2 years helped me lose about 10 pounds but I wanted to lose more and get fit to keep up with my daughter and just live a more healthy lifestyle!! My sister in law had gotten into those fun Warrior/Color 5k races the last couple years and she talked me into doing one so I started workout out diligently in December 2013 to get ready for my July 2014 race. I work best when I have a goal and a deadline in front of me. I lost about 5 pounds in 3 months and then started drinking this amazing thing called Shakeology. I figured if it gave my best friend the energy to keep up with 3 little ones under the age of 5, I needed to try it out! Adding Shakeology to my fitness video helped me lose 5 more pounds in half the time.

          Then in April 2014 my husband and I started the 21 Day Fix fitness program from Beachbody in addition to drinking Shakeology every day. The weight started falling off immediately and we've never looked back! I've now lost about 40 pounds and my husband has lost 30. We are healthier and happier and love supporting others who want to make the same changes in their lives that we did.
          I think I'll be posting flashbacks of our transformation on Tuesdays so you can see how we got to where we are, as well as other posts about healthy living. Welcome to my blog and I hope you enjoy a glimpse into my life!