Phit-N-Phat...Making Fitness and Weightloss a Lifestyle

Starting a Trend

Beachbody's motto is End the Trend (of Obesity) and I like that. It's one reason I choose them for videos and such because I wanted to be associated with things whose focus is to help people experience better lives. It's why I lost over 100lbs - my life was terrible. I was unhealthy, sad most of the time, and so tired with life due to my weight. 

Don't get me wrong that losing weight makes you happy. Learning to take care of yourself, prioritizing you life, and learning that food doesn't "fix" things is what made me happy. Being a healthy weight is a nice side effect.

Today I want to talk about something we all can do. I don't want to just end a trend; I like to think we are all starting trends. My friend Jennie and I are co-leading an amazing group of women at our church and school called the Happy Healthy Holy Ladies.

January 1, 2012 this group started two initiatives: to walk or run the Country Music Half Marathon in April and enter a Biggest Loser competition. Jennie and I were thinking we would have a few ladies join us because we love sharing how to change FAMILIES lives. 

We are over 90 strong on our closed Facebook group with a huge number of these ladies doing either the Biggest Loser or the Country Music Half Marathon. This picture is just a few of us who braved rain to do a 5K this past weekend. I'm on the far left sporting a HAWT trash bag.

I also run my webiste www.phit-n-phat.com. It's a private social community with training, education, support, forums, and programs designed to help women become healthy, hot, and Phabulous. I love it because for almost five years now I've watched women lose weight, but more importantly, share this lifestyle with people they love. This is a PNP client and new Beachbody Coach Emily and her husband. This post Les Mills Body Attack at 6am. She's lost over 30lbs and inspires so many of her friends. I just love this girl.

That's what it is all about for me. I want to see people truly change and see that life is worth having. People should feel the thrill of...

• Crossing finish lines they never thought possible with a smile on their mouth and eyes full of tears.
• Looking in their grocery cart and so proud of the food they snap a picture for me and post on my Facebook page.
• Putting on a pair of pants they bought months ago and realizing they can't wear them...they lost too much weight.
• Watching their kids choose fruits and vegetables because it's how Mom eats.
• Catching their husband eye a new butt while unloading the dishwasher.
• Having THEIR friends ask if THEY can help them.

This is starting trends. When you see how your change is effecting the lives around you it brings you a pride that the scale can't give you. THAT'S what I want for all of you and why I dedicate so much of my life to PNP and Beachbody. 

Some people think I'm crazy for the amount of time I spend online in my forums, answering quetions, and just being there for people when they aren't ready to believe in their potential. I think I'm selfish.

Honestly, I'm blessed each day to spend my time helping others find a life I love. There's nothing more enjoyable to me than health and fitness and I get to do that every day. My hobby is my passion and my passion is my job. 

So, I want to thank all my clients, my Beachbody Coaches, my Happy Healthy Holy Ladies, and my friends and family who decided my lifesytle was a trend-setter. All of you are the next Queen.

I'm closing with what inspired this blog. A client posted this in our PNP forum. She's in her 50's and just in the last year really decided she needed to lead a healthy lifestyle. She's lost weight, fitting in sizes she never thought possible, lifting weights after starting from ground zero, and just a joy to work with. It made me proud to know that paying it forward is alive and well. She's changing people with a simple change in pot luck dinners.

"I now bring something healthy to the church pot lucks. People go for the good food if it's there for them. In fact, we're starting a trend. We had more vegetarian and healthy foods tonight than not." 

 

Do You Need Exercise Accountability?

Losing weight is hard enough, but add onto that trainers like me who actually expect you to go from the couch to exercising on a consistent basis makes some people think we must be smoking dope. I understand it because when I weighed 250lbs exercise sucked. It hurt, I was always sore, I didn't like making time for it, and for years and years I saw myself find ANY REASON to quit.

I was obese for a long time. From nine until thirty I weighed anywhere from 175lbs to 250lbs. There were times I got my act together for a bit. But, it seemed it never took long for me to...

Get sick - fall off the wagon.
Work late one night - three weeks before I thought about the gym.
Someone "need me" in their moment of crisis - dinner out and bam - why try after a plate of nachos.
My kid not feeling me being away - I'm a mom and he needs me so another couple of months of half-assed efforts.

I finally decided to do something about it and started exercising. Granted, my only accountability seven years ago was crying to my husband in a bad moment "I have to do this." My life was miserable and I was not a good mom or wife feeling drained, tired, lazy, and bad about myself.

My husband is the kind of man who stepped UP and said, "I will watch Logan (after a long day at work), you NEED this." This makes me one blessed girl.

I'm not a superwoman but timing just happened to be right for me. For most people it doesn't work that way. You aren't strong enough to MAKE YOURSELF do it. Hell, I had years and years I wasn't strong enough.

Looking at the women I work with now on Phit-N-Phat.com and the Happy Healthy Holy Ladies at our school, I see all kinds of terrific accountability measures being put in place. I LOVE IT. They have things I didn't have but was fortunate enough to overcome.

Texting
On PNP my private clients really get to know and support each other as "online friends." We have one challenge group this month called the Five Times a Week Exercisers. They've committed to showing up and getting their workouts done. It's so cute how they decided to start a morning text chain. Each person has a buddy and when you get your text it's virtural go TIME. They meet back in the forums later to report what they did. I LOVE READING their cheering each other on to fat loss glory!

Friends Doing Contests
I am co-leading a Biggest Loser challenge of nearly 50 women at our school and church. Many are walking their first half-marathon at the end of the contest. Led by me, they rely on each to show up for training and my motivational speech and lesson each week.

When they pass each other in the hall they have lots of eyes and voices keeping them focused on their goals. It's been a beauitful thing to watch as we progress together to month two. It all started because one teacher, my friend Jennie, cared enough about them to ask me if I could help. 

Challenge Groups
Each month I lead Facebook Challenge Groups for Beachbody clients of mine. They all work together, post motivation, and have a coach like me to get them moving and answering their training and nutrition questions.

I also lead small groups of people who have 8-10 friends who all want to lose weight and don't know where to start. Well, I do, and if you have the friends, I have the time and Beachbody videos  and plans y'all can all use TOGETHER. 

And, I think that's the key in this day and age. There are so many ways to find and get accountability. If you look around and don't have it in your "real" life you can find it online. But, sometimes it is right in front of your face. The question is are you willing to use it?

Always feel free to post questions or ask me to help you lead your small groups. I've got ways. Muwahahahah!!!! We just have to find the one that you can use. 

 

Energy and Endurance Pre-Workout Formula Review

Since a lot of you are interested in the Energy and Endurance Pre-Workout drink, I wanted to review it here!

You drink it prior to your workout. I typically drink any pre-workout before starting my workout. If I drink it, hit the treadmill for a 10 min. warm-up it's starting to kick-in during the good part of the workout. You need a 20-min. lead time for the juices to be flowing.

What I Noticed...

I didn't get jittery! That's a huge plus. I've used Jack3d, BSN's products, and a host of others and most get me sort of wired rather than focused. This didn't. I just noticed in the workout I started to feel really into it. The only other product I've drank that was an amazing pre-workout was Evogen but it tastes like medicine. Great effect but expensive ($50 a jar) and a whooping bad taste.

I also noticed I was doing more in the workout. My body is still recovering this week from my Tough Mudder and Half Marathon, but I ran three miles today each mile getting faster. Then I did Les Mills Pump and Burn to work with clients. I used the weight the guys were using in the video but I am pretty strong. (Just know the chest is still weak and it about killed me! LOL). Then I hit shoulders with Tony Horton's One on One Diamond Delts. I made myself stop because I was sort of just into my workouts.

Now, I can't say it was all the EE stuff, but I did notice I was just giddy up to workout.

The other effect is it killed my appetite. Now, this might sound great but I'm a big believer in proper eating post-workout. I had to make myself drink my Shakeology and eat my toast and that's a FIRST. I adore my shakes!!!

A few hours later my appetite came back and, true to form, once it came back it I was really hungry because I ended up underfueld. My advice is to just schedule your post-workout shake and meal an hour or two later if you run into the hungries later because you weren't ready to eat.

What I didn't like...

It isn't a fabulous taste but I have honestly never had one that was. This didn't disappoint me. It was more of an FYI - just drink it because you want a great workout and not a devine liquid experience. It's a lemon-lime flavor. It reminded me of lemonade.

That's my review. I think it's a winner! Ask questions if you got them!

Is It REALLY For Your Family?

Just an observation and I'm sure some of you will totally disagree with me but here it goes.

I hear and read a lot about moms making cookies, sweet breads, and other goodies for the "family" and then end up eating more of it themselves than the family does. Often they are doing "clean up" duty. This is simply when everyone else quit eating your homemade goodies and you eat it up at a weak moment in the name of it "needing to be eaten."

It sort of drives me crazy, actually. 

Would it kill you to throw away a few servings that no one else WANTED?

Would it be so bad to just not make that stuff anymore unless it was a special occassion?

Honestly, so many of you tell me a host of excuses...

"My kids won't eat healthy."

"I gotta watch my kids or they are eating sweets instead of good snacks I have available."

"My family insists on having all these things I can't control myself around."

And so on.

Well, let me ask you this? Are you telling me that if YOU can't say no to the homemade baked goods, sugar cereals, cookies, and ice cream that your kids should be more enlightened that YOU??? Hmmm...I wonder where junior learned to mindlessly snack on junk? 

And, I would bet that when you were grabbing a cookie or two here and there you, too, had fresh fruits and vegetables just begging to be eaten.

Oh, as far as demanding spouses and kids, have you ever just tried to FORGET to get a few of the things they "need" each week since you probably do the bulk of the shopping? Start with that crap you can't handle. Maybe if they only have some better options to choose from you can get them on board over time.

I totally believe in a time and place for goodies.

• We made cookies this year for Christmas (TWICE!). I never bake anything but healthy stuff we can all eat but there are a few times a year I do it. You know what? Because it's special I don't have a problem controlling myself. The process becomes fun instead of the eating being a part of frustration or habit.
• I keep a bowl of Halloween Candy put away for when Logan wants a piece (nice and small pieces and I only keep the stuff I don't like). At Valentine's Day and Easter I throw out the old and put in the new. Yep, out of sight out of mind for him and we never eat all of our candy!
• We have treats here but they are REALLY limited because I've taught Logan that he needs to enjoy his healthy foods! Just like Graham Crackers...for special oatmeal I make his regular plain oats with berries, a little plain Kefir, tbsp of Chia Seeds, and then crunch up one sheet of Graham Cracker as a cookie type treat. He thinks that is awesome and calls it cookie breakfast. Guess what? We don't even do that daily!

I have friends who keep a cookie bowl and such and I think moderation is fine. But, unless your kids are eating healthy and you all can practice self-control, then evaluate your motivations to have those things so readily available. If the cookies are for the kids then they should be for the kids. If momma is still digging in a cookie jar and bitching about her self-control - get real.

Like anything, it won't happen overnight but each week when you are re-loading the kitchen think about something that tripped you up last week and don't make it or buy it. When you girls are complaining about stuff you "ate" that was "bad" I'm more shocked that you were willing to put it in your kids body. Not everything but sometimes I'm worried you get upset about the wrong thing!

And, just to give myself a little promo spot...Shakeology is a great way to avoid junk and kids like it! I have several clients whose kids do not eat very healthy and this fills a nutritional hole for them while giving them something treaty to have while weaning off the junk. Check it out!

My Journey Was Not Easy

I see women all day want the "lifestyle" to kick in RIGHT NOW so that losing weight and exercising is easy for them. They spend countless hours wishing it to be easy when that is not going to happen.

In fact, I spoke with someone last week about the concept of "does it ever get easy?" Me and my most successful girls do develop an auto-pilot mode with food prep, making a healthy choice, and doing workouts; but only in terms that they aren't still learning. The motivation, the temptations, the lure of food pushers never goes away and THAT STUFF makes it a daily battle.

Scott Abel wrote...

"What is the true reality of process? It is to stop thinking in linear terms. You need to be mentally and emotionally prepared to do the hard work required – and yet still be mature enough to accept there maybe frustration and disappointment along the way as well. There is nothing “real” to be gained from claiming victory over walking a well-paved road that has no obstacles." 

Why do you read my blog? Why do you join www.phit-n-phat.com? Why do you want me to be your Beachbody Coach? What makes YOU feel like I can help you?

I can tell you this...it ain't because I come on here telling you how easy I had it. I was 250lbs and started with walking when I was so embarrased to even be in the gym. 

You like me because I had to get knocked on my ass a lot but figured out a way to get back up. You follow me in therapy, read my struggles with self-acceptance, watch me portion out food and keep peanut butter out of the house because six years later I still want to eat like the "old me."

Face it! What makes me real to you is I AM YOU! 

Most races the first few YEARS of my weightloss journey I was in last place. DEAD LAST PLACE with women in their 50's, 60's and 70's kicking my butt. I competed in figure with loose skin so bad I had to tape it down inside the suit, try to cover scar lines from body lift surgery, and do it knowing there were only a few people in the audience who knew my story. Everyone else probably thought I forgot to diet.

Without all these things I wouldn't be who I am today. Most importantly, if things came easy I wouldn't try to keep reaching higher and reaching out further to you. 

I thought about my journey and how far I have come a lot this weekend. It's taught me to look for the tough spots and face them versus hide from them. I learned it's OK to cut things out of your life that are toxic to your body. You'll survive and probably be better for it. It showed me how to prepare and plan because you never know what life will throw at you. Without years of knowing how food can kill and heal, I doubt I would have the appreciation to know how much a healthy diet can help/heal my little Logan. 

And, then this weekend I had a monumental moment for me. When I started with my simple walks and trying to get healthy, my dear friend Laurie who was a lifetime runner got me to do some races. My first 5K took me 52 minutes while she was well under 30. We walked a half marathon together when she could easily run one.

We did so many races and training sessions "together" meaning we met up, chatted, and start our runs. I always was way behind but we called each other at the end to say "we're done and a psycho didn't get us!" At races, she would wait around at the finish for at least an hour so I always had someone there smiling and cheering for me. Many times when the crowds were gone and the finish line being torn down.

I've blogged it in the past, but without her I know I wouldn't be here. My self-esteem didn't have it at the time to go out on my own. I had to have someone believing in me when I didn't. My husband covered the home base of self-esteem, but Laurie got me believing I was an athlete when I looked and performed like anything but. I KNOW now athletes come in all shapes, sizes, and ages but back then I just felt fat, slow, and like everyone was looking at me thinking "why are you here?"

This weekend, for the first time ever, we met for a long run of 7 miles. We ran TOGETHER and mean the whole way. I even was able to talk. A couple of hills I had to say I'll finish at the top but I was so proud and amazed at far I've come. My heart rate on one hill WAS THE SAME as it was when we would walk for my first half-marathon. No kidding! It was high but I was running with my oldest and dearest friend!!! She's still faster but now I feel like I can give something back to her with company, accountability for the runs, and just laughs. 

It never escapes me each time I run that route with Laurie, my husband, or by myself all the times I was out there the last six years at different stages. I am still not the fastest and barely just average , but there's such a sense of pride in knowing I had to claw my way every step.

When it comes to workouts I've had to do every modification in the book like lift only my arms when others had weights or do pushups against a wall because it hurt to get on my knees. I've walked/jogged, started races early to make sure I can finish, and refused to eat out for months when I knew I would blow it and scared it would be the ONE time I couldn't get back on track.

Losing weight, keeping it off, and finding the desire to workout is tough. Still is. Many days I want to eat crap and take a nap. Most of the time I don't; sometimes I do. I've learned that it's OK to not be your best at any point in the journey. When you aren't your best you truly learn how to get better the next time if you stop long enough to appreciate the chance.

And, that's one reason I also do the Beachbody coaching now, along with my near and dear PNP community. BB believes you inspire others MORE when you have a story to tell and can work WITH people - side by side. I've been fortunate enough to take my struggles, keep working on them with dear friends, family, and clients, and then have PNP and Beachbody to reach the next Corinne. Regardless of where you are take the time to know you have it in you just like I did to change your life and others. Embrace those mistakes and obstacles and make them a part of your story. And if you decide you want influence the next person I'll be here to help.

Making Healthy Plans for 2012

It's always an exciting time at the first of the year because everyone feels ready to work. For me I'm sort of gearing down. I have the toughest weekend of my life coming up in January. I'll be doing the AZ Tough Mudder (12.5 mile endurance run with obstacle course) one day and then doing the Phoenix Rock and Roll Half Marathon the next day. And, I get the pleasure of doing it with a fellow PNP girl, Kathy. My good friend Jane and husband will be there for the half portion so a special weekend.

I'm excited because I've trained HARD for all of this. I'm running, doing Insanity, doing Chalene Extreme, and mixing in my own outdoors obstacle course training. Last weekend we took these pictures.

Logan was my trainer and coach through the outdoors stuff. That kid can climb and do monkey bars like nobody's business. I watch him and try to duplicate how he uses his body. Of course, I don't have his core and upper body strength. Little dude is STRONG!

Lately, I've been reflecting on what I do in my silly athletic adventures. I love them and although I am never going to be paid, place, or great at them, they do a lot for my mental health and self-esteem. As a young, over-weight girl I couldn't even dream of this stuff. Now these events help me overcome my constant fear of gaining my weight back, worries about body image, and give me moments at the finish line where I celebrate finding my life.

It's still amazing to me this day the things I do. I hope all of you know, regardless of what shape you are in today, that you can accomplish a lot of amazing things. Don't sell yourself short. Find the things that excite you and do more of that.

The new year is offering you a chance to change your lifestyle. Not go on a diet or do workouts you hate. It's time you find a method that works to make you satisfied, happy, but slowly evolve. And, this past year I have lots of girls that might not be at goal yet but they spent a year getting into better shape, redefining how they live, and are healthier than ever before.

Over at PNP we are gearing up for a huge kickoff to 2012. The girls have worked hard during the Holiday Hustle Challenge to not have extra weight to lose when January rolls around.

We are all geared up to start the New Year with groups forming on Facebook and PNP. For 30 days you get me coaching you depending on the challenge you want. I have people doing Beachbody videos on Facebook and PNP, my own training programs, girls working in a select group to do Shakeology for weight loss where I'm providing menus and tutoring on food prep, etc., and some people are allowing me to coach their own Beachbody Biggest Loser  groups on Facebook! You can email me for more information on that and I'll help you set up a challenge with your circle of influence.

Finding Joy In Life

Sometimes others can write it better than I can say it AND it always seems that what I need to hear comes to me loud and clear. At Christmas, I hope you all will read this and...

- Smile big in those pictures.

- Go to parties and enjoy the special time spent with family and friends.

- Give yourself beauty, care, and moments of appreciating YOUR special body. 

Enjoy this article from the Weightless Blog.

For many of us, our perfectionism tends to blossom or peak around the holidays. We want our houses to be perfect. We want our presents to be perfect. And we want ourselves to be perfect: the perfect hostess with the perfect makeup and outfit.

Illustrator and writer Elizabeth Patch wrote a beautiful post yesterday about wanting to have the perfect holiday. She could relate to the struggle for perfection. Just a year ago, she had a meltdown over buying the perfect gifts — something so many of us can relate to.

(By the way, be sure to check out the rest of her website. She’s amazing.)

In yesterday’s post, she talks about how the pursuit for perfection is punitive and easily sucks the fun out of our lives.

…

I can’t possibly go to a party
unless I slim down!
I can’t possibly have friends over
until my house is spotless!

Everything must be just right
before I will give myself permission to enjoy.

How many times have you said something similar to yourself during the holidays? During the year?

I can’t have my favorite pasta dish because I’m still shy of my weight-loss goal. I can’t go to that party because I look terrible. I don’t deserve to take care of myself because I’m too big or too small. I can’t step foot into a gym until I’m a lot more muscular. I’m not worthy because of my looks.

I’m not worthy because I can’t stop eating. I just need to fix X about my body, and I’ll go out. Or buy or wear nice clothes. Or appreciate my body again.

I have to wait to do what I want until I look just right. I have to wait to be happy. 

Perfectionism is exhausting and painful. And it tears us away from what’s important.

So instead Elizabeth calls for a focus on joy, which is energizing. She writes:

Joy doesn’t need much work to be achieved.
Joy simply finds it’s way into life when you let go of the need to be perfect.
Joy happens when you can laugh instead of apologize,
accept instead of reject,
show compassion instead of criticism.
This doesn’t mean that things cannot be improved!
Of course they can.
Making positive changes and positive choices to improve your life can also be a source of joy.
But instead of waiting for some magical future when everything is already perfect:
Remember that right this very minute
you can enjoy (have joy! feel joy! share joy!)
with whatever already is.

I think when it comes to our bodies, joy happens when we’re being compassionate with ourselves. When we listen to our bodies. When we let go of expectations around size, shape and weight. When we accept our bodies and stop trying to force them into some unrealistic mold.

When we smile. When we don’t mind having our picture taken because we want to treasure a great moment (when usually we’d say no because we just know that we’d look bad in the shot). When we attend a party, even if we don’t like how we look.

When we tell ourselves we’re beautiful anyway. When we take the time to take care of ourselves. When we avoid bashing our bodies and, if others start, we try to steer the conversation toward more positive, meaningful things.

Ultimately, joy is when we focus on living and enjoying life. When we focus on what the holidays are really about: love, kindness, compassion and deep spiritual truths (and, of course, for those of us who are religious, the deeper meanings surrounding our respective holidays).

And it’s when we take that spirit, soul and magic of the holidays into the rest of the year.

How will you focus on joy this holiday season? And year-round?

Don't forget! I am forming support teams for Beachbody videos and those wanting to do meal replacement with Shakeology. As a certified ISSA Trainer, I will work with you throughout the challenge in small groups of similar program/fitness level.

The next teams start Jan. 2, 2012. Simply email me at corinne@phit-n-phat.com if you are interested in menu, exercise, and motivational support this new year. We'll have private teams on PNP and private groups forming for those who access Facebook easier. It's also open to husbands and men on Facebook so let me kick your butt into great shape!

 

 

Where Do I Begin with Getting Fit?

I have a client who was really struggling with the lifestyle not too long ago. I can tell you all day the actual steps it takes to lose weight but she really summed up the mental shift she needed to happen to get her MOJO back. I loved her post in our PNP forums and thought I would share. Maybe it will help you get in the weightloss spirit this holiday season!

Sounds like we all have big life challenges.  I'm so grateful for all of your support.  I was about to give up my PNP account a few months ago before I joined the Beachbody Challenge.  I was actually logged in to see how to close out my account.  I read the BB challenge blog and decided to give it one more try.   Here's what helped me get my mojo back:

I didn't worry what every one else was accomplishing.  They were all doing more advanced programs.  I know my 54 year old body.  I picked a program that was moderate, but slightly challenging (Turbo Jam) and set an attainable weekly minimum workout goal.    

I'll have to say that 2/3 of my workouts were "going through the motions" at least at the start, but usually got me in the mod mid-way.  But, even though I didn't give it my all, my body got stronger and I have increased my weights and intensity. 

I don't follow a specific diet program.  I just can't do that.  I track calories at myfitnesspal.com at least 4 times a week, just to be mindful, and it motivates me when I see how many "extra" calories the program gives me when I work out. 

I try to make good choices and avoid unplanned snacks, but if I go out, I allow myself a taste of what I want.  I just don't take a full serving and throw it away or give it away after having my bite. 

So, what has helped me the most is to just show up and do it.  Going through the motions of an exercise routine is something and it makes you feel better about yourself and life.  Track your food once in a while, even if you journal that you ate a bag of potato chips, the next time you will be more mindful and choose a better alternative. 

Isn't that awesome, commonsense advice? She show us that you don't have to start all gang busters to get results. Start with what you know you can be successful with and allow that to motivate you to do more...as you are ready.

In January I will have several Beachbody and PNP fitness groups starting as we wrap up the December challenge groups.

- PNP members using my custom plans will do pick your program. We'll look at our WEALTH of programs from past to present and you will choose one that fits your needs. We have a consultation thread in our private forums where I am helping you identify your goals and aligning your schedule.

- Beachbody video fitness groups will be broken into teams. We'll have a P90X/P90X2 team for those working with me as I start the latest and greatest from Tony Horton. We'll also other support teams grouped into fitness levels or goals. All teams are monitored by me but we will have leaders from the PNP site who lead by example! More info in the newsletter next week!

- I'll have a Shakeology weightloss challenge starting in January also. If you drink Shakeology or plan to use it, we'll have a 30 day cycle and I will give you a four week food plan and a lesson on prepping each week. You must be on Home Direct to join this group.

If you want more information please email me at Corinne@phit-n-phat.com and I'll give you the details. Or ask in the comments section!

 

Results from Chalene Extreme: Push Phase

This week I wrapped the Push Phase of Chalene Extreme. I have one more month of Lean Phase . Today I will share with you the results of the first two phases!

I didn't lose any weight in Push Phase and gained one pound. It's a heavy month and many people say they don't lose during this month.

I got much stronger and really enjoyed the month. It was my favorite. I have all kinds of great things to say about this series. My running speed has increased (I set two PR's) and I finally am able to do a full up!

I combined CEX Push videos 3x's a week with Running 3x's a week and I also added in some Core videos from Asylum, Insanity, and Turbo Fire along with doing interval training cardio from those videos along with CEX. I'm also drinking Shakeology once a day as a big snack and one right before bed.

From my PNP Beachbody Challenge  group, here are my stats and pictures from the last month.

I did my stats. I was up one pound from last month but I my inches were nuts! I'm a believer in CEX, Running and Shakeology NOW!

My average daily calories last month were 2100.

Shoulders UP .75 (this is huge because I struggle with them and want them to grow in the absolute worst way!)

Chest DOWN 1 inch.

Belly DOWN 1.25.

Hips DOWN 1.5

Thigh DOWN 1.75

Calf DOWN .25 (still a 16.75 inch calf LOL so the pups are big)

Arm DOWN .5  

Man...I lost 5inches last month! I could tell it, too. The last week I kept saying I felt tighter and this morning Chris said, "You HAD to have lost today right?" Nope. Even with the Holiday Hustle challenge. I'll take inches. I can see it in my pics, too, except I'm pissy looking, no tan, and the overhead light is out!

My legs definitely look smaller but I need to work harder on sprints and hills to fill them out. I don't want them any smaller or you see a lot of my loose skin from major weightloss. 

Anywho...here they are. Not the best looking but next month my ass will have my spray tan on!

Starting in January I will be leading two groups: One of Facebook for men and women doing P90X or P90X2. My next program is P90X2 and I bet I get more awesome results. The second group will be on PNP for women only and this group can do any Beachbody video series. Be sure to email me at corinne@phit-n-phat.com if you want more information on these groups. And if you want to do P90X2 the last day for pre-order is November 30, 2011!!! You get free shipping, two free DVD's and delivery by Christmas. Don't wait any longer and click here to order!

Remember, if you work with me I'm a certified ISSA trainer and been helping women lose weight and change their lives for over four years now. My goal is to help people find what works for them: videos, my own PNP training program, Weight Watchers, or Crossfit. I just want you to find what brings you to the healthy lifestyle because I wasn't always here. You can read my story here and see how I lost 110lbs.

What's Kept My 110lbs Off?

I was reading an article on Beachbody and thought I would do my own version here. Looking back over six years now at my journey to lose 110lbs it is filled with a lot of habits that had to change, tons of "no's" to people, more "yes's" to me, and learning to like or just do things I didn't love in the moment.

Before we get started...if you are on the fence of losing weight think about this:

“When you're trying to motivate yourself, appreciate the fact that you're even thinking about making a change. And as you move forward, allow yourself to be good enough.”

You won't be perfect but you will get better!

#1 We ain't the Biggest Loser
You don't live on a ranch. You have a job and family. Keep in mind that weightloss SHOULD be .5-2lbs per week. And, that doesn't mean when you lose .5 it is a fail because it isn't 2lbs. There were plenty of weeks I exercised my hardest, ate my best, and came up with zero losses and had to get giddy up for a better loss the next week. Even the Biggest Losers have weeks they don't lose living on a ranch exercising all day. You will too!

#2 Keep water with you at all times
People who don't drink water (AT LEAST 64oz a day) amaze me bitching they aren't losing weight fast enough. What do you expect? Muscle needs water to repair and when your muscles repair they burn up fat. You want to lose weight you'll learn to drink your water. You want to keep your fat then keep eating to try and stay hydrated. Your body will win. Personally, I now drink almost 2 gallons daily. I didn't always drink that much but the more I drink the better I have felt.

#3 Exercise is not a chore
Get over it. You have to exercise and the sooner you look at it as a blessing to be able to move versus another brick in your load the sooner you will feel good about yourself. I NOW look forward to getting up, moving, and knowing my day is going to be better because I challenged myself first thing in the morning. Even though I work from home, I still workout at 5am because I'm going to get it done.

#4 Learn to eat more fruits and vegetables
Again, if you don't like how you look then look at your food. Something about what you are eating makes you look the way you do and feel like crap. So, clean it up. The easiest no brainer way to do that is increase your fruits and vegetables A LOT. Write down your food for a few days then look back and count how much F and V's you ate. Did you get to 5 or more each day? No? Then start there. Don't even replace other stuff until you add that in. You'll probably lose weight just doing that alone.

For me this is key. I love to feel full. It makes me feel like I ate. Right or wrong it is something I have learned to manage by eating loads of vegetables with every meal. They are low in calories and a cheap way for me to feel like I packed it away without putting on the pounds.

#5 Have the right tools
If you don't like your videos, your pants slide, your shoes hurt your feet, or you get bored because you don't have music...fix those things! You'll be more likely to exercise if you are comfortable. Same goes with food. If you don't prep because you don't have the tools then go to Walmart and get stuff you need.

Forever I avoided chopping my vegetables because my knives sucked. One year for Christmas my sweet mother-in-law gave me a good set of knives. My vegetable intake went sky high and my weight never followed. 

#6 Don't compare yourself to others
This one can be tough but we are all individuals. We like different things and what challenges one girl is easy for the next. You have to dail into what works for your lifestyle, your level of comfort, etc. It's also about you looking YOUR best. The day you quit looking to other bodies is the day you will look at your own and sculpt it into something you can be proud of. I've made the mistake of getting caught up in wanting to look one way and having to accept my body just won't go there. You know, it's OK and it's OK for you to look at yourself and make the best of what God gave YOU. 

Here's the Beachbody article I based my lessons from...taking the most important ones and elaborating myself. As you know, I'm a Beachbody Coach and I'm own of Phit-N-Phat.com. My job is to help you be the best YOU can be. Feel free to let me help you do that.