Day 4 Power Sculpt

Ok this was rough, only because believe it or not, this was my 3rd workout of the day. No, I don't work out this many times usually haha. But I had two classes today (normally do not) and being in the Test group, I don't really have the luxury of just crapping out on the program sequence. So I got it in literally here before midnight. Crazy good. I liked the rolls on the ground to kneeling; those were kind of fun, the alligator push-ups, not so sure. A lot of times, felt I was tripping over my own feet. But all in all, broke a crazy sweat. Now off to a shower. Been running around all day with my kids. A clogged upstairs sink, dog to playtime, off the island and back twice, and up about 4 towns to a cell phone repair place for my one daughter. Momma is taking some Recharge and calling it a night, haha!!
~Jedi

Day 3 Speed Demon

Well, had to call my Aunt in VA for an entirely different reason, but in talking to her she told me that my Uncle is now confined to bed completely, and nursing service is coming. She suggested I visit very soon as she doesn't think it will be that long. Larry is my mom's older brother; they were close. I always loved his stories about Opa and his time in Marine Corp. He gave me his Marine Corp handbook which I have somewhere, and his trunk which has been restored by me and in the baby's room. She puts her toys in it now.

So tonight was feeling kind of negative, so luckily I had Speed on the Calendar again. I was like 'What? Again? I feel like I have done this workout numerous times. (Because I have lol!) Just good thing I can do those drops. It was cathartic. Didn't feel anything, not even my body hitting the floor. Just didn't care. If I could throw punches at those Parkinson's I would.

~Jedi

Dynamic Strength Day 2

Dynamic Strength Day 2

Wow, as I said in my post on Facebook: bitch of a workout. It was a longer one, about 40 minutes, and humbling in the sense that towards the end I literally could not do one more pushup. They have such a nice array of push-up types though, so you never get bored with these. The hardest were the sphinx pushups. I did not care for those and I know my kids scattered as the F-bombs started dropping. Ha ha! I started out with no modifications thinking I could pull it off, but at the end, last 10-15 minutes, I totally dropped to my knees on some pushups. The one thing I definitely killed were the situps and pushups with cross overs probably because I am used to a similar move in PiYo teaching, so I was ok on that part. Inch worms were fine too. Kicks, were better on my left side than right, but I tend to be stronger on left. Thought about a lot of things as I worked out. I have some personal stuff I am trying to work through each day, with a lot of my close friends and coaches praying for me that I have a clear head and find my answers. I tend to get 'dark' at night, so it's been a blessing that these last two days it just worked out that I did my Core de Force a bit later in evening.  So far I am feeling challenged - maybe a little mad at myself for not finishing strong at the end of the 40 minutes, but I will certainly try harder tomorrow and the next time this session comes up on my calendar. Proud of a new gentleman who joined our client Test Group today. He showed up with his first sweaty selfie and it was priceless. He killed it. I love that I get to work with both sexes. The groups are such fun. Made my night to have someone step out of their comfort zone and put their faith in us and our team Jedi. Have a great night everyone. On to more good things tomorrow. ~Jedi

Return of the Jedi

Return of the Jedi, haha. I guess this is fitting since I have been an absent blogger since July. I was gone mainly because the summer was spent traveling and moving around so much, first camping then living with friends for August. With my girls' father away in Europe, it was rough dealing with most of the household things that married couples take care of. I guess that should not be an excuse, but I did let it become one.

So here I am Day 1. I am thrilled and scared at the same time of being in a test group and I'll tell ya why. When you hear 'test group' you wanna be like "oh shit' haha. And yes, it entails, not being able to fall off the wagon and make major excuses which as a seasoned fitness person, becomes easier to do. Let's face it, two years into anything, teaching, managing, student-ing, you have the potential to become entrenched. You can get looser, slack a bit, and no one's gonna really call you on it, because you are the leader. Am I right? But I decided I would not disappear for this offer. I am reading this new audiobook (version) of the "universe has your back" and what's good about it, is that it syncs perfectly with this new program Core de Force. The author speaks of 'showing up for your assignment' with LIFE  being in essence, your classroom. The universe is your teacher. When you don't show up, the lesson will continue to present itself until you do. That is so true. I was driving home from Woodstock recently listening to her as my two girls slept, and when she said that, I could really relate. We don't expect miracles. But they are everywhere. Sometimes we get a sign, and at least for me, I have always had little signs. The universe recently presented its lesson to me about love and relationships. I actually believe the lesson I am still deciphering because I don't believe it is as clear cut as one might think upon first getting it/experiencing it. I think I am still figuring it out, but there definitely was a lesson there on my Catskill journey to my roots. And there is more still presenting itself. I just have periods in my life, where I shut down to it. But I always knew I had this other channel, this spiritual empathy I could tap into. At my age, I don't wish to ignore it any longer or fight myself any longer. I want to embrace this ability and use it. So that is what I have been doing.

So I started this morning, all prepped. I decided to go old school, like when I was a newbie client, not a coach, and just prep all my 7 days worth of meals. I will be doing no alcohol, no sweets, just really clean eating all week. And I am excited and totally committed to the new Martial Arts style workout Core de Force. It was a little awkward at first when I started it, because I have no experience, but I watched the tutorial and you know, after 10 minutes, I could do it. And surprisingly I liked it. As in REALLY LIKED IT! I can see myself doing it every day, and not dragging my feet. I guess I wanna fight and get the energy out. I simply always feel better afterwards.

I have a small but intimately linked Test Group of my own, and excited for those clients who decided to do it with me. That makes me feel hopeful that they're have this awakening the way I did. And it's good to have my confidant Heather with me. She's one of my oldest coaches who I mentored and she's kickin' ass. So proud of what she has done with her coaching career and her family. That makes me feel like I did my job to enlighten her life in some small way. I believe that's what we are here for, to touch some lives and make them better - even if just a little. The universe takes notes of all those deeds.

Will do my first workout as soon as they become available on digital unlock..still waiting.

~Jedi

Day 9/Round 2 Pilates Fix Extreme

Today I had a realization as I was talking to a friend just how different I feel "inside" and  out, and I'd say the inside is even more critical long term...Because anybody who devotes time each day can create a body they want, but it's that step of wanting it in the first place, that's the kernel that is built on trust of oneself. Just declaring 'today' is the day, and a year later, almost two years later, you're standing on that same foundation. I didn't even think that taking time to fix my body would move into other areas of my life. I think many of us don't expect that. But when you start getting to the bottom of what makes you tick rather than the bottom of an ice cream container, you just naturally start building confidence. 

Now maybe you did it occasionally; maybe you tried before and failed; maybe you get motivated briefly, but then give up, or you're in the apathetic state which is where I was . Just not doing anything, kind of hanging out, wishing on a star, or just vegetating, numbing and not honestly doing any move in any direction. That was me. 

I wish I had had ME to talk to then, because I get it now. It's a tumbling effect, the good food, the vigorous exercise, the bonding, the energy -- it moves you to do other great things in your life. And then you're tumbling with a smile! 

You just say TODAY and then 'today' is everyday. 😊 

Day 8/Round 2 Plyo Fix Extreme

Day 8 ✔️ One of the most beautiful mornings and competing with the sand added an edge with these Plyo moves. I saw the sun rising and came to the realization that as a kid I became overwhelmed with receiving gifts because I associated the joy being followed by something negative (aka the other shoe drops). I talked about this in my live broadcast this morning. Today I'm letting that go for good. For some reason Plyo made it surface. So it's gone. That belief has no truth. The truth is before me today as it was shown in this sky, in this gorgeous place I am fortunate to live in. 

And so she settled by the sea...

Day 8 Country Heat ....

Ready to have some of the most popular country music hits paired with 30 minutes of fun fat-blasting total body moves? August 1 is the release of our newest fun and easy getting fit program COUNTRY HEAT. No complicated moves, and simply low-impact. You'll follow along and be right in step from Day One. With such popular music hits, you won't even notice that you're toning your body! 

As an instructor-in-training, I'll be providing everything you need to know about the release of COUNTRY HEAT, it's details, including its easy-to-follow portion control nutrition plan. We'll also be showcasing several of our other popular programs with cool country giveaways each day!! 

👉🏼👉🏼Tag a friend and hashtag #acehigh for me and be entered to win a special workout sample. This FREE group runs July 18-22. Message me for details on how to be added!

Day 7/ Round 2 Fix Extreme Yoga

Today I decided that I need to remember to be respectful of my body and keep close to the balance I hold so dear and that I always tell you to be aware of. I've shared that last week I started my new round of a special exercise program I enjoyed during June, so much so, that I decided to do it again for July 5. I typically follow a specific way of eating which adds an 'edge' as if you were crunching for example a bikini competition, an element of fun but challenge. Competitions are fun and they get me all revved up. I can't help myself, you know, I'm like a kid at my first Star Wars movie 😂 

But taking stock of my living situation for the summer, access to what I need, and summer activities, I evaluated it was better for me to stop the competition plan and just return to my usual whole eating plan (similar, just not the same degree). Honestly it's better for me because teaching PiYo daily and demonstrating my other exercise practice for existing clients is demanding. I want people to be in balance so I need to do that as well. PiYo has a major % of my focus and that's a passion. 

When you are feeling pressured, you don't simply withdraw. Instead you take stock of the truth value of things, of how you feel, and what you value and make powerful decisions based on that. You can eliminate actions and add some. That's all this is. 

I also have shared that I start my day with a form of self reflection. I often take things that are holding me back and I let them 'go'. I decide how I'm going to implement that change for the day. 

👉🏼👉🏼If you'd like to JOIN ME as I do that each morning, if you're awake at 6:30am EDT 😂, feel free to join me at my public page. (now, if I oversleep, someone text me haha! Just kidding.) We'll let some junk go and make a clear focus. 👈🏼👈🏼

* I will be alternating: some mornings in ASL & some in English.

Dirty 30/Day 5/Round 2

Day 5 for Team Jedi ✔️

Gettin down and dirty, and I mean literally. Lots of floor work or aka 'ground'. I remember the first time I did this, I couldn't do the bonus round 'plank crunch' but over a year later? I can! 

I know sometimes you look and you think I have it all together, like all this stuff I'm doing comes so easy😳 I'm laughing because if you only knew the hoops I have to go through to just get everyone off my tail so I can squeeze these in. I'm just like any other mom, and you might even argue I have a lot of drama, tight space, busy summer, whiny kids, bills and demands like any home owner. The difference is its been proven to me that committing to YOU first helps you cope with all that 'other' junk better. So stop letting it consume you and start realizing that self care is a bullet-proof shield.

Day 4 Plyo Fix Extreme

This morning I just told my students at PiYo I ran out without my bag of newly washed exercise clothes and I luckily had my sports top on, but the only thing that was packed in the car at the bottom of some box were my old OLD shorts like from when I first started in 2014. But it's funny how things happen for a reason I believe. I needed this reminder today. 

The elastic is getting shot, and they're not my favorite type really, but they are a good reminder of where my life 'was'. I had gotten pretty dumpy about my body and my life. We laughed that when you build a 'butt' sometimes a team calls along too. I love who I've mentored. I love those who have taken this journey with me. I love that I woke up that day and took that last picture of the old me, and knew I'd never look or feel that way again. 

And I haven't.

Could only do 15 min of my regularFix  Extreme workout today but you know it's ok. I know my body and with the heat and teaching so much, it's what I needed to do. ~Jedi

Day 3 - Round 2/ 21 Day Fix Extreme

Happy Thursday. What act of kindness are you gonna do today? I ask that because yesterday I encountered an individual who literally was one of the people who just cannot relate to another, who was engaging with accusation, mistrust and ridicule. These come from a place of weakness. The greatest asset we have is strength with kindness. That is how we must approach those people. Kindness is not weakness. I will seek out a way to take that person's venom and diffuse it to something wonderful. In the morning is when I think about these things when I workout. In the stillness. In the beauty of the outdoors. Give that to yourself. Think about what you fill up with first. I fuel mind and body first. Clarity typically follows. Lower Fix X ✔️ Day 3 is here.

Upper Fix Extreme Day 2

Day 2 ✔️ Upper Fix Extreme. Team Jedi.

I'm not kidding, but for a few seconds I was like 'maybe I'll just workout later at say 8:00am, but I had a client who promised to get up at the same time and that we'd text each other after we were done. Oh my god, so how could I ditch her and this! Less likely, right? And I have been missing my early morning workouts since school let out. It's tricky when you're camping because people are literally on top of your private space and well, there is no space 😂! My husband was up at the same time, but the moment he left for work, I hit it. Feeling great too. Just goes to show you again how it's all a mind-game. You CAN do some much more! 

Decide.

Day 1 /Round 2 " Fix Extreme" New Chapter

Hey there. I know I haven't been here in several weeks. I was able to finish up the last round really well and get results of 5lbs down and 2 inches which was really all I needed (left from winter bulk). We had a lot happening with school winding up and my middle daughter heading off too Moscow as she does each year .

But I'm committing again to keeping you abreast of my progress this next round. Because there's something special about re-committing. It was so amazing last time; I honestly felt I needed to do it again! Hence, here I am...

So this morning I did Cardio, and I will be totally honest that I only did 20 min of the 30. But I had a rationale. I knew tonight I'd be teaching group fitness at 6:00 for 50 minutes and that's honestly quite a bit. I wanted to make sure I don't overdue it. Because there is a tipping point, over which results go in reverse. Especially for us women over 40, we need to be careful. Overdoing cardio when doing a specific competition eating needs to be treated with care. I felt feat though being part of it on Day 1! My team is with me too, and I'm loving this new momentum we had. You see it's not about what shape or weight someone is. When I look, I only wonder about how that person 'lives'. Are they loving and living life? I mean REALLY doing it or just going through some motions? There is a difference. I wonder if that person wants longevity and whether they want to be around healthy to share as much as they can with that beautiful body that was given them. To cherish it, feed it, help it to run at its potential - as it was intended . The number is less important to me than the health goal. Heart and pulmonary Health, endocrine health... Keeping it going and vibrant. When I look at someone, I think 'can I help them avoid the expense, the tragedy of health care.' We can't always escape the random thing that could befall us. That's true. But we can control that which WE DAMAGE intentionally. So if I can help slow down that process for someone- help them turn it around, my job will have been done. That's what matters. 

~Jedi 

Day 15 Lower Fix

Day 15, over the two week hump, and it's Hump Day! Total pool of sweat this morning, but hurt so good. I might just have to overrule the Hubs and crank that AC tomorrow 😂 

Was listening this morning to how the vibration you send off attracts like participles, and most of us are not even operating at the full level we could to attract what we want. We "snooze" through life, we retract, we retreat...because of our limiting false beliefs. It's time to get in your heart and do a massive overhaul. The Big Snooze, as this author Sincero suggested, is always ready to pounce, to stop you from being in touch with your own vibrancy. 

Don't let it. 

Day 9 Upper Fix

Was taking some lessons this morning from the famous Jim Rohn... Being tall, I related to his analogy of it being great to 'stand tall', but knowing when to bend, when to change. The greatest of trees can be taken down by a hurricane, can't they? Simple by saturating the roots with enough rains and winds ripping them right out after hundreds of years. Sometimes I got lucky I believe because I could be unyielding and get away with it. But one of the greatest lessons I have picked up in these last 6 months actually is that while it's ok to hang on to the 'old ways', it's more successful to 'bend' and 'morph' like those willow trees that seemed to be the only type standing after the deluge. 

Sometimes it's hard to embrace a new program, a new way of exercising, of thinking, or eating especially when you're coming off of many other failed ones. You might be holding on to those old methods, those old facts, even though you see they aren't working for you . 

You can still stand tall in your conviction, but know when to bend. 

Day 9 ✔️

Day 7 Pilates Extreme

One week in...just one week, and I'm already feeling sore in different ways than I did before. And the proof is in what I can see, the physical changes from simply being way cleaner on my eating. I've been really sticking to the competition eating, save for a tiny Greek yogurt or swig of beer I stole from my husband 😊. I love the Pilates Fix Extreme day, sweating with those resistance bands, carving my body just a bit more, shaping things just a bit more precisely. My husband remarked that I shouldn't show my pouch hanging when I plank or that my lose skin from past pregnancy hangs over a bit of my shorts. But hey, this is reality. If I have it, I'm gonna show it. I'm not gonna tell you that's gonna go away because it might not. But...do you agree that in life we are not socializing while bent over 😂? So look at this on Day 7 standing up tall. Umm, I'll take it! 

This comes from self-love. Caring about what you present to the world on a daily basis, what your children see. They're gonna see in fact that you loved yourself enough to DO something with your emotions. 

#truth #letithangproudly #standtall 

Day 5 - of 21 Day Fix Extreme

It's day 5. Seriously that means in 2 days I will have been at this new thing a "week". Either I'm getting older, haha, yes, or I swear being fit just makes you breeze through this calendar faster, and better. There was an impending rainstorm and softball practice on the horizon for me, which meant get it done, or forget it. My husband wanted me to take a nap. (I know! A nap? Boring for me, lol) So he looked up the weather map and said best to go now. Finished in 30 minutes and the sky literally exploded down on me . Couldn't have been more perfect timing. Some things I had to do: modify how I did the renegade row moves due to the woods' floor being full of leaves and dirt. I did them against a picnic table instead. Same resistance and reps. Easy. For everything else just cleared a spot with the beauty of the woods around me. No people nearby and no noise. 

My favorite part are the drop downs on one leg to a chest pull because it requires great balance and strength. That I have achieved already through PiYo over the years so anything involving "balance" , I'm in! The one arm pulls are also difficult but I see compared to last year, I'm doing much better and started "out" with 10lbs whereas before I had to start with say 5 or 8. That's wild. I'm definitely way cut up more out of the gate. 

This morning my personal development was shared by Joel Osteen regarding an analogy from flight school: The 4 principles of flying an airplane...

1. Lift (people who brighten you; cheer you)

2. Drag (those people in your life who always got a sad song, expect you to cheer them up, carry their load)

3. Weight (these folks, they pull you down; you feel discouraged after being with them; energy suckers)

4, Thrust (those in your life who inspire you; push you)

In his words, you have to say to yourself, I love them; I'll pray for them, But I cannot get to where I'm going with them in my life. I don't want to hurt feelings, but I cannot fulfill my destiny with that weight on me month after month. My assignment is too important. My time is too valuable to continually let people pull me down. You can't go into a negative environment in neutral. You've got to be fueled up. If you're not on the offensive , the weights, the drags will pull you down...Take responsibility for your own issues. Don't let them sour your life... (Ch. 3 You Can, You Will)

~Jedi 

Day 4 Lower Fix Extreme

Was just sharing live in my client group that this week has been rough for me. I'm actually feeling grateful that I even recommitted to another program because I suspect with just continuing an old one, I just might have lost my momentum. I talk to a lot people who say they couldn't do what I do. Or that they're too busy with family. But the truth is my life is nutty. I have a family and they make it just insanely busy this week --with a bunch of little things with some members getting me down at times and end of the school year games, parties, recitals... Then it's that my daughter is leaving for Russia in ten days and all the prep for that. I could curl up a times and let my workout slide or not eat well. I could sink into being very sad. But I don't. I don't because as I told my group,   I'm brought back to earth, grounded by that kite string.  I'll never be left to flap in the wind. Just as you reel that thin string in for a kite, the person holding that end is grounded. Right? That's how I feel when things get crazY. When the stress is piling up. I can still be reeled back in. So, without being clobbered ok? Consider that perhaps you are just using your family as an excuse , and heck, I know because I did. I found it easier to just sink into them and ignore all the things that I needed to work on me. It was hard as hell today to get this workout done . As soon as I was about to, my husband had another idea for what he wanted ... Something to do with coffee and sweets... So I stood my ground and explained I needed to get my workout in NOW, not later , or I wouldn't be in a good state of mind - wouldn't be much use to talk to, and certainly wouldn't have any energy to give him the attention he needed. That's what I'm talking about: setting some boundaries in a healthy way. They might not always like your answer, but they'll respect the intention. 

Also I did kill it on the squat lunges! Way better than last year when I did this. I'm feeling and seeing the results of my muscle build over the winter-- major solid and it's helping me get through these sessions . Feel like the 30 min is blowing by fast! And I like that! 

Day 2 Upper Fix

My husband's work schedule has been erratic, and the end of the year activities for my daughters including softball, ballet, jazz, exams, theater, trips, that and seasonal paperwork for insurance renewals and so forth, have just made it such a day that I found myself up late lately - way later than I like. And I'll admit I haven't been to my 5:00am ritual except for one morning over Labor Day weekend. I'm sticking to my self-reflection and meditation really well though and tend to do that at about 6:30 and hold the exercising for later. But I'm not really happy with being off my track. But at least I'm getting it done. It's so beautiful outside now in June. Reminds me of how I did this last year. It's a stressful time for the kids, but soon to be the start of a fantastic summer for us adults and them! 

It's Day 2 for me. My back had some tension and I always laugh at how easily I can fall to to the old pattern of thinking 'not moving' will help when for me, as soon as I engage other muscle groups and get stretched and moving, my lower back heals. That's right: not worse. But better. I used to live at the chiropractor and be using a heating pad and ice (on and off at night), or I was known for carrying a tennis ball in the car or in my nightstand because I'd be in so much pain and trying to release the spasm. Amazing that I barely have any hint of it now. I don't even know where we put the herbal heating pack. 😂It's packed away from the move from NYC. 

Many of the issues we deal with physically CAN be helped just by getting your s---t together in the kitchen and in your exercise (or lack thereof). I'm not gonna say it'll cure all of it. But it comes pretty close! 

An hour ago I was crooked a bit from the muscles being so tight and spent an hour stretching. Post workout? I'm great! 

What I find the hardest about the Countdown to Competition Eating plan I think is the carb cycling days where I have to eat every two hours with 6 servings of protein a day and only 1 carb. Ha ha! Those are a pain. Today's workout required holding a sumo squat with a bicep curl. Those are difficult. Not the bicep part, but the squat. Dolphins though are fun and great for your shoulders. I killed those. 

Get moving! ~Jedi

Day 1 June 21 Day Fix Extreme

So it's Day 1. Exactly this time last year I committed to what we call countdown to competition eating and I did this workout for the first time with a friend and one of my coaches who I was training. The nostalgia for me is that we are both still here one year later! It hasn't been without its challenges. We still text each other every day and as moms, talk each other off a ledge now and again haha. We worry and wonder how we will hold it together for our kids... 

But as I started today the thought I had is that it's ok to be scared. Even as I picked up the weights and pushed play and the familiar X Plyo squats came into view, as I asked myself "You're at this again? Are you sure?" Haha! Then I answered: "Yea I'm here and one year older and actually doing way better physically than last year." I'm way more solid and strong and while it'll be nice to slim down again (you get a different 'look' from this program than say Hammer & Chisel), I'm aiming to Perform better though I'm older!

When others fell away, I was in the race for the long haul. In essence that's what I am - the long distance runner. 

So I did it, and it wasn't so bad! It came back to me. I like that there are 'rounds' and only 30 seconds between each move, a little chance to recover...

See you tomorrow!

 

Day 2 Insanity Max 30

So technically I started yesterday doing the light workout Pulse just to get warmed up. Today was a rude awakening. Cardio Challenge was just as I remembered it! Difficult haha. Except I definitely maxed out better this time than last year. The suicide burpees and the slap jack are always the hardest especially at the end. But it seriously is just a mind game. You can push more but your mind makes you think you can't.  I definitely need to invest in more Energize for this workout month - that and Recover! Will definitely be feeling this session later. I think my favorite part of the session is the "10 and 2" twists and the mountain climber type moves. Those I can do great. But of course that's not the exercise you want to do - you want to do the one you hate. 

Day 56 Resistance 3 - Hard Corps

Sometimes things don't cooperate, like my groan muscle: still giving me issues even though I took 2 days off to rest it. Tried doing the Mountain squats and scissors, but could only manage 1 round before it started acting up and the pain was too great. So no big deal. I switched it up to a straight drop squat and lift which felt fine and then just did some ab. Exercises which didn't require the legs to scissor kick 'off' the floor, less strain on the groin. 

Pop jumpers and the plank reaches were all fine as well. 

Monday's are a fantastic day for me because I love setting the pace for the entire week. I have never missed one since October 13, 2014! 

I made a short list of goals (just 4 modest ones) and plan to slay them all by 8am. 

Let's kick it Jedi's!!

Day 44 Resistance 3 22 Minute Hard Corps

It was another crazy night with Regina, my five year old. Not sure what's going on exactly but she's been waking up afraid every now and again. I was up 4 times last night and as you know getting up then at 5:00am is brutal. I cheated a bit and made it 6:00am, but trust me, that made little difference Haha. I fejt angry I'll admit. Then she heard me downstairs jumping around with Tony during  22 HardCorps and snuck into my routine. She also suspected I was resentful because she made a point of saying how she brushed her teeth, (she hates that and it's always a battle), got herself dressed, and even was writing in her book and sounding out letters. I mean how can you ber mad at that! Ok so I softened up...

Resistance 3 was difficult with only say 5 hours of sleep. The 'poppers' were just impossible, the split jumps with weights too and I dropped down to 10s. I did fine on the dead-drops-to-pop-up... Those I got down and very proud of my scissors. My abs are like steel now! Still something is always a bit off when I don't get a good night sleep and get delayed. Day 44 is checked off my list. Now today I help out at softball practice for the girls 

Day 41 Cardio 3

Jim Rohn is one of my favorite mentors.  He has this way of calling you on your bs, which I admire. I really wish he were still around; I'd love to meet him just to thank him for his wisdom. No one can expect to work effectively, nor parent, nor partner well if they are treating the very vessel that carries them through this world like it doesn't matter. You know what the body is gonna do? It's gonna say 'the hell with you!' And quit. 

Today is a day of worship for many. Think about being respectful of what was given to you for a reason and work with it , not against it. 

It's Day 41 for me of 22 Min Hard Corps. I've helped 4 people in just 10 days turn this vessel around. Be next! 

Day 36 Resistance 1 22 Minute Hard Corps

So how much did I not want to workout this morning? A lot! Haha. I was exhausted because I had done two workouts yesterday: taught PiYo class and Cardio 2, so my body was pooped. Thank goodness for the Recharge last night before bed. Jumped out of bed this morning . No issue. 

I think my least favorite was when Tony announced 'bonus round '. I hate those drop burpee push-ups. I also struggled today on the squat thrusts. Had to drop down to a lower weight on the 3rd round. That's not usually like me. 

I think it's due to not eating as well yesterday and I may have screwed my protein . I was a bit sloppy counting yesterday and for dinner we had mostly veggie with couscous as stupid Mom forgot to go to the store again. On to my reading now. There's a great feeling of accomplishment when I get it all done before 6:30am. And today is one of those. 

Day 35 Cardio 2

Going for another round of 22 minute hard corps because I will admit I'm spoiled. I just like keeping my workout to 22 minutes. Is that bad? I also have PiYo live tonight at 5:00pm so wanted to keep it shorter . I'm finding the big push-ups and gorilla walks all getting easier as I'm leaning out and getting stronger . Love this feeling of killing a program. Woke up with so much energy and fire today! I love Mondays for that reason : to follow my goals for the week and knock them off one by one. I had kind of a lazy, not so tight weekend with food and exercise and it was busy on Sat and Sun with errands, so felt great getting back on track this morning. 

What are you committing to this week? What are you gonna do differently? 

Day 28 Cardio 2 of 22 Minute Hard Corps

Some people may wonder why I often put a NUMBER on my pictures when you see me do my workout. That number is how far along I am in the program I'm doing. 

I never just do the same program indefinitely and here's why: it's a concept I learned when I was studying for my group exercise certification, your body was meant for adapting - for being challenged, so besides from just also breaking up the monotony (no one wants to be locked into one way forever), you can shake-up your body's processes by making it have to react in a new way. It's kind of like wondering where that puck is gonna go when you're playing air hockey or dodge ball let's say. It keeps you on your toes. It's also key to breaking weight plateaus. Many of my long - term clients have experienced this, and so doing a new program from start to finish (as it was meant to be done) is really crucial to maintaining results. 

The same excitement I start a program with is the same emotion I feel as it draws to a close because I know another adventure is coming. Having a little competition with yourself is healthy. 😉

I'm Day 28. 

I'm a Jedi. 

I'm a 365er. 

I'm a healthy Mother. 

I'm gonna be here everyday.

Day 25 - Cardio 3

Today I was derailed constantly: my husband, my kids, the dog... I swear it was like a conspiracy to not allow me to get in my workout. And to top it off, our food was messed too, so I could feel it today. Just way too many carbs as my husband was snacking again on tortilla chips and then we had homemade guacamole which was healthy but had far more than my usual blue container. We were just running around all day long. I also didn't wake up in the right way either . I may have slept poorly and then everyone started in on my early wanting this and that, and so I found it difficult to stay on track. 

But when 8:00pm rolled around I just said 'no, I'm not going to end this night with my workout not recorded.' So I told everyone to get the hell out of my way, and I didn't even flinch when again someone tried interrupting me while in the middle of a Plyo jump with a 15 lb. weight ! I mean could your timing be anymore off! 

The rolling burpees were awkward with my mat, the twists and lifts were way cool and the one leg skip jumps too. The sideways jumps with weights were killers and ended up having an asthma attack towards the end lol. May have been the tumble-weed dog hair... 

Anyway I got it in before I turned into a pumpkin! 

Day 23 Cardio 3 of 22 Min Hard Corps

My food has been really on track for the last 4 days and I can feel it know my workout sessions. I blowing through these. This morning got a little tired on the last round but I was also up several times again with Regina. She gets scared when her sister is not around. She had gone to a sleep-over. I think I was up 4 times last night- felt like back to my newborn days lol. 

In Cardio 3, the hardest moves for me were the fast feet to a drop and the knee to elbow twists. Everything else even the Sphinx kicks were ok. Except on the Sphinx I can't drop too long or my knees hit the ground! Wacked myself a couple of times there this morning. It's such a great way to get done in 22 minutes. Still absolutely in love. I felt this session of Cardio 3 had less 'breaks' (might have been) whereas the others have a 22 second break between rounds. But that's ok. Everything hurts before it gets better. 

Day 21 Resistance 3

Harder session for sure. The drop to the floor moves with a 15 lb weight were not fun ! And also the Plyo squats with weights (I used 10 lbs today ), were also something I was not too fond of, ha! But I did them nonetheless. Again I swear I'm so spoiled with this workout because it's done in no time. This morning someone left the heat up too high, and so I was drenched. I usually like to keep it about 65 so I don't get overheated. 

The most enjoyable part of the session was the balance rows where you turn sideways and lift the weight up while still doing a side plank. We just did a bunch of side planks in my PiYo class last night so I was exhausted ! 

My thoughts today after listening to Tony Robbins, is that everyday you get to choose. It's a power we were all given. The question was raised: "Why do some people make bold decisions but others hang on to what they have..."? 

It's basically about your state of mind and emotions at the time as well as your 'blueprint' how you believe your life to be. I keep thinking back to the film Zootopia where the rabbit's parents tell her 'it's ok to dream as long as you don't believe in them too much.' 

My blueprint, believe it or not, was uber conservative. Don't make waves. Pick the safe route. Security means safety. No risk. So yea, I'd say pretty much I was either doing that or fighting against it. This dance that we all do about what you want and what you fear. 

Well guess what? You CAN change your blueprint! I already have. I prove it everyday. 

Day 19 Cardio 1 & Core 1

Sunday is awesome because it's the head of the week. I get to spend time with my family. I usually take Sunday to write out my goals for the week although this time around I did them yesterday! 

Spent time with my one daughter outside riding her bike with our dog trailing behind. 

This morning I started out feeling sluggish and moaning through some of those burpees and core 1 rolls-to-plank. But on the 3rd round I somehow came around . It's also likely when my performance 'energize' kicked in. as I had it rather late (just before starting my workout). 

I think my least favorite part of these are the lunges and burpees. Everything else I don't mind at all. 

The Core 1 work was incredible . I love working on balance and keeping my legs straight which is of course very difficult . You need a good soft mat for those 'rolls - to - plank'. I find myself getting crunched and hurt otherwise. 

I think today I need to work on getting back to what fuels my passion about helping people commit. Lately it's been very frustrating talking to people who 'know' they are living a very unhealthy lifestyle, but are not willing to change anything about it. That's the scary part. I have to go on in the day knowing this great person who I met is consciously choosing to continue an unhealthy path, trust is a difficult thing to give. The unknown is scary to us. If they only knew what was just beyond the door. They would be blown away... All in good time...

Day 18 - Resistance 2

It's been awhile since I posted here. I think it was due to starting that new program 22 Minute Hard Corps and I had been in this nice niche of writing about my other Hammer & Chisel. But for whatever reason I take responsibility for not being here in my blog and plan to get back into today.

I loved the fact that I was able to do two sessions of this workout on the cruise ship last week with Tony Horton himself live, which was a special treat! We also met him coming out of an elevator on the upper deck (sorry,  no pictures as I was interpreting for my husband and my phone was in my bag!), but I was taken by how genuine he was - his smile and his care for others . You could just feel it resonating from him- nothing fake whatsoever. I just remember his asking us if we were having a good time. 

So today was Day 18 for me. Just shy of 3 weeks on this program. I sprinkled in some other workouts on the ship as well from 21 Day Fix Extreme and Body Beast, all of which were fun. 

I have to remark again how fast these 22 minutes get done and I don't even notice the time pass at all. 3 rounds of exercises and you're sweaty and feeling accomplished. 

I did pretty well today, but felt dehydrated as I know I did not drink nearly enough yesterday traveling. 

I don't care for the burpees press. Hate those , and I feel awkward sometimes on the lunge and swing back with the elbow move, but at least I can still swing the 15s with no issue. 

The corkscrew ab work is amazing - can really feel my abdomen maintaining through the engagement and haven't lost a thing from stopping Hammer & Chisel which is relieving. 

My thoughts today are how movement can change any bad attitude. I got woke done this morning for my coaching but I had not been able to do my workout because my little one woke up. But this's ok because she joined in later with me. Everything happens for a reason. She was excited to be with me- that's a reason in itself for not getting upset or frustrated. 

My family is such a part of what I do now that I can't imagine my life any other way. 

Either get moving or settle into dying. You choose ! 

~Jedi 

Day 90 Chisel Cardio and my Last Day

Hammer & Chisel parting is such sweet sorrow. This program built me a much better upper body, and my 'tush' back which had pretty much flattened from initial weight loss . This morning I had to modify the athletic lunges to lift up and drop down to 10 lbs on the second round but I know it's because my nutrition was a little off yesterday again and once again my husband got up with me at 5:30am because of jet lag and so kind of distracted me. My head wasn't right because I missed my morning ritual of meditation and water (or hot tea first) and personal development will have to happen later --- just all a bit off. But it's ok because it was for a good reason 😉. Tomorrow I'm excited about starting my new program of 22 Minute Hard Corps. 

Day 88 - Chisel Balance

So I thought I was gonna have a quiet morning to myself again, but I had some company! Mr. Kolmogorov here was jet lagged and was up with me at 6:30am. But he was so courteous and said 'pay attention to your workout and we'll talk when you're done.' I thought that was so sweet. He even stayed in the other room so as not to bother me 💕. 

Pistol squats and rows were the hardest again and I still hate them! However they do go faster when you know someone is waiting for you with coffee in hand ! 

Only 2 more days and I will have finished 3 months of Hammer & Chisel. 

Day 87 Power Chisel

Day 87! Almost done with Hammer & Chisel. 3 solid months. Last workout before hubby comes! Felt really good to get some Plyo moves in. Had to drop down to lower weights on the step up on trunk again because my legs were just burned out . When I first started exercised I could never do Plyo. I always konked out in those sessions. So really proud of where I have come in 15 months! 

My nutrition has been off the last few days and I think that's the nervousness of his return. I tend to eat for whatever reasons when trying to cope with change even if it's a positive change.  We've been used to living in a certain way without Dad here and now we've all got to adjust again. But it's a long overdue homecoming ! 

Day 86 - Total Body Chisel

Aside from draggin' my ass? Slept late, was off on my nutrition last night and felt weak today . The cross backs and up on my 'chest ' (I use that instead of a bench), were the hardest . I think because I felt weak I had to switch down to 10s just on the last set (left and right), whereas on other mornings I could do 15 lbs in each hand no problem. 

Tomorrow I have decided I am getting back into this because it's making me nuts losing my momentum in the morning. 

I also just noticed I didn't blog yesterday! Good lawd, so you see what's happening to my brain when I don't get up early?  Haha. 

I did fine on the incline fly and press. Did 15s and also some 20s in each. 

Who needs hot yoga! I just crank up my fireplace and lift, and was sweating up a storm. 

Day 83 - Chisel Endurance

Chisel Enduance:

After teaching PiYo last night and then partaking in the 22 Minute Hard Corps workout on demand, I really came into this weak. But I survived. The girls had left a bunch of toys all out and on the furniture, so just did the modified version using weights and the floor for sessions that required a step up on the coffee table because I was too lazy to clean it up. Ha! I survived those planks with knee touches (very proud of myself!). And I think the hardest move for this morning were those curtsy lunges with weights as my legs were wobbly from doing so much PiYo yesterday . Autumn I really despise you in the morning, but I'll love you on that cruise in March with Beachbody! ~Jedi

Day 80 - Chisel Balance

Hi gang! Didn't think I was gonna get it in huh? It's a late night workout, but still did it. 

Not my proudest moment: Regina says "Mommy, I heard you say a bad word." Oops. I was cursing Autumn and those pistol squats with a row. I absolutely despise those . Let me go on record. I had to stop about the 7th rep on the second set on left leg- it was just burning too much in my calf and glute. 

But I'm feeling so much better now that it's done. The girls sat patiently while I did this. They're used to my craziness no matter the hour! 

My favorite part that I was feeling proud of was that I did those plank to a push up on the bench (well for me a coffee table/trunk) and did both sets of 15 and repeated and did NOT crap out! Yay me! 

Day 79! New heights

Day 79!

Yes I totally do have to be careful when I use equipment or am asked to 

'jump up' and do ---- because at 6'1" I have been known to injure myself with crushing my knuckles on the ceiling or hitting it with my weights. 😂 But to be serious for a minute, my thoughts for you today are that how successful you want to be is truly based on what you believe. You can change what you believe- we do that sometimes as we go through the course of our lives. I think your core beliefs are the most solid and hence these might be the hardest to shift. And some, especially those about how you view the world and people, could be the ones that you wish to stick with if they're working for you. 

Success is not one-track. Where you just plow forward regardless. You've got to be able to dump actions that aren't working for you and add actions that will.

Day 78 - Isometrics (Chisel)

I was talking with one of my challengers this morning about tanking in a workout because he was mentioning how the other night he barely felt like he could get through this one H&C . I was thinking the same thing actually that yes, sometimes I have to stop the DVD or my online streaming and I just catch my breath, or I maybe 1-2 reps less. But mostly I let myself catch up for a second and I go back. And yes it does really depend on the previous day's eating pattern, fatigue, my present mindset. Sometimes it's hormonal too. Certain times of the month I feel more wiped out, and stress levels can affect it too. 

This morning I didn't do so bad. What gets me on this one routine with the isomeric holds is my legs feel like they're gonna blow out and I'm known for having  very strong legs! But those modified pistol squats where I have to dip are rough and also those others where I have  to step up on my coffee table and do it for 10, then hold.... Oh heaven! It is the worst. But I keep hearing in my mind . "Don't quit." "Just 5 more...just 2 more..." And I picture being done. And I imagine how I'm gonna look at my next occasion , which for me is my Beachbody cruise March 12... So I dig deeper and just ignore the discomfort. But to get back to what he was saying... I do have those mornings where I have to take more rests, but what I don't do ever is 'skip'. As a trainer, I coach people it's better to stop and get refocused, watch your form, and then get back in. So I'm known for pausing and rewinding some and then going to finish it off.

Peace out! 

Coaching Opportunity FREE Call for Team Jedi

Are you a Mom who has lost it?

And when you do, you feel all guilty?

Runnin' around shuttling kids?

Trying to balance work, family, and this Mommy-myth?

Feeling like you're on the verge of wanting to change, but just not sure how?

You're steadfast in everything else: your faith, your partner, your kids, but YOU...hmmm...

Oh and somewhere in there trying to eat good and exercise, but failing? 

GREAT! We're gonna get along perfectly. 😃

Ask me how to be invited to my free informational call about being a coach this Thurs Feb 18, at 9:00pm EDT. Send me an email jedijuliesi@gmail.com or just message me. And we can talk call details. 

Watch the link here to hear more: 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qEickoEWnjw#

Day 77 Hammer Plyo

I'm off by 4 days though (lost Fri-Mon from illness). So like yesterday, it was a little hard breathing today because my head was still draining, but I pushed through those crazy horses, burpees to pull-ups, and even jumping on a piano bench lol. Yup. in case you didn't catch that I use my grandfather's piano bench since it's the perfect size! I think the hardest part for me was lifting those weights in a Plyometric jump because I hadn't lifted in a couple of days, and my nutrition was not as spot on as it usually is, so I feel weak. I did them though, just not very elegantly haha. 

I did my workout without my Energize (don't ask me why because I have no idea!), and that ended up being kind of silly. Could have used it. 

I was just thinking today that this is the one program where the scale has not mattered to me, where I can admire and love my body more filled out and solid, and I'm the strongest I have ever been. I'm so used to being "slimmed down" and lean, and I think this was good for me actually to go through this process and morph my body once again. I passed the test. And I appreciate the calmness and acceptance it has taught me. Clothing fits a bit different, tighter here and there, my legs are larger, but it's not the way I looked when I started with my first program back in 2014. I love the new me! 

Day 76 Back from Illness

I'm so used to being 'home' with my girls and not having to run off that when I am called away for some reason, I feel a great appreciation for what I didn't always have. 

I have these moments when I'm driving a long distance where I'm transported back to a time - a time when I put in long hours as a commuter, and got home long after sunset, where I would be dreaming about coming home after a long day, just waiting to taste something comforting, a glass or two of wine, and always some snacks and desserts that my husband would buy for the same reason, to comfort himself too after exhaustion. The thought of it was in some ways overpowering my own desire to be with the girls to be totally honest. I would be so tired that I didn't want to speak. Their mouths would move and I would smile. But I couldn't tell you what they said. All I wanted was to become numb and chill. I wanted them to go to bed, so I could retreat inward. 

I decided to share this really old transformation of me from just 6 weeks into my PiYo program (2014) and then 19 weeks (2015) after I had done 2 rounds and a new round of Insanity Max 30. I show this because one night I did something different instead of having that glass and that dessert. 

Everyone was asleep and at 10:30pm I popped in a 30 min workout called PiYo. I hated it. I couldn't do half the moves she was showing, and I was mad because wasn't I once good at yoga? Julie, you used to be a runner? You can't even hold your leg up there for 5 seconds and bounce a bit? 

Little did I know I had just taken an ACTION, an action based on a decision that I made. No one made it for me or did it for me. I believed it might do something for me. It was more than just late-night sweating and cursing. 

It was the beginning of a miracle. A miracle that has lasted 15 months, and lasted way longer than those first 30 minutes. 

I'm not even gonna mention the numbers. Lots of weight off my heart is all you need to understand. The woman my girls get to greet when she comes  home, when she wakes up, is a woman of passion, of energy, of confidence, who speaks, who really listens now and is 100% present. 

And I selfishly don't want them to go to bed! 😉

Day 73 - staying true to your self

It's really easy to get side tracked into anger, comparing, jealousy, complaining, because all of these things believe it or not stem from one common root: FEAR.

Woke up this morning to two very different kinds of messages. One from one of my clients who was out of this universe happy with her progress: she's down 20 lbs in about 2.5 months - very similar to my journey, and she was STOKED. She was patient, she listened to me, she stuck it out, she didn't get down on herself for minor foul-ups. She's a busy mother of 2 and working a full time job. But she remained true to her intention. Her intention was to change. Period. And today she is proud of herself. Her family is even making changes in the kitchen, so her kids and spouse are soon to follow. 

The other message was from someone caught up in the doubt and mind game of somehow this is going to happen on its own. That either "I'm not uncomfortable enough yet," or "I'm not willing," or I find the commitment too painful yet. I don't know. It's for that person to decide. A wonderful human being, loving, a good heart, but not there yet. That's ok.  We all must come to that cross-roads and make a decision and no one can jump up and down with signs, firecrackers, hoopla to get them to go down one road or the other. You're in the driver seat. You have to make the turn or not. 

Being sick, today and yesterday, making it 2 days I have not been able to workout I could easily get down on myself. And in the past, trust me, this would have been an excuse - a one pass to sympathy,    party of carbs and who knows what else, and just pure disgust for myself, about needing to be perfect and all or nothing, but that's not reality. 

Reality is initial trust, it's working hard everyday on what I know will make me stronger, it's about leaning on others, but the right group of men and women, about giving my body a chance to rest and recuperate, to eat well despite being sick. This picture I don't throw up here to be 'in your face' or to show off. I put it here because it represents the love I have for myself, it shows my hard work, it gives me motivation for when I'm recovered from being sick I have some decent progress to return to, a have a husband who is proud of me, and who can't wait to be with me on our cruise in 27 days, and it represents that nothing comes easy, and frankly when you invest your time and money into changing yourself, it makes it all the more worth while. Nothing is handed to you in this life. You have to put the sweat and time in. ~Jedi 

Day 69 Chisel Agility

Ok what was I thinking about honestly this morning when I got up? I was saying to myself I can lead a horse to water, but I can't make him drink. And that's because it has to be an intrinsic motivation from the client too. This past week I had some amazing conversations with people, new people who asked me for their guidance, who are upset about their current state. Some of these people I was so intrigued by and I could have sat over dinner and talked with them for hours, we had so much in common...Some of them joined me and I am super excited about that. Because I 'know' what awaits them. The others? It does make me sad because the opportunity to change is R I G H T there for the taking, but they won't. 

The thing is WE are responsible for change. Ourselves and no one else. And the change can happen in an instant. The moment I said 'I have had enough' and started exercising and changing my diet to sugar free whole eating, that's all it was . A couple of seconds in time.  But it took so long, several years to get my s*** together. So yes, I feel for those who will be skeptical of me, or doubt their own abilities to change, or will sink back into the same routine where nothing is changing, and they'll continue to talk about what they don't want. What they don't like. Yet no decision to change. And all the things they claim are making them unhappy will still be there tomorrow morning. That sort of phenomenon does sadden me. But I keep pushing forward for myself, for those who are ready for a change. Who need that change to LIVE. I am 'only' here to 'guide' them because the patterns they will enact, the intrinsic motivation is as the word describes: from 'within' each of them. Not from me. 

~Jedi

Day 68 Total Body Hammer

What can I say? One of my favorite workouts. Nailed it! Used 20s for pretty much all reps. Sagi was in rare form with his jokes and the atmosphere was light and fun. When I started I could do one pull up. Ha! Now I can do about 6 or 7. Not bad, eh? 

And we got a snow day! Sent the kids back to bed and planning on using this time wisely to set my intentions and goals for the day. Check in with my new clients who signed up last night! Pretty stoked for Monday! 

Day 67 Hammer Conditioning

I feel like I just worked out. No wait. I did. Ha! About 7 hours ago! The hardest part for me here are those planks and tap and the push-ups around the clock with drawing the knee in. I still find myself stopping on some to catch my breath. I didn't have my energize this morning. Was just curious how it would be without it. Eh! Bad move. Should've used it. This morning I am thinking about that this is the last day of my free clean eating group and I wonder how people have done. Hoping everyone will check in today with their experiences. Today I plan to work on changing some of my goals as to where I want to be headed by March 2016. Going to do some active emotion recording to see what I would have to believe to empower myself to be successful towards those things . And to ask myself who's already successful in this area (of my goal) and what do they believe in that I don't already and then I will add those beliefs this week. Here's to a great week. 

Day 66 Chisel Balance

Took my daughters out for dinner and had a wonderful evening. But this feeling kept nagging at me, that I had let the day get away from me, I had not carried out what I wanted . Worse yet I had not done my workout routine. After dinner I came home and just decided to stay accountable to my group and my clients. There are lots of things that are painful - I have been through many of them. But I have yet to do a workout and say afterwards, 'gee what a bad idea that was, what a terrible experience ..' Ha! I have never done that. 

So for anyone out there who is as committed as I am to change, here's to us who followed through. We have thought about the future - our future with the old us, and we haven chosen the road less traveled - we don't want to go back, do we?

The worse part of this workout for me are the dips to pistol squat as well as the Bulgarian split squats. My goodness, those are indeed awful! I mean awful. I did all of them, but it was very difficult once again. And it's even more difficult after enjoying a nice steak and vegetables haha! Happy Saturday everyone. Remember as long as you get it done before midnight, you will not turn into a pumpkin! ~Jedi

Day Powered Up for Snow!

Snow started coming down today here already this morning. I believe this might be my favorite workout of the whole series. It makes me feel very strong and controlled and probably lots of booty gain. 

I had a really late night and after driving 4.5 hours for an appointment, could barely keep my eyes open last night when I went on a team call. 

My daughter has been sleeping with me while Daddy is away and while that can be a blessing as one day she certainly will hate my guts, not so good if you're an active sleeper, ha! So I was constantly pushing her 'over', rolling her, only to have her roll back, or get an arm in my face! 

Incidentally I woke up tired. My nutrition has been somewhat off for the last two days, missing some vegetables and going over in my carbs a bit, but I'm pretty proud of myself for drinking all 70 oz of water yesterday despite being on the run all day. But it definitely showed in my workout. Just didn't feel as strong. 

I've been doing something new now in the mornings, meditating for about just 5 minutes , to quiet everything and focus on the stillness and be connected to myself . In Shelter Island there is so much beauty and wonderful sounds to take in that  I can't wait to do that in the summer outdoors. 

I've also been listening to Anthony Robbins since Monday. He was remarking on how people are so wrapped up in the stress that they can't bear the thought of stopping to think . That they're running through each day, putting on ear buds, zoning out into the tv, eating because it feels comforting and distracts them, filling up their day with tasks.  But to sit and face feelings yes, that is one of the most scariest things. He refers to this state as 'no man's land' - no one having the faintest clue what they want to do or dream of, instead just meeting each day and stumbling their way through it. 

Day 64 Unfiltered!

Ok so yesterday and today have not been so great food wise. Workouts are good and as you see I'm still up at 5:00 and doing the old H&C..

But I am over on yellows, not eating close to my greens (veggies), and I know what it is. I'm just not feeling up to preparing the veggies I know are good and bored with the ones that say would be easier to grab. For ex I have the salad greens and spinach in my fridge, and that's easy but I'm not excited. The acorn squash has me excited sure but I'm actually feeling lazy to prepare it. I'm in a major January-dead-of-winter-yuck-mood. 

I turned the heat up in the house today - was feeling cold and just tired of keeping it cooler like I usually do lol. 

I literally just wanna have someone cook for me haha. I know ! And I'm the Jedi! I'm the one who is supposed to be cooking, right? 

My kids also wanted some foods I'm not normally into eating like terra chips and other healthier crackers which are ok, but I normally don't bother with and so I munched on those too.

I used to be someone who would sit in front of the computer and work and have my nosh food there by my side so I have to be really careful about that old habit . I was working on a course yesterday (something to do with my coaching) and it consumed me- a bit of stress so those chips were easier than an acorn squash lol! Just sayin ..

Anyway my water was great yesterday. Today I'm only at 50 oz so i gotta do more and already tired .

Tomorrow I'm getting my &@$? Under control!

Day 63 Chisel Agility

This morning it just occurred to me that this was the same workout we did in mass at Super Saturday in January. That was a great experience again because my daughter Anny came with me and acted as my support and camera woman! 

Those directional 180 turns can bite me! They are awful. I did take 1 break on each round to catch my breath. The little side shuffles are cute and I like the plank and touch as it's called out - good core work and 'keeps you on your toes ' (literally! Ha) since you never quite know which side she'll call out. Love that. Makes it more interesting. This was major leg work again today. 

This morning I was feeling so exhausted and I almost didn't want to get up. I had my finger again on that iphone alarm and I considered for a minute touching it to off, and maybe trying to come up with some excuse I could claim later and have to face the crowd ( especially my new group) as to why their video didn't get up there early and why I wasn't on duty for my gang . And then I just said I have to do this for those who don't want to do it. Someone out there is someone who is not getting up, but wants to. They just talk themselves into these ideas that it can't be done, self-limiting beliefs that they either can't learn or don't deserve it or that ---- is only for 'other' people. The only difference between them and they 'other' person is not luck, nor skill, nor chance, nor better stock or health, it's just that they decided they were worthy of trying and they finally got uncomfortable with their state, to DO something about it. 

Please take action on you today! 

Day 62 Max Hammer Strength

I've learned something about myself in the course of doing Hammer & Chisel that I want to talk about. Sunday was Day 60, I stuck to a scary commitment for 2 months. I didn't go it alone, just like you don't climb Mt Everest without the best "A" Team behind you, planning and resources done right.

I had a team; an Empire in fact with a Force in numbers. We bond; we push; we remind each other; we laugh; we complain; we keep moving forward. I had the most fun I've ever had as a coach/student myself. 

Yes, those are the same shorts. The RIGHT SIDE: I put on 5 lbs of 'solid', calves, abs, glutes, hamstrings, all my clothes fit but tighter where the muscle is and my butt's higher.  

I have literally built out. But not only in muscles. I learned I can grow. I can surprise myself. I used to be a complainer. I enjoyed bitching. I thought I had myself all figured out. But I am learning from my team there is more to discover about me. There are more layers. I've got work to do. 

Last night I taught PiYo Live. To think I started with that, and then said 'oh I don't do Cardio', then I pushed through fear and did Insanity. Then I said 'oh I can't do lifting'. Now I finished 2 months of Hammer & Chisel. 

In this life, you have to stop being afraid. The world opens when you stop complaining and start changing. I proved to myself I am full of crap when I say 'I can't ----'

This morning was Max Hammer Stength and I was definitely sore from having done the program plus teaching an extra class. I struggled on the press after doing pull-ups and I'll admit I only did half the push-ups due to soreness and fatigue from yesterday. I also just realized I didn't eat all 5 of my servings of vegetables yesterday, so I find again and again when my nutrition is a little bit off, I'm weaker the next day. That very well may have been what was going on here.  Belgian Split Squats I did much better on this morning and squats were all fine. I did have to drop down to 15 lbs on some overhead moves. I love always how the time flies by in the program. 35 minutes and it's done. Remind me never to do two workouts in 1 day, ha! I'm looking forward to another productive morning. I find getting up early and starting the day just makes everything go better! I'm set. My day is framed. 

Day 61 Chisel Cardio

Well I had a good excuse for not writing yesterday. I decided to devote time to my oldest daughter. She is an amazing kid. I'm learning so much from her about philosophy of life. You know if you stop to listen teenagers have a lot to say on the world. 

I love Anny's philosophy. She taught me to roll with it. She doesn't let things upset her long term. She knows they're gonna happen and you'll come out of it.  She calls is "riding the wave". I never had the time before to actually sit and share philosophy with her. We have bonded more now than when I was running around like a lunatic working all the time. I am grateful that Beachbody gave me a gateway to get back what I call the Force. To reunite with my values. One of those is being a 'present Mother'. You never know what will come if you're always looking down.

Today was Chisel Cardio. I absolutely love hitting Monday's strong and I typically always do. The hardest part for me was the kettle bell move because I moved up to 20 lbs from when I started with 10s, haha. Second hardest move was those plank side kicks. For some reason those are worse than the burpees. The point is though that I have finished stronger than when I started. I am actually pumping and swinging 29 lbs. just unheard of before. Today I will take my progress pictures to show my Day 1 and my Day 60 ( yesterday). Trust that old saying "you are stronger than your excuses ". Because you totally are! 

Buckle up Darth! Day 58

I told Vadar he best buckle his seat belt, as we are taking the road less traveled. 

Most people I work with, myself included, come to an impassable crossroads. We have the tools we need to succeed at weight-loss, body building, business building <you fill in your own blank here>, but we don't do it because of our philosophy, our values are in conflict. We say we wanna do 'X', but we don't do it. The doing part is DOING because it means the most to you and so you take action. 

And if it doesn't, it means you're not clear on what it means for you or it does not hold the most meaning. That's ok too, but then don't keep saying that's what you want. 

The road to success is less traveled for this reason. I suspect Vadar is not happy about it. The Dark Side comes out full force when you are closest to finding the root of the conflict. 

Which road will you be taking?