PiYo Update

I will keep this post short and sweet.

I wrapped month one of PiYo last weekend and began the second month. I feel REALLY good. It has been a long time since I saw a program through beginning to end. I think the last time I went the full round of a program was back when I did Insanity Max:30.

One area I am really focusing on during this second month is nutrition. Here is the thing about Beachbody's programs: they WORK! They work really well. They are simple to follow. One of the reasons I was drawn to Beachbody was because it had everything; great workouts, nutritional support through Shakeology and nutrition guides to follow for the specific program, plus accountability from your coach.

When I did my first program, I was religious about it. I followed the program. All of it! Nutrition included. I ate what I was supposed to and did the workouts on the right days and never skipped or, if I did, I made it up with a double or on my rest day.

I was DEDICATED. I didn't want to have wasted my money or my time and it not work out because I wasn't giving it my all.

Month one went well. I never missed a workout. Some days I had a double workout if I was teaching Cize Live. And my nutrition was pretty good but I allowed some cheats, more than I should have and many that weren't necessary.

When I took my 30 day measurements and photos, I was pleased, but I wasn't thrilled. I saw changes. I am down inches. I am tightening up in my legs. And my arms look toned and strong. But that darn midsection, it shows every cheat. It is my trouble area that is stubborn and is only changed when I really become dedicated. Although I am down inches, the visible change is what I desire and I know that I have to become dedicated again to make that happen.

So, month two will be a NO CHEAT month. That means: no Halloween candy, cake at a friend's wedding, pumpkin treats, caramel apples, or any other fall goodie that sneaks up on me. I CAN choose to say no. I can choose to be dedicated to myself and my goals.

Anyone else have a struggle they find hard to overcome? How do you combat it?

PiYo: Week 1 Review

Hi everyone! What's new?

If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you have seen that I have been doing Beachbody's newest program, PiYo, for the past week.  I can not get over what an awesome program this is.

If you aren't familiar, PiYo is inspired by a blend of Pilates and yoga.  But, unlike yoga, you aren't standing and holding poses for long extended periods of time. You are using dynamic, quicker movements, so your heart rate increases, but are getting all the benefits of Pilates and Yoga (like leaner muscles, strength training, and increased flexibility). 

I have noticed, in just one week, that my posture is improving.  I was beginning to hunch or arch my back a lot in the past couple of weeks as my lower back has been a little tight; pinched feeling.  With PiYo, the stretching and fluid movements, my back pain is gone.  It is such a relief.  I also notice that the joints in my legs don't feel as tight.  I know that my lower body was really feel the weight and shift of entering the third trimester but being able to focus on stretching and gaining more flexibility has been awesome.


Another aspect of PiYo is that it is low impact.  I have to admit, my body was starting to get worn out.  The higher impact workouts were becoming more difficult for me this far along in my pregnancy.  I just felt like my heart rate would be getting to high and the weight lifting sometimes pulled on my muscles uncomfortably.  I realize there are many pregnant women who can do high impact and weight lifting up until their due date.  I am speaking strictly from my personal experience and what I felt my body telling me.  

The low impact movements have really been helpful.  And because they are done at a higher intensity (not just holding a pose) I still feel like I am working.

I loved Day 1. Chalene Johnson, the trainer, spent time going over some moves seen often in the program, proper form, and some terminology she would use.  It was 40 minutes long.  It was really basic but honestly, so beneficial.

Day 2 and 3 was when the work began.  One was lower body focused; the other upper body focused.  The workouts were pretty short and I worried if I would really get results in such a short workout.  Let me tell you, the day after both workouts, I was S-O-R-E! It is amazing how using your own body weight can really work your muscles!!

Day 4 was Sweat.  Ohmiword is aptly named! I was dripping you guys! Like shorts and a sports bra only, I was so hot! And mama doesn't rock a sports bra alone, especially at 8 months pregnant!! ;) This workout really got my heart rate up with a faster flow of movements that built upon each other and really worked my whole body! 

Day 5 was a rest. Days 6 and 7 repeated the Lower and Upper Define workouts.  

I can't wait to complete this program.  It has modifiers for every move so even if you aren't as flexible you can follow along.  I can see it being helpful for so many different people.  

I am hosting a challenge group for those who want support, accountability, nutrition help and someone to answer their questions.  We are beginning July 7th. If you are interested, feel free to message me with questions.  

I don't have to, I get to

We are in the home stretch friends! Single digits of weeks left in this pregnancy {I will deliver at 39.5 weeks because of a scheduled c-section, although I guess it could be sooner. Prayerfully not}

Third trimester has hit full force! Anyone else recall the third trimester just kicking your butt? It hasn't been that bad honestly.  I just would like to nap by about 3 pm! I also know that getting more than six hours of sleep would be ideal. ;) 

I have been patiently waiting for PiYo to come out.  I want to get into it before baby is born and I know it will be the first program I do when the doc ok's me to resume workouts again.  If you haven't heard about Beachbody's latest program, it is an awesome program inspired by yoga and pilates but is less stationary and holding.  

Pros: 
~Complete body weight exercises- no equipment needed 
~It is for every fitness level.  Beginner or advanced. I love workouts that are made for everyone!!
~All the workouts are between 25-45 minutes. I love that it isn't going to take a huge amount of time. Let's be honest, in a couple of months, I will have even less free time to work with!
~It focuses on strength, flexibility, toning. The way the moves are designed are going to give you a complete workout.  
~I love that is is low-impact, but high intensity.  I am not a fan of jumping all over the place.  Especially after surgery. My body will be craving a workout but I know that I can't just jump into something high-impact.  This will still give me results without giving my body a beating!

If you haven't heard about it, check out this video for a sneak peak.  I am going to be hosting an accountability group beginning in July.  I am really excited about it and have several people already to join! Message me or find me on FB if you are interested.

Ok--enough about PiYo. I am just excited.  The point of this post is the fact that I am ready for something different, something more low-impact.  I can feel a lot of the workouts in my lower body.  I am still using weights and doing some less extensive cardio.  But my hip flexors can really tell when they have been pushed.  I am waking up looking forward to my workouts less and less.  Confession: I have NEVER been one of those people that just love to workout.  I love the feeling once I am started and definitely the after-workout high.  I love the results that come from sticking to a program and eating well.  But those moments when you are about to begin and you think to yourself, "Do I have to work out today?" I am that girl.  So that girl that asks that question, she is getting to be very bossy.  That voice that normally is small and I shove aside, is getting louder.  I think of taking a nap instead of working out. 

But then I remember. I don't have to workout.  I get to workout.  There are so many people who would love to workout, to do any kind of activity to feel better and can't.  I know lots of pregnant people who have reached out said they wish they could be as active as I am but medical conditions are preventing it.  I am not on bed rest.  I don't have a high risk pregnancy.  I don't have a medical condition preventing me from continuing something that I love {even if I don't want to do it all the time}

Being able to be active is a gift.  It's a gift I have to remind myself not to take for granted.  So, with 9.5 weeks, I am going to push onward.  I am going to give it my all.  Not because I have to, but because I can.  I get to.  I would love some extra accountability.  Join me and other for PiYo! See what the craze is all about! :) 

Happy Tuesday!