Hammer & Chisel: Week 3

Week 3 of Hammer and Chisel has come and gone. I can't believe how much my strength and endurance has improved in such a short time. This is the first program since beginning this health and fitness journey where I'm not focused on a "goal weight". Instead I am focusing on strength, my energy level and building lean muscle.   

This week I switched up my eating plan a little bit. Aimed for more protein and water and upped my weights in all but 1 of the workouts. I'm so torn between who's work outs I like better in this program, Sagi or Autumn. Honestly I like them both for different reasons. 

I like the method behind Sagi's workouts, they are calculated, push you and pump you up. I like Autumn's workouts because that girl knows how to kick your butt! (In a good way). I also like your passion, and the way she can get you to step up your game and push just a little harder, or go just a little longer.

This weeks favorite workout was Total Body Chisel. Hello Pistol Squats!

Mid week I got a little surprise in the mail. The new Cafe Latte Shakeology! I may or may not have done a happy dance when I saw the box delivered. ;) In fact I was so excited about it, I had it for dinner that night! Yum.

ISO chisel strength was the last workout of the week. And it almost did me in with those weighted Lunges. Felt great to push through and get it done. One thing I wish I would have done at the beginning of starting this program was start filling out the tracker with what weights I'm using for each workout. I remember for the most part, but the data tracker in me wishes I had it on paper. 

So apparently I move really fast in this workout ;)

Towards the end of week #3 I really started to notice a difference in my legs and the way my pants were fitting. I've lost 2 inches in my hips and am fitting in size 4 jeans that I haven't been able to wear since I was married 7 years ago! Looking forward to what the end results will be on day 60.

Here is Week #3's menu!

Want more info or want to join my Challenge Group? Fill out this quick form below and I'll get back to you within 24 hours and get you in!

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Have a Blessed Day!

The Master's Hammer and Chisel: Week 2

Well hello there! I can't believe it's already day 15 of Hammer and Chisel! As my week #1 blog post said, I'm going to be blogging weekly on my progress with this program and how I'm doing on it! 

I would say about day 12-13 I really started to feel my strength start to increase and my pants feeling looser. My appetite sky rocked this week so I upped my water in take and allowed my self 1 cheat meal (8 pieces of sushi and miso soup, yum). 

Favorite workout of week #2? Definitely Chisel Agility! Wow that one put me through the ringer (in a good way). I think I might be crazy but I really like pistol squats! 

Favorite meal this week?

Fixate Tacos. One word, YUM! This totally hit the spot! I will be posting my Incredible Hulk recipe (topping on the right side) in a new blog post this week. 

What is Fixate? You can check it out here. 

I had an "a-ha moment" this week. Instead of having the mentality of "oh man I still gotta do my workout." Change it to "yes! I GET to work out today!" How blessed are we that we are able to take charge of our health and exercise and put clean foods into our bodies?

Woke up this morning on day 15 and took my mid month stats.

In 15 days I've lost

3.8 lbs and 5 inches (including 1 inch off my waist and 1.5 inches off my hips!)

TWO WEEKS.

What is 60 days going to bring?

All I know is that I've done every workout, stuck to the eating plan (minus my sushi night) and have taken this as a challenge I will complete. 

Here was week #2's eating plan:

Want to get in on the fun and get in your best shape yet with me? Fill out this quick application before and we'll get you ready to go and into our Challenge Group!

Fill out my online form.

Have a Blessed Day!

The Master's Hammer and Chisel: Week 1

Ever since The Master's Hammer and Chisel was announced at Summit July 2015 I've been excited to take on this 60 day program. Then we the accident happened at the end of September, I wasn't so sure I was going to be able to start this program in December as originally planned. After almost 4 months of 3-5 Dr. appts a week, physical therapy, chiropractor and specialist I finally felt like I could give this program a go after getting permission from my Dr. 

January 4th, 2016 I became this program with fellow coaches and challengers in our Hammer and Chisel Launch Group. First impression on Day 1... this is going to be AMAZING.

What equipment you need: 

- Either a weight bench or stability ball (I'm using the ball)

- weights

- pull up bar or resistance band with door attachment (I'm using the door attachment with band).

- yoga mat

You also need determination, commitment, and to dial in your nutrition, use the color coded containers and follow the easy to follow nutrition plan.

Weekends is when I like to meal prep and plan out the week ahead. I was beginning the 3 Day Refresh on the same day as day 1, So I wanted to be extra prepared. Here is my meals for week #1 of Hammer and Chisel. 

I've found my workout time that I'm able to give it all I got is about 6:30am each morning. It's nice to get it done and be able to start our daily routine afterwards and know that I got my workout in already. It also keeps me motivated to stay on track with my eating the rest of the day.

My favorite part of the workout? Hearing my son say at the end "Alright Mommy you did it!" and getting high fives from my kids. It's a blessing to be able to work out at home with my kids present watching me and participating with me.

Saturday was a double workout day! I got to do a live Turbo Kick workout at Super Saturday (more on that later, different blog post) and then had to still come home and make sure I got my day 6 Hammer and Chisel work out in! I've committed to 60 days of this program, and I'm following it to a T!

What are some of the things I love about this program?

- Every other day the trainer switched, Autumn/Sagi. Keeps it fresh

- The moves, the energy, the gym like feel reminds me of my old school P90x days before getting married. 

- The longest workout I've done to date is 43 mins. On average my daily workout has been about 30-35 minutes tops. 

- Kicks your butt

- Music is great, trains are awesome, the modifier is helpful too!

- color coded containers: same as 21 day fix. Easy to use and gets you results.

- This program is nothing like I've seen or done before. I've completed several BB programs and this is by far my favorite just one week in. I can't wait to see where I will be at the end of the 60 days!

Want to join in on our Hammer and Chisel Challenge Group? You can join us at any time! You can get this program and your first 30 days of Shakeology for $70 only tell Jan 31st!

Check Out These Amazing Specials:

Hammer & Chisel Challenge Pack only $160 (normally $180)!  CLICK HERE to order!

Hammer & Chisel Performance Pack only $160 (normally $180)! CLICK HERE to order! 

I'll be posting at the end of each week tracking my journey with this program and progress. So stay tuned!

 Have a blessed day!

What do you do when you've fallen off course? - Finding your "Why"

If you've read my "about me" section of the blog or you know me personally, then you'll know I've had my ups and downs with weight gain/loss. I think it's easy to get discouraged sometimes on social media when you see someone posting their "highlight reel" of what their life is like on Facebook, Instagram, etc. Heck, I'm guilty of this, it's much easier to post about the "happy" stuff. 

(Pictures above: a decade worth of weight gains/losses)

I naturally want to post joyful, positive, upbeat posts, and cute pictures of my kids. Now that I am a Beachbody Coach and putting my daily fitness/nutritional journey on display for everyone else to see. I want it to be known that in the midst of these posts I make, there is also lots of sleepless nights, struggles, days when I just want a slice of pizza, life curve balls and ups and downs that come my way.

Just like everyone else.

In the past, I've allowed the excuses I've made for myself justify falling of course. 

- My kids don't sleep through the night

- Work

- I'm too busy and I don't have time.

- The dog ate my home work (just kidding)

- My Daughter won't let me work out for long periods of time because she'll start crying

- There's laundry to do

- Or dishes

- I'm too stressed

- I've had 2 c-sections, I'll never loose this weight in my waist

- Did I mention no sleep?

- Or there's something I'd rather be doing instead _(insert here)_.

Each day, by the grace of God we have a choice. A choice on how we are going to live each day. 

When that clicked in my brain, that I had a choice, my entire mindset changed. 

Will I let those excuses get the best of me?

Or will I choose to live each day joyful, thankful with a humble heart. 

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

Are there days that I'm exhausted from being up most of the night with my 18 month old? YES

Are there days where I really just want that slice of pizza? YES

When those moments in life come up, and the excuses start popping up in your head why NOT to do your work out or staying on course with your eating plan, switch gears.

Start thinking about why you SHOULD be doing your work out, eating clean and getting healthier?

What is your WHY?

Think about it for a minute, write it down and put it on a post-it note. Put that post-it note somewhere you go to everyday in the morning (Mirror, above the coffee machine, your car dash board). Read that why every single day. 

What's my why? (In case you are wondering)

My why, is that I want to be the best Wife and Mother I can be. I want to encourage others, share the Gospel and fight the good fight. 

The healthier I am, the better equip am to take care of my family and to help others. 

I also want to fit into those pre-pregnancy jeans, and go into my 30's in better shape than I was in my 20's.

What's your why?

Write your "why" down. 

It's been put on my heart to share my journey with you all. So when you see my instagram posts or facebook posts with snap shots or short video clips of my daily work outs...I'm just showing you that I'm a work in progress. That I'm choosing joy each day. Joy in the struggles, Joy in the accomplishments, Joy in the laughter of my kids, Joy in the frustrations, Joy in lack of sleep, Joy in realization that by God's grace I am made new. 

Do you need some encouragement or support? Are you not sure where to start or just want someone to talk to? If you send me a message at CoachJennym@gmail.com or on my facebook.com/lightlightup  I would love to help you.

21 Reasons Why you should do 21 Day Fix:

Have you seen other people posting about doing 21 Day Fix? Have you been thinking about trying it but been on the fence? I have a blog post for that! ;) Here is 21 reasons to why you should do 21 Day Fix: 

1. 30 minutes of work outs a day. (You can spend more time browsing Facebook than that!)

2. Easy, simple to follow nutrition plan

3. Color coded Portion Control Containers will help teach you the proper portions of each food group you need.

4. You will loose weight!

5. No calorie counting!

 6. Variety of Workouts: You'll never get bored! Each day of the week is a different work out (Total Body, Upper Body, Lower Body, Pilates, Cardio, Circuit Training, Yoga)

7. It's ONLY 21 Days, 3 weeks... that's it! It goes by faster than you think :)

8. Fun in the Kitchen: It gives you a new sense of creativity in the kitchen and finding ways to make healthy, delicious, easy to cook meals for you and your family.

9. Your clothes will fit better!

10. Support: You get me as your Free Coach and I'll get you plugged in to our FB 21 Day Fix Challenge Group. We post daily, encourage each other through our journey!

11. No choreography. The workout moves are easy to follow and Autumn gives great instructions.

12. Modifier: There is a modifier to follow in each workout. 

13.  More energy! Double boosted energy if you choose to drink Shakeology everyday too! 

14. Kick your cravings to the curb: You will find you are getting way more food each day then you imaged, and you won't miss the junk!

15. Multiple Rounds: That's the beauty of it being only 3 weeks. You can just keep going and do as many rounds as you want to help reach your goals.

16. Share with others: Have your family join in on the fun! It's a great chance to have family time while everyone improves their health. Win win!

17. There's an app for that! There is a free 21 Day Fix app that you can download to your phone for easy tracking when you are out and about. 

19. You won't be sorry. I promise, at the end of 21 days you won't be sorry. You will be happy that you did this and seeing the results of your hard work!

20. Customize your plan based on your goals.

21. You have a Choice: You get to make the choice to change your eating habits, improve your strength, lose weight, improve your moods and inspire others to do the same!

I've seen first hand that this program works. I myself have lost over 28 pounds in the last 11 months doing multiple rounds of 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme.

My current Challenge group is 10 days in and they are down well over 20 pounds combined. If you do the 30 minute work outs each day, follow the simple nutrition guide, and have have a mindset that you will see this through.... You will get results. 

So are you ready to take the 21 Day Fix Challenge? Fill out the application below and we'll get started together :)

Fill out my online form.

21 Day Fix - Round 3 Results

Today marks day 21 of this round of 21 Day Fix! I can't get over how fast these past few weeks have gone. When I first started this program back in August 2014 I was doing it by myself. I had to resist the junk food in the house... squeeze my work outs in while the kids took naps... I had my slip ups and moments of weakness. But I didn't give up!

Fast forward to now.. what a difference less than a year can be! My Hubby is on day 7 of his own round, my son works out with me sometimes and my daughter makes for an awesome extra 25 pound resistances during planks and push ups. Haha. There is NO junk in my house, we are happier, healthier and doing this TOGETHER. 

Don't give up! Be a light, shine by example.. Joy is contagious! 

To say this is an answered prayer is an understatement. I'm so thankful that our family is making active steps each day to be healthier and encourage each other.

Other people have joined in too! My 21 Day Fix Challenge group is on FIRE! The first 6 days on the program they are already down over 20 pounds combined. That's incredible!

This program works. 30 minutes a day working out, simple easy to follow nutiriton guide with portion control measuring containers, and I replace 1 meal a day with Shakeology. 

This round of 21 Day Fix I upped my weights the last 2 weeks. Man I've been sore! It's been challenging, but in a good way! 

Here are my results from this round of 21 Day Fix:

3 pounds lost

2.25 inches and I went down 1 pant size!

And now... here are my total stats lost since beginning 21 Day Fix and Shakeology 11 months ago:

Since Starting 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme:

Chest: -2 inches

R Arm: -2 inches

L Arm: -2.5 inches

Waist: -5 inches

Hips: -5 inches

Rt Thigh: -3 inches

Lft Thigh: -3 inches

Butt: -3 inches

Total inches Lost: 25.5 inches

Total Weight Lost: 26 pounds

You can read more about it here

Today on day 21 I put on a pair of pants I haven't been able to fit into for two years! 30 min a day work outs, my daily Shakeology, portion control and clean eating. When I started my first round last August I was 6 months postpartum after my 2nd c-section and had no core strength. I couldn't get through 10 seconds of burpees the first time I did Cardio Fix. Now, I can go the whole minute and then some! The physical strength I've gained is worth so much more to me than the # on the scale! I'm ready and excited to begin 21 Day Fix Extreme tomorrow!

Are you looking to get started with a healthier lifestyle? Are you just not sure where to start? Or maybe you know where you want to start but just need someone to give encouragement? I would love to be your coach and help you.

Send me a message at coachjennym@gmail.com or you can sign up at www.beachbodycoach.com/lifelight up and it will automatically make me your coach for free.

Where do you want to be 1 year from now?

I debated posting this but I decided to go for it. I was scrolling through my timehop app this morning and came across the picture on the left. 

1 year ago today was 6 months postpartum, tired, sluggish and just overall not feeling great. I was coming up on my 29th birthday and vowed that I wasn't going to enter my 30's feeling this way. Shortly after this I started 21 Day Fix. 

Picture on the left is this morning. One year later. I've stuck to my 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme workouts, drink my Shakeology and eliminated a lot of junk from my diet. It has not been easy by any means, but am I glad I've stuck with this? YES. Not only am I healthier, but I am able to take better care of my family and help others. 

So my thought for today is: Don't give up, you didn't get to this point over night. It takes hard work, dedication and making that choice daily to keep going to reach the goals you have. 

Also, I want to say that feeling strong physically is great, but the true strength is from inside... That is the real good stuff! I make the choice daily to live for Jesus, to share His word with truth and grace. My hope and strength comes from Him. "Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed." (Proverbs 16:3)

Where do you want to be 1 year from now? What are your goals? If I can help you anyway I am hear to support and cheer you on. I would love to be your coach! Comment here or send me a message at CoachJennyM@gmail.com and let's talk about what we can do to help you reach your goals :)

Have a blessed day Everyone!

Making time to Work out:

Do you struggle to find the time to fit your work out in everyday? Do you tell yourself you'll do it after work and once that time comes you decide that snuggling up on the coach catching up on your DVR is more appealing?

I've been there. I made excuses a lot to why I couldn't find time to take care of myself. I thought I was to tired to work out, but really I was tired because I wasn't working out. It took some trial and error over a few weeks, but I was able to find a good routine for myself and my family that allowed me to get my work out in. 

Here are some things I've done to make sure I'm getting my work out in daily:

• Work out in the Morning: This is big for me. If I say I'll do it later, 8 out of 10 times I won't (I'm being honest here). So by pushing play first thing each morning I make sure my work outs done for the day. 
• Set a time each day that is your work out time: For me, it's 7am every morning. I make the kids breakfast, get them situated, then lace up my work out shoes and get to work! 
• Get the family to join in: My 4 year old loves to jump in from time to time and do the moves with me. My 1 1/2 things it's hilarious to climb on me like a monkey while I'm doing planks or floor work. I love it though because they are learning the importance of exercise and taking good care of the bodies that God has blessed us with. 

• Calendar your work outs! Every time I start a new work out schedule (example: 21 day fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme, Piyo, Turbo Fire etc.) I plug the entire round (3 weeks, 12 weeks, etc.) into my google calendar. That way everyday I can open up my calendar app and there is my scheduled work out for the day. When you put a lunch date or a special event on your calendar you stick to it and show up right? By putting your scheduled work out on your calendar you are making yourself accountable.

(My little Miss. The second she sees me on the ground for planks or other floor moves she's either on my back, or underneath me giggling.)

I hope these tips will help you as start your daily work out routine. If you have any questions or would like any support please feel free to comment here or send me an email at CoachJennyM@gmail.com

Have a blessed day!