"How Hot Can You Be?"

Multiple times tonight I have seen the commercial for Jillian Michael’s latest Weight Loss products. I’m not sure how I feel about this. A top trainer for the hottest weight loss show, The Biggest Loser, known to kick her contestant’s butts and make them cry on air while they lose hundreds of pounds and transform their lives is selling products promising quick results. Of all people, a personal trainer should know better than to promise quick results- weight loss is NOT a quick process.




How about Quick Trim with the newly fit and trim Kim and Khloe Kardashian? The girls who claimed they loved their curves. I’m actually a big fan of these fun sisters and from watching their show and from reading their blogs and tweets they have admitted many, many times that they workout. Kim even has her own workout DVDs, “Fit in Your Jeans By Friday.” So what are they truly promoting? Working out to fit in your jeans or drinking some cleanse that probably tastes awful to make yourself feel sick. Stop promising instant results.

Rumor has it, Heidi Pratt is going to come out with a fitness DVD? The woman who just had 10 plastic surgery procedures in one day is releasing a workout DVD. Are you serious? Why would I want to use her workout DVD? Obviously she thinks nipping and tucking is the easiest answer. From someone who swears by workout DVDs, that’s NOT the type of trainer I want to have encouraging me in my living room.

So what happens now? Many people are going to see the same commercials that I did and they are going to think, “Hey take this quick 14 day cleanse and detox and bam I’ll look great!” So not true!

It takes planning, of your meals and your workouts. It also takes commitment, of putting in the time at the gym or at home and sticking to your healthy lifestyle habits. Know that if these quick results sound skeptical it’s because they are. There is no way you are going to drop 20 pounds in 14 days, unless you are obese and on a vigorous training program. Don't be hypnotized by the glitz and glam, remember people they're airbrushed.

**If anyone out there has actually used these products I would like to know- how do they make you feel? What have your results been like? Opinions people, I need honest opinions.

It's that time of the year again!

With the hours ticking away, now is the time when many people are making their New Year’s Resolutions. People are frantically thinking about creating a fresh start for themselves. However, year after year they continue to make the same resolutions without ever achieving any success.

When you think about the most common resolutions, what comes to mind? Losing weight/getting fit, saving money and stopping a bad habit; I can make a bet that a majority of people have at least one, if not all, of those resolutions on their mighty lists.

That same majority of people look at their wish lists all wrong, no wonder they can’t accomplish anything. If you want to achieve all of these things you are going to have to change your lifestyle but not just for a limited amount of time, you are going to have to make changes forever, don't worry they aren't huge changes, just simple small steps.

To get started, you will need to plan ahead! Many people skip this very important step. How can you get something done if you don’t have a plan of action? So create one! Take out a pen and piece of paper, yes those gadgets you used before Microsoft Word, and write down each one of your goals and at least three steps you can do every single day to get you closer to achieving that goal.

Now put in the work! It’s not going to be easy, but if you can commit, you will succeed. (Sound familiar fellow Beachbody fans- Decide. Commit. Succeed) If you want to lose weight you are going to have to plan to workout, whether at home with a DVD program, at the gym or by taking group exercise classes, or all three! You are also going to want to make small changes in your diet as well, start off by counting calories and not eating processed foods.

You want to save money? Plan ahead how much of your checks will go into your savings account each month or week. Simply putting away $50 a month will end up saving you $600 in a year. Try for a week to keep track of where your money is going. Do you notice any patterns? If your money is headed in the wrong directions, say buying a latte every morning, cut out those purchases and that will save you too! If you are buying a $4 iced coffee each morning at the end of the week you just wasted $28, money that could easily be used to help you pay off those student loans.

So as you are writing out your New Year’s Resolutions this year don’t just stop after the list is complete, add on your plan of action so that those resolutions will no longer be merely dreams and wishes but become part of your reality!


So what are a couple of my goals?
1- To become a 2 Star Diamond Coach
2- To graduate on the Dean's List in May
3- To learn Italian
4- To pay off my loans
5- Complete a round of Insanity

Plan of Action:
1- Read at least 1 personal development book a month
2- Listen to 15 minutes a day of Italian audio & learn 5 new words a day
3- Get a 4.0 this semester
4- Set aside $150 a month to pay off loans

If you'd like to share your goals with me, please feel free too! I would love to help coach you and keep you on track! :)

How to prevent SORENESS after a tough workout

P90X® Results and Recovery

What Beachbody has to say:
"Refuel, re-energize, and reduce muscle soreness with this after-workout shake. Four parts carbs to one part protein ensures speedy muscle repair after intense workouts!

Recover faster and see better results!
Studies show that with proper nutrition during the first hour following a workout you can increase your body's ability to recover more than 100%. The key component to maximizing this "window of opportunity" is a formulation of approximately 4 parts carbohydrates to 1 part protein.

P90X Results and Recovery Formula is a state-of-the-art, great tasting, body-shaping cocktail that's guaranteed to take your workouts to the next level."

What I have to say:
When you order the Deluxe edition of INSANITY you get the P90X Results & Recovery formula. I had never drank a Recovery formula before, ever, so I was kind of nervous to give it a go, but Beachbody has yet to fail me so I went for it! After my first Insanity workout I made Mat & I our recovery drinks. The powder tastes like an Orangesicle!! Mat, who is the PICKIEST person, even loved it! I was shocked by that.

But the real shock came the next morning when I woke up and I could actually move! I wasn't in pain, which Mat and I joked about because we figured we wouldn't be able to walk the next day because Insanity kicked our butts! So from then on out I've drank my formula after each workout, it truly helps your body recovery!

The tub suggests 2 scoops, which equals 220 calories, I however just put 1 scoop in my drink, which has proven to work for me! yay!

So how much is the P90X Results & Recovery Formula & where can you get your hands on some??
Price: $43.95
Your Price: $32.96 (This is the BEACHBODY COACH price)
^^Being a Coach does have it's benefits, 25% off EVERYTHING! ;)

You can order some HERE, if you have ANY questions, please feel free to ask me!!

Caterina's Week 2 Insanity Review!

So I bought Insanity during the middle of this semester and sadly I didn't give it the attention it deserves until NOW! So here I am ready to give you a little review of what I have been through so far in just 11 days.

Before I review I should tell you what Insanity is all about for those of you who don't already know.

This is the message that comes with Insanity-

Warning: We believe this is the HARDEST WORKOUT ever put on DVD. If you can get through it, it will get you into the BEST SHAPE of your life. But you must check with your physician before starting this program.

So what do you need to know about it?
-Insanity is a 60-day cardio-based total-body conditioning program. 60 days people, that's it!! Many of the other Beachbody programs, such as P90X or Chalean Extreme, are 90 day programs. Just think of what you can accomplish in 60 days. We'll I'm ready to do it!

Month 1:
-Workout 6 days a week for about 30 to 40 minutes a day

Month 2:
-Add 4 new workouts into the mix, doing about 45 minutes a day

Just like with any other Beachbody program, you get a complete guide telling you what workouts need to be done on what day, they take out the guesswork! I love that. My Insanity calendar is hanging right next to my bed. First thing in the morning and I know what will be in store for me.

Why kind of workouts do you do in Insanity?
"The method behind this madness is called "MAX Interval Training." You may have heard of interval training, but this is different. Most interval workouts are moderate cardio-based exercises with short, high-intensity intervals. But in MAX Interval Training your moderate-intensity exercise, and your short intervals of intensity get replaced with a short period of rest. So you are working harder and longer and resting less. And when we say MAX, we mean MAX."

Now enough of the technical stuff and on to my opinions!
On day 1 you are scheduled to take your FIT TEST. There are 8 moves that you are given about a minute to see how many reps you can accomplish in that alloted time. Now every 2 weeks I will be retaking my FIT TEST. This coming up Monday will be my second one so I will post my results and see if I'm progressing!

After my first FIT TEST, I was drenched and out of breath just as if I did any other type of crazy workout! I thought, okay if this is just the test BEFORE the workout, what did I get myself into!?



The first 2 workouts I tried with Mat I thought I was going to die. Okay, maybe not die, but definitely run out of breath and fall over. But I didn't and finishing each workout I felt PROUD. I had never done anything like this before.

The warm up alone is enough to get you out of breath and dripping wet with sweat but luckily after each warm up there is about a 5 minute stretching period, which is MUCH needed! Then it's time to hit it hard, GET FIT OR GET OUT!


Yesterday after I finished the Plyometric Cardio Circuit I was talking on the phone with Pamela and I was explaining to her that I actually felt FASTER during the moves. I realized that my feet were moving quicker, my arms were pumping harder and my mind was focused. I was still about to collapse in the end and I was out of breath, but the program is doing what it says, it's improving my cardio endurance & strength and it's only been 11 days!!

And this workout requires NO EQUIPMENT yet my arms and legs are sore just as if I lifted weights because of moves like push ups, suicide jumps and power jumps! I'm going to say, so far so GREAT. I love it! During the first couple workouts I was taking frequent breaks and complaining but once I got the hang of Shaun T's style, moves and routine I LOVE it! I've even got Jola & Kathy to try Insanity with me twice, maybe I can get them to write me a review too. ;)

Here's a preview of what INSANITY has to offer:



So let's remember, If I can do this, YOU can do this too!

Down my Beachbody Memory Lane

Since I started my Beachbody Fitness Journey I have not actually taken the time to sit down and track what I have done over the years...wow, years. I feel like it was just yesterday when I stumbled upon TURBO JAM at my house, but actually it was at the end of my senior year in high school, which was in 2006. I honestly fell in LOVE with that program from the minute I tried it, I can not praise it enough or even find the right words to describe how I feel about it or Chalene. For many years, I would try and get as many people to give the workout a go with me. And thank you to everyone who has!

Now I know that people like to SEE for themselves before they'll agree the program des work. So here's some pictures and numbers:

Right before I started TURBO JAM:
April 2006
My highest:
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 144 lbs


^I guess I never really noticed that I had that pooch & my face seems much chubbier. At that time, I would not have said, "oh yeah I could lose 10 lbs" BUT I did!

Within my first 3 months of Turbo Jam, I lost 10 lbs. I was so excited!! I even made the nurse at the doctors office check to prove that I had lost weight. ;)

Over the years, I have done PLENTY of Turbo Jam's. I started off doing the Maximum Results package and then for my birthday in June I got the Fat Burning Elite package, then when the Chalene Johnson Get On The Ball! set was released after that, I bought that one too! :) I couldn't wait to try ANYTHING and EVERYTHING!

Then last Christmas in 2008, I heard they were going to release Chalean Extreme. Which was unlike anything I have ever done before. Lift weights? Me? uh...no thank you. The most I had lifted was probably 5 lbs doing Turbo Sculpt but I got my first weight plate set and was ready to get extreme! I have completed 2 90 day rounds of Chalean Extreme and can not rave enough. Who knew that I would have MUSCLES? That I would feel STRONG? Even other people have commented on how firm my body has become. YES! During CE, I did not see a big jump in weight loss but the inches were coming off! That was a pleasant surprise. I know many people judge their weight loss success entirely by the number on the scale, well if you are going to go by that then you aren't going to notice the AMAZING changes your body is making! Losing inches and body fat is MORE rewarding and beneficial then dropping pounds.

This summer, 2009:
Weight: 129/130 lbs





Currently I am doing Insanity, which is a 60 day program, I am in week 2. I also love Turbo so much that I have become a TURBO KICK instructor as well as a HIP HOP HUSTLE instructor.

If there is something you are skeptical about or you think that it's not for you, just try it!! What have you got to lose? Maybe a few pounds. ;)

Shakeology Challenge!!!

Shakeology Challenge!!

Starting: Dec 1st- Dec 30th

Rules:
1. Replace 1 of your meals for 30 days with SHAKEOLOGY!
2. Before the challenge starts send me your weight & your measurements (tricep, waist & thigh)
3. Every MONDAY send me your new weight
(Don’t worry everything will be kept confidential)

**The last day I want your WEIGHT and MEASUREMENTS again! (Before and after pictures are not required but they would be GREAT to have)

Whoever improves their numbers the most in the 30 days will win:

1. $50 visa gift card
2. Shakeology The Workouts
3. P90X Peak Performance Bars- The flavor of your choice or the variety pack!


If you have ANY questions about the challenge or SHAKEOLOGY please send me a message! :) If you want to purchase Shakeology (remember do it in time for the 1st), do it HERE!

COMMIT TO STAY FIT CLUB

I’m sorry, I haven’t been updating as often as I’d like to! I seem to write “blog” on all of my to-do lists but somehow that gets put off until the end. Well…here I am today baby!

What I’ve been up to:

I recently started an exercise group with my fit and fabulous coworkers called Andreas’ Garden Commit to Stay Fit Club! We have ROCKED it so far and I am extremely impressed with how the group is going. Our first day (last week) we met at a local park at 5:30 AM, yes you read that right, I woke up before the sun came out! For those of you who know me, that’s an impossible task. But I knew that as their trainer, I needed to be there, so I did it! Our group consisted of me, Kathy, Jamie, Jola, Ilda and Spiro. Many others said they would be there but didn’t show, weak!!! Rain or shine, we would be there! (And it was drizzling)

Day 1 we took our FIT TEST, which was to determine how long it would take for us to run a mile, see how many pushups we could do in a minute and how many crunches we could do in a minute. So we put our bodies to the test!!

This week, again at 5:30 am, I put the girls (Spiro didn’t show!) through a boot camp session with yours truly! The workout consisted of a bunch of different drills I made up which was sprinting, lunges, mountain climbers, jumping jacks with our thigh toners, pushups, Turbo skis, standing abs, you name a body part and we worked it! I'm proud to say they all passed. I loved going to work the next day and seeing that none of them could work! ;) That means I did a job well done!! Right ladies?

I’ve also been working out every Wednesday night with Kathy, Niki and Jola at Kathy’s house. We do a mix of Turbo Kick, Turbo Jam and Chalean Extreme. I can’t believe they put up with me 2 days a week working out!

Next week I will be TEACHING my first Turbo Kick class, ever!! I can’t wait! I’m super excited and nervous all at the same time. If you want to take my class here is the information:

Where: Roseville Rec Center
When: Wednesday nights starting Oct 14th- Nov 18th (6 weeks) from 7pm-8pm

You have to PRE-REGISTER so head over to the Rec one day anytime before 6 pm, it takes like 2 minutes! :)


I'll let you know how the Commit to Stay Fit clubbers are doing along the way! We are all going to complete a 4k on Nov 8th when we finish. I already know certain ppl can't make that one so it looks like we will be doing 2 races, join us!! :)