Beachbody Challenge: RevAbs

Where have I been?

Here.

Around.

Just not blogging as much as I should be.

I'm currently in Phase 2 of RevAbs - having moved myself to the second phase earlier than suggested. I'm not trying to be all cool when I say, I needed to be challenged harder.

Phase 1 was NOT easy. There was one move, however, on which I couldn't increase my weight AND stick to the "form is fundamental" agreement that I'd made with Brett Hoebel. So, knowing that I wasn't going to be picking up heavier weights, I realized I would need to move forward, to Phase 2, to experience a bigger challenge.

I am enjoying it.

Mainly I am enjoying that I am strong.

Yeah, I said that.

I am so much stronger than I was in my 20's, and, well, for a 42 year old mother of two who has never been a huge athlete, it is refreshing.

2012 will be ushered in with P90X2. And, you know what? Where P90X scared the pants off me, P90X2 doesn't. Not that I'll be able to conquer it easy peasy. No way. But, I KNOW I CAN BRING MY BEST.

I'd love to get YOU in a Challenge Group of five people BEFORE the new year hits. Choose a program, add Shakeology, bring on the accountability. I'm looking for 5 committed individuals who are ready to up the ante. 


Are you one of them?

Nothing Happens Until You Make a Decision

First of all.

I love you. I want the best for you. I realize that my journey won't look like your journey. What works for me will not work for you. One size does not fit all.

I just want you to actually TAKE the journey. DO the work. TRY ON something. Anything.

Huh?

"I could never work out at home."

"I can't exercise for a full hour."

"I can't. I don't have weights."

"I can't. It's too expensive."

"I can't afford a gym."

"I can't because I have young kids."

"I can't because my kids are so busy."

Ok, so here's something that is free . . . my push-up challenge.

"I can't do push-ups."

"I can't. I need you to give me motivation."

You get my point.

Here's my "CAN'T":

I CAN NOT GIVE YOU MOTIVATION.

Sorry, that must come from within. Within YOU. Not me.

If  you are full of excuses as to why you can not do something, know this:

You have yet to make a decision. Period. You have yet to find the all important WHY, which will serve as the motivation you need to get back into shape.

When I discovered my WHY, I knew it would mean turning my world upside down. I actually refused invitations for social engagements because my spare time was now filled with exercise. I had to say "No" in order to retrain my brain and my body. Yes, I altered my schedule DRAMATICALLY, because my WHY was that strong. I chose Coaching because it provided me with a level of ACCOUNTABILITY and CONSISTENCY that I couldn't find elsewhere.

Simply put. I wanted it. Really wanted it.

My intent is not to guilt you into this.

Only, until you admit that "I can't" actually means "I don't want to", you will remain stuck.

And please don't think that January 1 will help get you started.

You must dig deeper and figure out WHY a change needs to be made, and HOW you intend on making it a part of your life.

I want to do this WITH you.

October Push-Up Challenge

Where have I been?

My apologies - I have left my writing go to pot while rehearsing and performing in a play that started rehearsal in late August.

So, here's a quick update.

My October Push-up Challenge is underway.

For the month of October I am doing FIVE PUSH-UPS to correspond with the date. So, Day 1 = 5. Day 2 = 10. I am now on Day 10 = 50.

Yes, today, I will be doing 50 push-ups.

Why? No particular reason. Just a new challenge to keep me fresh.

Join me, even late, if you would like!

As proof that I HAVE been doing this challenge every day, you can visit my you tube page at www.youtube.com/fitwithjo.

Once again, sorry for leaving you hanging.

I'm back.

P90X2 Pre-order Perks!

It's coming and you WILL want it. There are perks to ordering EARLY!

WHY PREORDER??? Preorder and receive: 

• FREE S&H ($40 value)
• 2 FREE bonus workouts
• entries to a weekly prize drawing (the earlier you preorder, the more entries you get)
• a chance to have Tony Horton deliver your P90X2 to your door! 
• PLUS the payment is not due till DECEMBER! WOOT! 

ORDER TODAY at http://ow.ly/6ii19!


Can't wait to BRING IT again with YOU!

Mama Zone is Sharing Some Shakeology Love!

I have a great friend over at the Mama Zone.

So much so, that she is doing a FANTASTIC giveaway for moi! 

You know what it is.

Say it with me.

SHAKEOLOGY! Beachbody's premier meal replacement shake!

So, head over to her site, and follow the instructions on how to get 5 entries into the drawing.

The prize, awarded to 1 winner, will be a 5-day supply of Chocolate Shakeology, compliments of me.

How do you enter? Well, all the links are currently on the Mama Zone's post, and you MUST go there for your entries to count.

So, go! Why are you still sticking around here?????

(Contest runs through August 31)

ChaLEAN Extreme REVIEW

ChaLEAN Extreme.

My first in-home workout.

And in between Turbo Fire and P90X, and shorts stints of utililizing RevAbs, I ALWAYS return to my girl, Chalene.

It's PERFECT for the beginner, but WILL be a challenge.

So, why do I like it?

1. Effective Use of Time. The longest workout is 45 minutes long. The others? Between 26-35. And in that time, YOU WORK. There is no messing around.

2. Muscle Burns Fat. Period. And at my age, the last thing I want to do is lose muscle. Muscle increases your metabolism. Muscle burns fat. Muscle looks good. I need this muscle. And you do also.

3. Simple Choreography. There's no Turbo Jam chorography here (unless you count the bonus dvd). The moves are more like athletic drills.

4. Quality Instruction. Chalene is a fantastic teacher. She explains everything. My husband says that he can figure out what she's telling me to do just from her verbal instructions alone - without watching the screen. She's that clear.

5. Great Recipes. Her nutrition guide rocks. Yummy, easy to prepare food.

6. Real Results. I had fantastic results on my first go around with this program. It works for me. It was great to take a break and try other programs in between my rounds of CLX, but I'm am so excited to be back! See my results here.

7. A Change of Routine Every Month. Aside from Burn (your a&&) Intervals and Burn It Off that are used every week over the 90 days, the lifting routines change each month. I like that. A lot.

8. Minimal Equipment. A resistance band comes with the program. It was not strong enough for my needs. However, for a beginner, it should be fine. For others, a set of weights (5, 8, 10, maybe 15 and 20 lbs) should be sufficient. And if you are truly attempting to set up a workout from home environment - then weights will be an investment you will want to make - not just for CLX, but for future workouts as well.

9. Community Accountability. If you want it. Through my FB wall, the WOWY gym, email, phone, I can be in touch with you, as will others doing the routine. The hand has been extended, one can either grab it, or say, "I'm cool on my own."

10. Positive Atmosphere. Chalene has a way of getting inside your head and changing the way you speak to yourself. Beachbody has a way of encouraging everyone, from beginner to seasoned exercise enthusiast, with the same amount of enthusiastic cheering that we all need.

Ready? Set? Make a decision and PRESS PLAY!

Fibromyalgia Help For This Coach

Shakeology Ingredients ROCK!

After watching Food Inc. and being so disappointed in how food is being processed here in the US, I've been encouraged by THIS.

Gluten Free. Caffeine Free. Free of artificial sweeteners.

FAIR TRADE.

Try it for 30 days. Let's chat!

THE (Beachbody) OFFICE

Introducing Team Beachbody: Give Me 12 Minutes!

The Beachbody Solution: Our Products

THIS is the Beachbody Coach Summit

And just what did I do in LA?

This!!!!!

Join me next year in VEGAS!

30 Day Shakeology Challenge

Finally got that work out going.

You are committed to a Beachbody program, or walking, or running, or hitting the gym. As little as 10 minutes a day.

You are on a roll.

Only, the results you desperately crave just don't seem to be coming.

You want to say, "WT-", but you don't like to curse.

What's the dealio?

Nutrition. Are you tracking what you eat? There is absolutely no way to get around the fact that calories in and calories out does make a difference. And it takes burning 3500 of those calories to lose a pound.

So, do you know what you are eating?

Why not add ONE steady meal to your day? You know what I'm going to suggest? Why? Because I believe in it. I don't eat "diet" food with artificial everything. I want whole foods. Shakeology provides me this, along with vitamins and minerals, pro-biotics, yada, yada. I can talk 'till I'm blue in the face. Do the research at www.shakewithjo.com.

This isn't a magic potion.  It's a balanced potion.

Here's the challenge.

Take Before/After shots. Measure yourself. Commit to 30 days of exercise 3-5 days a week. Commit to one Shakeology a day.

On Day 30, share your results.

Don't dig the shake? Return the empty bag for a full refund. But keep your results!

Let's chat.

joline.atkins@gmail.com

For your reference. Try these blog posts: Kellie's Success Story, and Pay Less for Shakeology.

SHAKEOLOGY SUCCESS STORY: Kellie B.

Admit it.

You are sick of hearing from me.

How about hearing from Coach Kellie?

Here is HER Shakeology testimony. After reading this, if you feel compelled to give it a go, I'll have a free gift for you!

Way to go, Kellie!


Two is my magic number right now.  I know it's been a while since I've written on here, but it's because I've been busy focusing on being the best me that I can me.  That seems to be a full time job! 

Since I started shakeolgy in December and since I've been eating better and exercising, I've lost 20 pounds.  And, the best results are that I am down 2 pant sizes and 2 shirt sizes.  That makes my new lucky number 2!

I feel so much better about myself and not becuase of looks, but becuase I have more energy and just generally feel better.  I don't have that afternoon sluggish time, unless I fall off the wagon and have a carb-fest for lunch!   I have been spending a lot of time talking about the benefits of shakeolgy and how it can help everyone feel better.
  
Rex has been doing shakeology since December, as well and he has lost 20 pounds.  I am very proud of him too because is blood pressure is down to normal and he may be able to go off his meds (don't worry, I won't be going off my meds, though!)
  
You don't have to do shakeology (although I think everyone should!).  You don't have to take shots or pills.  you don't have to starve yourself or go all carbs or all protein.  All you have to do is eat healthy and exercise.    Trust me, it's working for me.  I have a long way to go to get to my goal, but I'm satisfied with my progress so far and intend to keep it up.  

I plan on going down 2 more pant and 2 more shirt sizes.  Hey, if two by two was good enough for God and Noah in the ark, it's good enough for me!

Galloway, P90X, and 3.1 Miles Walk Into a Bar . . .

Oh, me.

This has been a cold, rainy spring. Usually, when spring arrives, it heralds in my running season. I'm fair-weathered runner. My last run was back in October. I don't even think about running again until the sun is out and the temps increase.

Not this year. The sun is lost. Temperatures have been chilly.

We had a fluke of a beautiful day back in March. I ran that day - but seeing as I was in the middle of P90X at the time, my muscles were way fatigued. It was ok, but not the greatest.

Today, we had a rainless day. Cloudy, yes. But for about an hour, the sun peeked through. Zane was at a friend's house, so I quickly dressed and made the most of the opportunity.

It has been just over a month since I finished P90X. I have been doing extra cardio during the week since completing the program, and mixing it up with weight training. I have been consistent with exercising at least 5 days week. It's been that way for over year now. I was curious, though, how my running would fair, seeing as I've not touched the pavement with my Sauconys since that last race. Would P90X and Turbo Jam prove to help my pace and comfort while running 3 miles?

It has been 7 months since my last run.

I. Felt. Great. I was just under a 10 minute mile, which is fantastic for me.

I lost NO GROUND.

Why?

Because I've been consistently working out since my half-marathon. Building strength, getting lean, upping the cardio. Cross-training.

It is so nice not to have to start from scratch.

Not sure I'll be doing a ton of runs this summer. I've kind of met my goal. I am going to try an adventure race for a change of pace (ba-dum-chh) and see if I get hooked.

My sites are set on July 16th.

Ruckus Pittsburgh. Here I come.

Don't Become a Beachbody Coach!

DO NOT BECOME A BEACHBODY COACH!

Are you CRAZY?!

Why on Earth would you want to be held accountable to your own fitness goals while making an income in the process? That's just ridiculous.

Why would you want to open a home business for only $39 and NOT have to stock inventory, take payments, ship product, or handle returns/exchanges? What a hassle!

Why would you want to pay a monthly fee to have a billion dollar company manage and maintain two websites on your behalf? You have the time, knowledge, and cash to do that on your own, right?

Why would you want to work hard to build a home business with a reputable company who does millions in advertising on your behalf and has 4 fitness programs in the top 10 of all infomercials currently running?

Why would you even entertain breaking out of the endless complaint circle of "I need to get fit and we're strapped for cash?"

Why would you want to work with a company that provides web tools, videos, and the "thumb's up" to creatively promote your own personal business through a blog, social media, the ability to work with non-profits, networking groups, and "out of the box" forms of advertising?

Why would you want to be a part of a direct selling company where you get paid via EFT every week?

Why would you even entertain the notion of getting products like Shakeology at 25% off and 25% commission on every sale from your website? What a joke.

Why attempt any job where you aren't promised you'll "get rich quick?" Time and energy is over-rated.

Why try anything new that even smells of risk? Safe is fun.

Why learn something new at this point in your life, or even admit that someone can teach you skills to start your own business? (That Joline chick drives me crazy with all her enthusiasm!)

Why subject yourself to a positive environment?

Yeah, don't become a Beachbody Coach.

ChaLEAN Extreme Success Story: Ashley

Here we go again!

ANOTHER success story with ChaLEAN Extreme.

I'm not making this stuff up.

Today, we have Ashley:

Feeling down and depressed all the time, I knew it was time for a change. My awesome coach Joline (I DIDN'T TELL HER TO SAY THAT) introduced me to this amazing program called ChaLEAN Extreme. Next came Shakeology, the meal or snack that I look most forward to everyday. I also made the decision to become a Team Beachbody Coach. Not only has this kept me more motivated and accountable then I have ever been, but I am also making money doing it. Hello. That’s a win, win. 

My other huge motivation is my almost 2 year old son. He loves to workout with mommy and tries to drink all of my shakeology. It has really given me peace of mind that I am teaching him to be healthy now so that he does not have the weight struggles that I have had all my life. 

So far on my journey I have lost 13.3 Lbs and 15.25 inches with 90 days of ChaLEAN Extreme and Shakeology. Not only have I gone through a physical transformation, but more importantly, an emotional and mental transformation.

My journey definitely does not end there. In fact, I am just getting started. Today I began my next challenge a hybrid workout with ChaLEAN Extreme and TurboFire. I cant wait to see what the next 90 days brings me.

Turbo Jam Success Story: Lynette

You've heard my story. I can't seem to shut-up about it.

You've heard Alicia's story.

Guess what? We're not the only happy customers.

There's Lynette.

Mom of three. Wife. Doctor. Busy. Like you.

Lynette has been following my Beachbody story for quite some time now. Only three months ago she took the leap herself with some Turbo Jam. As a former dancer, she had a pre-requisite that the program be fun. And have terrific music.

Chalene to the rescue.

Within weeks, Lynette was hooked. In preparation for her completion of Turbo Jam, she purchased ChaLEAN Extreme. Now, this is a chick who admittedly hasn't been consistent with exercise for 20 years. Someone who works 30 hours shifts at times. A mom and wife who somehow managed to get her Turbos in POST CALL. She is a testament to someone who, to put it bluntly, had "HAD IT!" Enough. Time to change. (I get it.)

Shakeology came next. Even doctors struggle to eat healthy. It's true. Shakeology provides Lynette with 17 grams of protein,  140 calories, and over 70 healthy ingredients. Just what our good doc needs to be eating in between seeing patients.

Enough from me. Here's Lynette. Way to go, my friend!


To think that just three short months ago I was unhappy with my body and feeling lost in all of the stresses of day to day life. It feels great to be back in charge! Life is still stressful, but now I feel better equipped to handle it.

ChaLEAN Extreme Success Story: Alicia

You must do the work.

It's a simple statement, but not always a simple task.

Alica, a wonderful friend who began her Beachbody journey as a Coach in order to insure that she be held accountable to "doing the work", recently won my 90 Day Challenge by conquering ChaLEAN Extreme. Assisting her was a hearty glass of Shakeology everyday.

As a prize, Alicia won a weight loss of 10 lbs and an incredible loss of inches and body fat. She also won a Turbo Jam "Fat Burning Express" to encourage her to keep going.

She's a busy woman. 3 kids. One of which would sit on her back while she did push-ups every once in a while. I have a photo to prove it.

She works outside the home.

She had every excuse not to do the work and to excuse herself from attempting to get back into shape. The same excuses we all have.

Only she didn't cave to their pressure.

You know these products. I've raved about them enough and don't need to further explain them to you.

How about hearing directly from her?  I can't add to her testimony, so I'll end here with her words - hoping that YOU can envision YOURSELF making the same claim in the next few months. Do the work. It's worth it.


Joline,
I need to tell you a huge thanks! It is hard to believe that just a few month ago I was in such a different place physically. I started out of near desperation. I had no idea what I needed, but you did. I loved ChaLEAN. I needed her cheerleading, I needed the strength, the diet change, and the support you gave. I didn't begin and honestly didn't go through this with winning a contest in mind. It was a happy accident. I won the most challenging contest-getting my booty moving! Thank you for helping me change my life!

Shakeology in "O" Magazine and GIVEAWAY!

O’s editor in chief travels to Peru to experience a trove of life-giving superfoods that just might revolutionize your view of nutrition.


The Superfoods That Could Change the Way You Eat, Feel, and Live

By Susan Casey 
Apr 05, 2011

Around 4 o’clock on any given morning, Darin Olien will walk into his Malibu, California, kitchen and make himself a smoothie. This will not be an ordinary drink. The other day, for example, he tossed the following into his blender: coconut water, fermented sprouted brown rice, maca, aloe vera juice, barley grass powder, kamut juice powder, almond butter, camu camu, avocado, goji, lucuma powder, noni juice, cacao nibs, MSM, maqui, bee pollen, sacha inchi oil, omega-3-DHA/EPA oil, Hawaiian deepwater salt, chia seeds, nopal, goat yogurt, luo han guo, and a powder called Shakeology.

If you’ve never heard of many of these ingredients, you’re not alone. But stay with me here, because they’re among the most powerful nutrients on Earth. Olien’s specialty is what’s known as “formulating,” taking wildly beneficial substances and combining them into something even more potent: a supplement, a snack, a tea, a medicine, a smoothie. Every food in nature contains a mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, along with noncaloric vitamins, minerals, fibers-all of which fuel our cells-and each one has unique abilities that we really don’t understand, but it is now clear that some foods pack an extra biochemical punch. Camu camu fruit, for instance, provides the richest source of vitamin C known to exist. Maca, a hearty root that grows only in the high Andes, comes in yellow, red, and black varieties, boosts fertility, is said to balance hormones, and dispenses a day’s worth of kick-ass energy. Sacha inchi is another South American treasure, a protein-rich, metabolism-revving nut that delivers an omega-3 bonanza. Olien’s final ingredient, Shakeology, contains more than 70 components itself, a crazy cornucopia of good.

No one understands Shakeology better than Olien, who created it in 2008, after Carl Daikeler, CEO of the fitness company Beachbody, challenged him to come up with a supplement to match the tagline The Healthiest Meal of the Day. His customer was someone who wanted optimum wellness, wanted to lose weight, wanted cholesterol levels to drop-but had no intention of eating a platter of broccoli each day. Daikeler gave Olien no limits on quality, no cost/revenue restrictions; the goal was to shoot the moon, to seek out and combine the most extraordinary plants, fruits, nuts, herbs-nature’s secret weapons. And Olien found them: ashwagandha from China, cordyceps from Bhutan, yacon from Peru. An alphabet of vitamins and minerals from the purest sources. Prebiotics. Probiotics. Green tea and grapeseed extracts, chlorella and spirulina and hydrilla, a spectrum of enzymes. Since hitting the market in March 2009, more than 400,000 bags of Shakeology, at $119.95 each, have been sold.

For the rest of the article grab May's issue of "O" Magazine. Or read and watch more about Shakeology at www.shakewithjo.com

Until April 30th, order Shakeology on Home Direct (with 30-day money back guarantee) and receive a COMPLIMENTARY workout DVD. (Several varieties from which to choose!)  GET ON IT!

Pay Less for P90X!

Why order from a Team Beachbody Coach?

1. HALF-PRICE SHIPPING. That's right. Purchase that program from my site, www.teambeachbody.com/fitwithjo and PAY LESS in shipping.

2. FREE DVDS. Each Beachbody Program comes with free workout DVDS when they are purchased directly from a Coach. Extras like Turbofire Greatest HIIT Workouts, or Tony's Fountain of Youth Yoga. Each program has an "extra" waiting for you when you grab your next challenge directly from me at www.teambeachbody.com/fitwithjo.

3. SUPPORT YOUR HARD-WORKING COACH. I work hard. In the gym and out. If you are anything like me, you support businesses that give you the best service. I shop at Castle Toys and Games for the quality of the merchandise, the incredibly personal customer service I receive, and because I support local small business owners. Sure, my business is connected to a larger overall company, but get right down the nitty gritty and you are supporting moi. Thank you for shopping with me at www.teambeachbody.com.

Introducing Team Beachbody

WATCH and raise money for Raincatcher!!!!

"You're A Machine!"

=

"You're a machine" was an email I received from a colleague yesterday.

And no, it wasn't from a fellow Beachbody Coach.

It was a compliment.

She knows me.

Those who know me personally, and have a true window into my life, are aware that I don't race through the day at a frenetic pace as I once did.

Where once there was no overall purpose or intention fueling my professional desires, or even my personal "goals", I have since done a major redesign in how I enter and execute the day God has given me.

And now, my day, which to others may seem crazy, frenetic, and chaotic, because of what I'm actually able to accomplish on a daily basis, is actually just the opposite.

Starting with my first action of the day, creating a daily to-do list, my day involves a meticulously thought out plan as to what I must attend to daily, when I will do so, and what tools I will use to be successful in that process.

I thought it might be interesting for you to be a fly on the wall of my morning - where it all begins.

1. Wake. I'm still struggling with waking early. Coffee.
2. Get kids off to school. Once they depart, the fun begins.
3. Craft my daily to-do list. Identify the "frog" - the item I LEAST desire to complete. Today, that is filling out a form to pay my local taxes - which I only recently learned I had to do. The actual federal and state taxes were done weeks ago.
4. Daily Devotions. Currently, I am reading "100 Days of Blessing" by Nancy Campbell and am both encouraged and deeply challenged by her daily readings.
5. Prayer.
6. Answer correspondance. email, FB messages, check in at the "office" (Beachbody)
7. Social Media Updates. Update Fit With Jo on FB, post video if feeling led, do a little social medial training - this is ALL related to business.
8. Workout. By now, you know I'm sold on THESE products. Beachbody all the way, baby!

That's my morning from 6:45 to about 9:30. Now, I realize many of you are all, "Well, I have a job, I can't do that!" Of course you can't. This is MY schedule.

I would challenge you on a few of the items, however. Waking? Check. Have kids? Get them off to school. To-Do list? Do it the night before. Daily Devotions/Prayer? Read before the kids get up. Correspondence and Social Media jazz - well that's my "office", so just as you are at work say at 8:30 or 9, so am I.

My day continues with phone appointments, contacting customers, blogging, housework, writing new pieces to clinch that next writing gig, prepping dinner, yada, yada, yada.

My day continues with actions and activities that directly reflect my personal priorities of FAITH, FAMILY, and MOTIVATING/ENCOURAGING MYSELF AND OTHERS TO EMBRACE A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE (body, mind, and soul).

My point being?

I don't float through the day. My steps are very calculated to directly feed my priorities. Therefore, these "first fruits" that I conquer every morning are NON-NEGOTIABLE. These 8 must happen first. If they don't, they get bumped later and later into the day. Which is a shame, for they are my FUEL. When I miss one of these "stops" in the morning, my day is rocky and much more difficult to navigate.

It's really a matter of crafting a schedule built on YOUR priorities and to cease making excuses because your day is too full of "this" or "that". I choose to start with the 8 steps listed above.

Things will shift in a few weeks . . . and I'll need to adapt.

• I start rehearsal for a Lost in Yonkers.
• Myself and five friends from around the country will be launching a new online venture - a dream I've had for over a year - hush, can't say anything more just yet.
• I am praying to be chosen for a new, paid, writing gig with a site I've written for in the past (will you pray with me on this?)

Do I feel scattered? No. Overwhelmed? Sure, sometimes. But when I am, I return to my priority list and see if my actions actually line up with them. If not? Major purge. Time to say "no".

Within those priorities are housed my goals for the year - which I won't share with you here, for many of us fall into the trap of "goal-envy". You need to discover your own. Out of those goals I have a two PUSH Goals - which, going full-circle, directly feed my priorities.

So, am I a machine? Maybe! But my machine is crankin' out what is needs in order to focus on my priorities in life.

Do your daily tasks actually feed your personal priorities? Start with identifying PRIORITIES, then setting GOALS (do they match the priorities), and only then, choose 1 or 2 overall GOALS on which to attack that will help you reach all your smaller goals (again, they need to align with your priorities).

Thanks to Chalene Johnson for mentoring me on how to start my day!

P90X: And . . . Scene

January 3, 2011.

Day 1.

After successfully keeping my weight off from ChaLEAN Extreme and the various Beachbody workouts from July-December, all I gained was a bit of fluff in the mid-section. While nothing like it was when I first began my journey a year ago, make not mistake - I was looking a bit more round.

DAY 60.

1/3 of the way done. The muscle definition is CRAZY. Weight loss? Only 5 lbs. Inches lost? Only a tad. So how does one explain the difference between Day 1 and Day 60 without those numbers????  I don't know.  But, the pictures tell the truth.

Body under construction here.

April 3, 2011

DAY 90!

Done.

I COMPLETED P90X!!!!!

Huge difference between Day 60 and 90. Muscle definition still present, but I'm less puffy. More trim.

Total pounds lost? Only 5.

Total inches lost? Just around 5.

And yet, look how my body responded???? These results are very similar to my ChaLEAN Extreme results from July, but one step further. I'm stronger. I'm even leaner. My abs are more defined (they are the first to go when I fall off the wagon).

So, how am I planning to keep this up?

Turbo Jam and Turbo Fire for cardio, and P90X - albeit a shorter version. Rather than hitting each exercise twice, Ill be hitting them only once. I want to be able to continue doing an unassisted chin-up and build up to doing more. I want to increase the push-ups on my toes. I don't want to lose strength.

But I do want to continue working on my core and lose that last little top layer of fluff - and Chalene is my trainer for that.

I celebrated 1 year of being a coach with Beachbody on March 24th.
It has also been a year since I CHOSE to make exercise a regular part of my day.

The two ARE connected.

Thank you for following this journey. How about joining me on it.

P90X: Week 11, Legs and Back

How did I NOT celebrate this accomplishment last Friday?

CHIN-UPS!

Take that! Sucka!

Ok, so I did two.

Yes, you read that right.

Two.

And not two in a row.

I did one unassisted. Then used the chair.

Then, during another set, I did one. Unassisted.

Continued on with the chair assist.

BUT . . .

REMEMBER WHEN I THOUGHT IT HAD BEATEN ME?

I reached a point of FIRE and DETERMINATION on Friday. I KNEW I would pull myself up - all of myself - by myself.

P90X ends officially on April 2.

I did it.

P90X: Week 11, Shoulders and Arms

Huge milestone today.

Unassisted chin-up or pull-up?

Nope.

I'm learning where I'm strongest physically. And it ain't at the bar. At least not during this round of P90X.

However.

Shoulder strength?

Triceps?

Biceps?

Holy moly, folks, the improvements that I've made on these muscles in just shy of 90 days are pretty incredible. And I've been tracking my progress, so I'm not just pulling numbers out of the sky.

Today, I, as Tony would put it, "Brought it." Big time.

I pushed through each rep, even adding another when I didn't think I could - with visions of P90X Recovery Formula dancing in my head. No kidding. I love that stuff.

I did not slack ONCE.

And then, on Ab Ripper X, for the first time ever, I was able to complete the entire 15 minutes without stopping. I made contact a few times on the Oblique V-ups, and completed all Mason Twists (49) with legs raised.

Just as with ChaLEAN Extreme when it took me almost a full 90 days to complete Burn Intervals without stopping, I can now say that I've reached the place with P90X where I can get through Ab Ripper X without pausing.

BUT.

IT TOOK TIME.

There was NOTHING easy about the last 11 weeks. NOTHING. I have yelled at the TV, eaten carpet, bonked (due to poor nutrition), cursed the chin-up bar (yes, I have), and wondered if I would really get through 90 days.

I essentially have one more week and then a week of Recovery.

And then, my friends, I am a P90X grad.

When I meet Mr. Horton in June, I can proudly say, "Sir, you told me to bring it. And I did."

Turbo Jam will be a nice respite from the heavy lifting, and a chance to really focus on cardio and core. After that, who knows what will be next.

But, you know me. I'll plan it out.

Thanks for sharing this journey with me!

Turbo Jam: NEXT!

Turbo Jam.

It's a household name for those of us in the Beachbody biz. I was first introduced to Chalene Johnson via ChaLEAN Extreme. For long time readers, you know that it rocked my world. In a good way.

I moved to Turbo Fire.

Then, P90X.

I completely skipped Turbo Jam! Where have I been? Under a rock?

So, immediately following P90X, through which I am experiencing a slow down of weight loss and inches lost, but an increase in strength and muscle definition, I will be focusing on fat-burning cardio and working my core with Turbo Jam.

For the record, weight loss was NOT my goal for P90X. I chose P90X because it is the golden child of Beachbody and there was no way I was going to attend the Coach Summit in June having not done the program. It has always looked too difficult. Intimidating. Well, in three weeks, I will be a graduate. So there.

Turbo Jam is VERY WELL PRICED. And, along with 5 workouts and a great nutritional guide, you also get 2 bonus workouts and Sculpting gloves which I have even used during my Kenpo workouts with P90X.

I'd love for you to join me for April, May, and June. I will also be returning to running when the weather cooperates (I'm a fair-weathered runner).

So, for me, the plan is Turbo Jam AND running.

You can still join my Mountain Challenge if you would like, using Turbo Jam and Shakeology.  I'll also start a Facebook Group Page for accountability.

Stop trying to figure out plan for yourself. You are going to make your head spin. Beachbody programs do all the thinking for you. Just follow the plan by pressing "play".

Let me give you this assignment, and as you once remember from school days - a due date. The assignment is Turbo Jam. The due date is June 15 (2 and a half months of cardio and core). You would never dream of blowing off an assignment by not completing it. I know you. You're the responsible type. Your "school" project is due in June. So get going.

You can find out about Turbo Jam on my Team Beachbody site. Just click the Turbo Jam box to your right to read up on this awesome program.

The first week of April is right around the corner, and while that will technically be my Recovery Week for P90X, I'm going to start Turbo'ing that week.

Whose ready to jam with me?

P90X Benefits: Rewired Brain

I've shared with many of you that I have experienced more benefits than merely physical ones since beginning my journey last April.

The physical benefits are obvious.

There's no doubt that weight loss, decrease in inches, loss of fat, and a generally more sculpted physique are definite perks to intentional, consistent exercise.

But there's more. More that you can't see. Well, you can . . . and yet, you can't.

For example, there's this one benefit that is all in my head.

At least, it STARTS in my head, where you can't see it. Over time, however, this benefit has moved to my FEET and been transformed into ACTIONS you can see.

What is it?

Mental fortitude.

In a nutshell, exercise had developed a "go get it" attitude that has manifest itself in many crazy ways in my life. There is something about P90X specifically that builds an internal determination to keep going, push harder, and finish strong.

Today, for example, during a workout that I DIDN'T WANT TO DO (yep, that even happens to me), I realized that I have a switch in my head that now gets automatically flipped when I'm about to throw in the towel.

The switch turns on a laser-guided determination to forge ahead. To do one more rep. To improve my statistics from the prior week.

I am more clear headed and internally focused than I have been in years.

P90X has rewired my brain.

This new mental fortitude has also provided me with the courage to:

• Audition and land a role in a show. (Something I've not done in 7 years)
• Apply for every writing job that meets my passions and interests. (And learn a new skill that I'll need for a wonderful opportunity that has come my way)
• Admit that there are some areas of my life that need to be pruned. (Always a difficult process, but essential for growth)
• Assign new goals for myself which compliment my personal priorities in life (Jesus, my family, and my desire to motivate and encourage others)
• Attack my day with purpose and efficiency. (Rather than stumbling though it haphazardly and then falling into bed with nothing to show for my efforts)

There is a renewed fire within me that's been missing since my mid-30's. 

And to think, all I wanted was a flat belly and to wear a bikini once again.

Now, my brain is looking mighty darn hot also.

P90X: brain surgery for the SOUL.

Pay Less for Shakeology

GUEST POST by fellow Pittsburgh Beachbody Coach, Jackie Blizman Damp

A lot of people see the price of Shakeology and say “oh, that’s too expensive!”  But it’s really not when you break it all down and see all of the benefits it brings.

Shakeology costs $119.95.  That breaks down to $4 a day for a full meal as a customer, and $3 a day as a coach.  You can’t even get a $5 footlong, or a salad for that price!  And a lot of people spend a lot of $ on things like a Starbucks coffee and that is EXPENSIVE!  There are ways to make Shakeology so that it tastes like one of those dessert coffees at Starbucks.  But guess what?  Making it with Shakeology,  makes it HEALTHY!

Plus, I have been able to stop taking multivitamins and other supplements because Shakeology is FULL of vitamins and nutrients that have totally replaced those.   I don’t need my digestive enzymes, my whey protein, my multivitamins, or probiotics – it’s all in there!  If you were to buy a one month supply of all of the stuff that goes into Shakeology, it would cost $250 or more.  It’s so convenient to get what you need for the day in one simple shake.

How to save $ on Shakeology

Option 1: As a customer, set it up as Auto Ship.  When you do this, you don’t pay shipping.  So that saves you about $9-10 per month – SWEET!  There’s no time commitment for monthly autoship, and if you’re not happy after 30 days, there’s a 30 day bottom of the bag guarantee.  Yep, it’s true – you can finish the whole bag and if you’re not satisfied, get your $ back.  But you will be – it’s amazing. Signing up for autoship for 1 year saves you about $100-120 on shipping costs!

Option 2: As a customer, become a Beachbody club member.  With a club membership, you can save 10% on your Shakeology.  The club membership costs about $39/quarter, and it comes with a lot of cool features like a personalized nutrition plan, 10% off your purchases, cash prizes for working out, and VIP access to celebrity trainers!  This is a great option if you’re interested in a personalized meal plan, buy other things like vitamins, recovery formula, or P90X One on One monthly DVDS, or if you live outside of the US!

Option 3: The biggest cost savings is to become a Beachbody coach yourself.  You can become a coach just for the discount, or we can work together to build your business for some extra income.  As a coach, you save 25% a month on your Shakeology!  That’s $30 you save!!  So here’s how it works.

Initially, you pay a $39.95 fee to sign up as a coach.  Every month after that, you pay a fee of $14.95.  This fee is basically to keep your websites up and all that stuff so you don’t have to worry about that.  So here’s the net savings per month.

Gross cost of Shakeology: $119.95

Shipping (approximate): $10

Total as a customer not on home direct: $129.95

Coach price @25% off: $89.95

Monthly fee: $14.95

Coach price, with monthly fee: $104.90

Savings per month: $104.90 – $129.95 = $25.05 per month

Per year, that’s $300.60 you save as a coach! 

So, there it is!  I just wanted to share some options to save $ with Shakeology.  If you want a sample, or you have any questions about the product, coaching, or memberships, email me at joline.atkins@gmail.com.

Thanks, Jackie!

Expedition to the Top of Mount Excusvius

Do you have any plans for March?

April?

How about May?

Wanna climb a mountain with me for 90 days?

A number of people who accepted my last challenge are currently entering days 60-90. At the end of those 90 days, the numbers will be tallied. The "before" and "after" pictures will be viewed. Prizes will be awarded. Success will be CELEBRATED!

As we enter the last month of that challenge, I thought it only right to begin a new pre-summer challenge.

You may have felt a "doh" has you read my mountain post last week. If you did, I'm asking you, directly, to "head north". You will not ascend the mountain unprepared or alone. There will be no "hasty" means of weight loss. You will follow a well-developed, proven, and critically-acclaimed program by the good folks at Beachbody. For all of us are committed to helping "End the Trend" of obesity in our country.

Here's the scoop. And, before you read further, yes, it will be an investment.

Here Are The Rules:

• Each participant must purchase and commit to a Beachbody program for 90 days (Power 90, P90X, TurboFire, Rev-Abs, Chalean Extreme,  Body Gospel, Brazil Butt Lift, Turbo Jam, Hip-Hop Abs, etc.)
• Each participant must commit to 90 days (3 consecutive monthly orders) of Shakeology Home Direct.

There is the option of getting both your program and Shakeology at 25% off by becoming a Coach with Team Beachbody. Don't immediately rule this out. I became a Coach very shortly after taking my "before" picture. Coaching served as an extra motivation for me.

• Each participant  must send me a Before picture and After picture with date as well as certain measurements and weight.
  
  
  Some contest, right?  Maybe you're thinking, "WAIT! I don't just fill out my name on some card and hope my name is called?"
  
  
  NOPE.
  
  
  I am asking you to do NOTHING LESS than what I did to make a change in my life. I'm not going to carry you up the mountain. I will, however, scale it with you.

Why Do This?

• You have decided you are ready for change.  You are committed to make it happen. You have wanted to succeed in this area for a long time.  Now is the time!
• You want to wear a smaller clothes size, or be able to play with the kids w/out getting winded, or lower your chances of heart disease and diabetes.
• You want to Win Fantastic Prizes!! There will be a FIRST and SECOND place prize that will make it all worth while!! :)
• You will inspire others to do something as well, and maybe even want to help someone in their own journey!

If you are serious about this, and want to be a part in this challenge, please message me on Facebook or email me at joline.atkins@gmail.com and we will set up an interview. 

What's Your Mountain?

Deuteronomy 2: 2-3

"And the LORD spoke to me, saying,
 'You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north'. "

You may not be one for Bible passages, but I am.

This verse is a golden nugget. A chunky morsel.

Many of us continue doing the same activity over and over, while hoping and expecting different results.

This "plan" only results in frustration, for using the same method over and over again when attempting to solve an ongoing problem or make a life change, will only prove ineffective.

Question for you.

What mountain are you currently circling?

Is it a desire to lose weight? Mend a relationship? Start a new business or create a plan to work towards a dream goal? Perhaps pay off debt? Maybe your mountain is a damaging habit, a secret/hidden activity, or a thought/lie that you often tell yourself. Do you look up at that mountain and immediately believe that climbing it is insurmountable? Do you fear any attempts to scale your personal mountain, choosing defeat before even suiting up?

Welcome to Mt. Excusvius!

The mountain IS high. Scaling it WILL be taxing. Climbing it WILL take a concentrated effort. The process will NOT be quick and should be well planned and thought out.

"Hasty climbers make sudden falls."

There will be hurdles, mis-steps, slips and trips, perhaps a re-route or two, and the need for physical and mental fortitude. You will need a map. And supplies. Tools for the journey. Plus, a smart climber would never ascend the mountain without first telling others what he or she intends to do and where they intend on climbing. The importance of safety and accountability shouldn't be discounted or seen as weak.

Inevitably, though, if you keep climbing?

Triumph.

So,what's your first step? Well, that's an easy answer, but not an easy action.

As Seth Godin so simply states, "You don't need more time. You just need to decide."

Team Beachbody.

DECIDE.

COMMIT.

SUCCEED.

Are you getting dizzy yet?

Head north.