Les Mills Pump- (very) early impressions.

I have been so excited about this.

I arrived home from an 11 hour (!!!) car ride with 2 small children, and found my Les Mills Pump set waiting for me!

I remember around 10-11 years ago when "Body Pump" was first super popular, and other formats were popping up like it. Cathe Friedrich's "Power Hour" and Jeri Love's "Get Ripped" series are done in the style: one song per body part/movement. In the fitness world, there was 24 S.E.T. and Rep Reebok, that were both really similar.

I previewed a few of the workouts and decided to do PUMP and SHRED as my first workout. 

Since I've done this style of workout so much, my first PUMP workout seemed really familiar to me.

Now a couple of initial thoughts:

GOOD:
- Many of the coaches have New Zealand accents (this is where Les Mills originated). I enjoy those very much. So classy. And it doesn't at all remind me of "Flight of the Conchords". (Okay, maybe a little bit.)

-The music is GREAT! They really work with the music, which I appreciate a lot. If the music builds, the activity builds. It really helps with the energy. This group ex girl LOVES this kind of thing.

- It is REALLY a challenge! If you are a lifter (like me), you will be surprised at how much less weight you use. For example, I usually bench press 65 pounds. But during the Chest section, I got pretty tired with a 25 pound barbell, and had to go to 15.

Not as good:
- Some of the banter can get old. There are some cute, funny catchphrases they use.. but I can see myself getting tired of them by the 5th or 6th time to do the workout.

- In my Group Exercise days, I led squats that went right alone to the beat of the music. I was taught that you should squat only to parallel- no farther. But then I started lifting and heard the gospel of the full squat. I worked hard to increase my range of motion. But, in these workouts, I find that it's quite impossible to do a full squat in the tempo of the music. So, I'm torn. I'll still work on as much range of motion as I can, but I may have to go elsewhere to get my heavy full squat quota.

The set also comes with a barbell. It is nice. I don't think it weighs anything at all. But, what I found REALLY impressive is that my weight plates fit on it. So, I'm not limited to the 2 10s and 2 5s that came with the set. And that is SO awesome.

So, I'm sure as I do more of the workouts, I'll have more opinions. I may even have different opinions. I reserve that right. But, overall, I really like it. I know I'm going to look forward to doing it.

Anyone else done it and have something to add?

If you want to try it, go HERE.

First Run of the Year, and the Plan for January

I completed my first run of the year on Sunday- a 4 mile run outside. I really did not want to do it. I stalled and stalled. I went to the bathroom about 30 times before finally going outside. I just wasn't excited about doing it at all.

I planned to run 4/walk 1 just because I wasn't feeling my best, and that was the only way I could convince myself to get out there. ("You only have to run 4 minutes at a time! Piece of cake!").

It was quite a challenge. The weather was beautiful and I tried to focus on that. But honestly, every minute of running was a challenge. Even with the walk breaks (and they got way more frequent than every 4 minutes during the last mile), I still only added about 45 seconds a mile to my normal time.

Normally, when I run, and I see other runners, we always wave, smile or somehow acknowledge each other in a friendly way. Well, I saw 3 other runners, and none of them were friendly at all.

This is what the runners looked like. Maybe they were hungover.

I have to admit, when I see other runners, I run a little faster. I try to look a little more like Sydney Bristow running on Alias. It's totally an ego thing, but that isn't always bad- it can help push you a little more.



Anyway, I'm trying not to feel too badly about my run. I think I'm going to make it a goal to run the whole 4 miles by the end of the month. Once a week (probably Saturday, my normal "long" run day)(yes, "long" is back in quotes), I'll run a little longer and by the last Saturday of the month (which is January 28), I'll run the 4 miles without a break and see how I do. Hopefully I'll beat today's 40:32 time.

As for the rest of my workouts, I'll be starting my Pump Hybrid on Tuesday. This first week will be a little different, because I'm traveling on Monday.

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Pump/Run 2
Wednesday: P90X2 Core/Heavy Legs at gym
Thursday: Pump/Run 2-3
Friday: P90X Balance and Power
Saturday: "Long" run (3- 3.25 miles)
Sunday: Rest.

I'll get the other workouts for the month scheduled once I get home.

As I mentioned before, Monday I start working with Amy from Metabolic Mayhem Training for my nutrition. Did I mention I'm excited?

I look like this right now.

So, do you have a plan?

Things I accomplished in 2011.. and look out 2012!

What good are all those resolutions and goals if you don't look back and see if you accomplished anything?

1. Ran 3 Half Marathons: Country Music Half Marathon, Nashville Women's Half Marathon, and the Murfreesboro Middle Half.

2. Parented and stuff.

3. Became a Beachbody Diamond Coach (A huge milestone)

4. Made some progress on the debt snowball.

5. Stalked I mean hung out with my BFF Tony Horton and Shaun T.

Still milking this. 6 months later.

6. Married Prince William. No, wait, that wasn't me.


 

"Um, yeah. That was me." (Because you know that's how Kate Middleton talks.)

So, what are some things I'll be doing in 2012?

1. Nutrition.
Well, I'm starting the first two months off working with Amy from Metabolic Mayhem Training. She'll be designing my nutrition plan. I HIGHLY recommend working with Amy if you need help with meal planning and accountability (although, I believe she's so awesome, she has a wait list. It's so totally worth it). She's going to help me fine tune my diet to get the best results possible (including Shakeology, of course).

2. Fitness.
I'm going to focus on getting faster at shorter distances rather than running long distance. I'll also be lifting more (remember my super cool P90X2/Les Mills Pump/Running hybrid I'll be doing). Weights really ARE the key, and I'll be writing more about that too.

3. Beachbody
I'm going to advance my Beachbody Business. It's come such a long way in 2011, that I have some very specific goals for 2012 I know I can reach. (Plus I plan on having multiple pictures of myself taken with Tony Horton again.)

4. Get certified to teach group exercise and start teaching again.  
I'm going to start with my favorite format to teach, Turbokick, and then get my primary again. I'm probably just going to start a class somewhere though and just hope someone shows up. I miss it so much, I'm willing to teach a class of ONE!

5. Pay cash for a car. 
Since I hate debt and refuse to make payments, I have been without a car of my own for several years. This is the year. I'm getting a car of my own.

What are your goals this year? Did you reach some good ones in 2011?

My best wishes to you for a safe and enjoyable New Year's celebration, and a wonderful 2012. Let's bring it this year!

 

 

 

Where will YOU be in 30 days?

I want you to think for a second. Think about if you dedicated yourself to something with all your heart, for just 30 days. How much progress would you make?

30 days is not that long. It's one month. I think most of us can focus for 30 days. It's not as long as 90 days. And it's more than 21 days, which is how long it takes to build a habit.

Now, think back to 30 days ago. Is there something bothering you that was also bothering you 30 days ago? Has it changed? Think of the past 30 days: If you gave this problem intense focus every day for 30 days, would it have gotten better?

Source

Since I love to talk about fitness and health, I want to focus on that. How healthy are you? Do you feel vibrant? Or, do you have aches and pains when you wake up in the morning? Do you like the way you look when you see yourself in the mirror? Do you like the way you feel in your clothes?

Now, think ahead to 30 days from now. You could do something to improve this situation. It just takes focus. Knowledge. And, maybe a little support.

We have Beachbody Challenge groups forming for 30 day challenges, and that covers everything: Fitness + Nutrition + Accountability. But, if that's not for you, I encourage you to take steps on your own. Plan your meals and your workouts. Find someone to support you. Give it everything you've got for 30 days. And see how far you can go.

And don't forget to take a before picture. We'll post your before and after and show others what you really CAN accomplish in 30 days!

Setting your New Year's Resolutions!

This is the time of year when we're all getting ready to start over. We're setting goals for 2012, and we're excited. We're motivated.

But have you ever gotten to December and wondered, "What were those resolutions I set in January again?"

I have a suggestion as we start the New Year. I know it is tempting to say, "I'm going to do X this year. I'm going to reach X goal this year."

Why don't we try 1 month? 30 days?

And, why don't we focus on action steps?

For example:

"I want to lose 10 pounds."

This is a great goal, but it's not 100% in your control. You know what is in your control though? The action steps:

- I am going to stay within my calorie range every day for 30 days.
- I am going to workout 6 days a week this month.

These are my goals.

So, I'm developing a hybrid workout schedule for the month (I'll post it later) that includes P90X2, Pump, and Running.



PLUS



PLUS

I really don't smile like this every time I run..

I'm planning each week's meals in advance.

I'm focusing on what I can control, and the result will happen.

Can I challenge you to do the same?

(Come over to Sarah Fitness and post your action steps for January for extra accountability. And don't forget about the Challenge Groups forming now)

Let's kick off the year with a strong 30 days. Who's with me?

Hang in there!

I'm writing this letter to myself, as well as anyone else who can benefit:

Hang in there!

The holidays are upon us. For me, personally, it feels like life is in chaos.

We drove all day yesterday, and packed snacks, and still managed to not make the best food choices.

After being in the car all day, my body was sore... but I apparently forgot my foam roller.

My goal is to find time to run later this afternoon. Then to get back on track with P90X2 as much as I can.

But, I have to remember, I'm seeing family and friends I haven't seen for a year, and being with them is the most important. I can workout on schedule when I get home (especially since Les Mills' Pump will be waiting for me...)

So, hang in there, everyone. If you're super focused on a physical goal, stay super focused. If you're super focused on enjoying time with your family, stay super focused. Just remember your goals, and stay focused. Don't be sad or feel bad about yourself if you do something. Just do the best you can.

However, come January 2, look out :-) Back to 100% compliance AND awesomeness!

2012 Beachbody Challenge Groups!

A lot of folks make New Year's Resolutions. They decide to lose weight, once and for all. The join Weight Watchers, maybe Jenny Craig or Nutrisystem, and join a gym.

All of these things cost money.

That's cool. Anything that's worthwhile is going to cost something. In fact, I find that I'm more likely to commit to something and stick with it if I've PAID for it.

But, I want you to think ahead. What is February going to look like?

I know many people find success with all of these things. But I want you to take a moment and consider a different option...




Beachbody offers COMPLETE programs, with a schedule, nutrition plan, and support. But I'm going even further than that and starting a Challenge Group.

The 2012 Challenge Group:

- Begins January 2.
- Is limited to 5 people.
- Lasts for 30 days (it takes 21 days to make a habit).
- Will have daily support, check-ins and accountability via an exclusive Facebook group.

Here are the requirements:
1. Drink Shakeology Daily.
2. Workout daily (either with a Beachbody workout program, or the program of your choice. I'll even help you develop one if you like).
3. Check in daily.

Beachbody has even made it easier, by combining some of their programs with Shakeology AND a free month of membership in the Team Beachbody Club:

Just to compare:

1. One month of weight watchers online: Sign up fee of $29.95 plus $18.95 per month: $48.90 for the first month (does not include fitness program)
2. One month of gym membership: Varies, usually a sign up fee ($49.99) and a monthly fee of $39.99. That's $90 for the first month. (Source of sample)
3. One month of Jenny Craig: A small fee (Usually about $20 per month), plus the cost of meals, which can run you $500 - $600 per month. That doesn't include a fitness program. (Here's a review of their program).

With the Beachbody Challenge packs, you get the Workout Program (which you can use more than one month...), one month of Shakeology, and one month of the Team Beachbody Club membership (which includes personalized meal plans).

You decide. But if you'd like to be in my Challenge Group that starts on January 2, let me know! And order soon, because you want to have everything ready to get started on that day!