Early morning workouts?

So many people as the same question when they hear that I workout at 4:30ish in the morning most days (after “are you crazy?” and “how do you do it?”)…do you eat before?

Actually, eating before workouts is a super personal thing.  What may work for one person, may not work for you.  But, I’m going to tell you what I do.

When I workout that early, I don’t eat first.  I need at least an hour to digest much of anything for it to not be on my mind during my workout.  I get up, get dressed, check in on my accountability groups while I drink my E&E (one of my secret weapons!) and then get going.  I used to have Shakeology before morning workouts when I would get up at 5 and workout at 7.  But now, I usually wouldn’t eat before working out then.  I used to think that I needed to start eating then, but I’ve found that not starting so early (when I’m not really hungry anyway) has helped me stick to my plan a bit better!

If I workout later in the day, I’ll usually try to time my Shakeology for 1-2 hours before, and then E&E a half hour before.  The shake gives me the best of both worlds – I’m full, so food isn’t on my mind, but I’m not feeling weighed down, so that isn’t on my mind either.  I can focus on my workout and get it done!

The first thing I’ve been “eating” has been coffee, and this week I’ve stepped it up with a teaspoon of coconut oil, and then blending it up with my blender.  I tried this before, but it didn’t stick.  The blender makes it nice and foamy and delicious…a real treat.  And it does help keep me full.  I usually eat actual food for the first time at about 9am.

What do you eat before your workouts?

Want to join in for my February calves group?  We start 2/1!  Find me on facebook and message me that you want in!

Turning those calendars!

It’s about time to move on to 2015.  You know what that means?  New month, new challenge!  Here’s my January Challenge…

If you would like to be in a group (on Facebook) and play along, comment or email me!

I decided to take a little walk down memory lane this year and made one final results pic.

The picture shows February 2014 – today. I lost just over 20 lbs in 2014, and 23.25 inches from February to the end of November.

Overall, I’m happy with the results, though I know I could have done better with more of a focus on nutrition. So in 2015, I will not let nutrition get in my way. I will use the tools I have and continue to improve!

What are you looking to improve upon?  How will you make that happen?

Ready for December?

I don’t think I am!  Everyone is talking about being done with their holiday shopping and I have ONE gift purchased.  Just the one.  I’ll get there!

But, December means a new month, and different challenges.  Lots of food-heavy events, lots of clothes to wear and lots of wanting to look good, right?  So here’s the rundown of what I have going on fitness wise in December!

* Still time to get in on the Black Friday deals!  That and the November PiYo and PiYo Kickstart deals are closing soon.  This PiYo Kickstart pack is just such a smart deal.  It comes with the 3-Day Refresh that I loved to kickstart your results.

* 7 -day Clean Eating group starting Monday, 12/1.  Trying to lose that Turkey Day weight!

* December Push Up Group!

* Insanity Max :30 Releases 12/2!  This is a new 30-minute, in-home workout program from Shaun T (of INSANITY and Focus T25). You need to be ready to MAX OUT. It’s not about “getting through” all 30 minutes, it’s about going as hard as possible, for as long as possible, until becoming “MAXED OUT” (i.e. until taking the first rest and/or breaking proper form). No equipment needed… just push to the MAX for INSANE results in just 60 days. Go here to sign up for release info.  I’ll have a group starting 12/15 for just those doing this program and we’ll all get through it, and the holidays, together.

* A coach preview group starting 12/8.  Find out what it’s all about with no commitment!

So, lots of fun in December!  If you want to be in on any of these groups, email me or comment.  I’m really looking forward to keeping myself and everyone else on track during this crazed time!

October Challenge!

We’re nearing October!  So to wrap up September, here is the October challenge I have planned!

I run these Facebook-based monthly groups to give you a mini-workout to fit in quick, repetitive exercises that will have you feeling confident and stronger by the end of the month if you play along. They take just a few minutes, and I post at least daily to keep you going.  Let me know if you’d like to join in for October!

Also to clean up September, the 21 Day Fix challenge pack is discounted until the end of the month!  Get a great deal and set yourself up for success with this program plus an accountability group to keep you motivated!  You can join my group for information here.  If you don’t know much about the program, it’s portion controlled eating plus daily workouts to get you quick results and set up a habit of fitness.

Okay…that’s it for now, but stay tuned for some more program news and information!  Lots of exciting things coming up!

Next Up!

So, first and foremost…next up for July is abs.  I run free and non-product driven monthly challenges on Facebook for a little extra workout.  Extra from the couch or from your other workouts!  Here is the calendar we’re  using for July.  Email me to be added to the group!

 

Next, and very relative to my last post…I have a PiYo accountability group coming up on 7/7 to celebrate the launch and test out this new program.  The group helps with keeping you on track while working out at home.  You get me, every day, helping to get you from beginning to end.  Deadline to order for this group is 7/1, so get on it or I’ll get you into the next multi-program group (so you can use anything!), likely end of July.

Now, what you’ve been (maybe) waiting for.  What new, fun products are coming out soon??  Okay.  I’ll tell you.  Announced at summit was P90.  The program can be used as an on ramp to the more extreme/advanced P90X series of workouts, or can just be used to get results!  It’s a multilevel workout program, similar in style to the extreme ones, that can be done by anyone.  So if you’re of the mindset that P90X or P90X3 is just too much but looks good otherwise, this one’s for you.

So that’s what I’ve got!  Not much coming up for me personally…I pretty much had up to this weekend planned for months and now go to nothing.  Which I could use.  I have the Color Run on Sunday which should be a blast!

Have you done a color run before?

June Challenge and X3 Yoga

Continuing on the P90X3 posts, we have X3 Yoga!

So, I’ve talked before about how I have a hard time with home yoga programs.  It’s hard to be at home, alone, doing yoga.  This one moves fast, which helps to not let you think about it too much!  I have nothing bad to say about this workout.  For yoga, that’s saying a lot!

My favorite part is that it includes a shoulder stand.  I love shoulder stands and you don’t get them much in home workouts.   Coming out of it was always one of my favorite parts of my Ashtanga practice.  We also do camel here.  I do hot yoga (now occasionally, used to be 5x a week) and camel is a part of that practice.  I had forgotten how much easier camel is in a non-heated room!  In the heat, it’s really tough to put your head back.  A lot of people feel nauseous after that pose.  Without the heat though, you get less of a flight response.  That was lovely, and I called on that when I took a hot class on Monday.

The star of this show is Ted and his amazing yoga abilities.  You don’t expect it and then you can’t look away.  Watch the video to be amazed and then do the video yourself and try to maintain his focus!

So, onto June!  June is arms,  and I’m staying with the pattern we tried out last month with one base exercise and one that changes daily.  Contact me to join in the fun!

 

Day 17 and March Challenge

I can not get enough of the 21 Day Fix!  Down 6.9 lbs in 16 days.  I think the first time I have had such losses was when I first started weighing myself and eating well!  The workouts are fun, quick and challenging and the nutrition plan is filling, simple and delicious.  I am so glad I started the fix!  True game changer.

And in March, we’re doing ARMS!!  I’m looking forward to 3 exercises where we usually have 1…

 

If you’d like to join in on the fun, comment and let me know!