Spring ahead

So, Spring is almost here. Summer is coming. If you want to get in shape for the summer -- lets get moving!  Stop with all the "I'll do it tomorrow" excuses.  If what your doing now isn't working, its time to make a plan and commit yourself to it. No matter what, promise yourself to fulfill your commitment to your body. Even if you don't see results the first few days thats ok, because no one does.

Keep it going until you reach your goal. Get your mind into warrior mode and shape your body into the lean mean healthy machine you know it can be. Lets GO!

If you're looking to switch thigns up let me help you find a program/nutrition solution -- something you can stick with.  Best part is that I can hold you be accountable, help you stay motivated and focused on your way to achieving results.

My first challenge is a quick one.  Commit to 5 days of eating clean, working out and drinking water, posting in our private facebook group and you can start Monday and get hot by Saturday!  This particular one starts March 11 and finishes March 16 with measurements and posts.

Next I have a 30 day fitness/nutrition challenge with Les Mills Combat:  Check out this 2 minute video:

Let me help you keep it going until you reach your goal. Get your mind into warrior mode and shape your body into the lean mean healthy machine you know it can be. Lets GO!

To get started with any of these challenges, you must be connected with me so I can coach you.  Start by going to www.maria365.com and click on the JOIN tab, then select FREE membership.  Make sure my Coach ID 28705 is there.

Let me know if you have any questions!  I'm excited to be working with you on reaching your goals.

6-week slimdown Challenge

Getting and staying fit seems like a difficult task - but all it requires is a simple basic commitment to yourself. I invite you to join me in getting in the best shape of your life.  

Is your goal to fit into a smaller size in jeans?  Maybe get a 6 pack?  Anything is possible if you put your mind to it and stay accountable to yourself. 

For 42 days, I will become your workout buddy and motivational coach. Whether your goal is to lose weight, eat better or simply improve your overall health, I will help you meet your goal. The program runs from Monday, Jan. 7 to Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. Must register by 1/2/13. 

I am holding a small, exclusive group of people who are committed to getting healthy by participating in similar workouts for the next 45 days.

People helping and motivating each other achieve their health and fitness goals by sharing tips, accountability, and results.
 

You will get a ton of motivation, inspiration, and comfort in sharing struggles and successes; and, a new level of accountability to achieve your goals. 

Fitness + Nutrition + Support = Success

Get out of your zone to get into the zone

Today I ventured out of my comfort zone and went out for my first run! I have been wanting to start for a while and then just decided there is no time like the present to just do it. Someone asked me what made me start? Well it's simple, I always felt like I was missing out on something and then when I was running, I realized that I definitely was.

 

"Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you're young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don't let worn-out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself." 

 

Since it was my first time, I decided to run in my neighborhood.   I will eventually drive the course I took earlier to get an idea of how far I got.  I'd say it was about 70% run/30% walk.

 

 

At first it was hard but I was determined to experience it. And all I can say is "Wow what a feeling!" To be out on the pavement and notice things like the trees and how beautiful they are is just PRICELESS, and of course, listening to the right music can definitely give you an extra boost to run faster.

 

 

I'm not mom, or my husband's wife or my parent's daughter or any of the other hats that I wear. When I run I am just little ole me!

 

Like my page to keep up on tips, motivation and news about health & fitness.

 

 

 

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What do you want?

Its that time again for me to purge my thoughts and blog about where I'm at.  I happened to notice a friend's post about focusing on inspirational words that manifest feelings of empowerment.  He said, "To truly inspire change we must inspire ourselves. No single entity or event or its outcome is going to be what really makes you happy or feel better."  That got me thinking about how happiness is an inside job.  Its starts with positive thinking and what is really important to us.  

Lately, I've been struggling with staying on track with my routine.  I have a small private Facebook group with awesome ladies who post their accountability on a daily basis.  Each one of us has been struggling with our own goals but the common theme is that we're not giving up.  Don't get discouraged, its not about living each day perfectly but being consistent in your choices.  

Everyone gets off track from time to time.  The key to success is to plow through excuses and keep focusing on your comeback.  

My comeback will consist of drinking Shakeology every day and starting a 30 day Les Mills PUMP Ultimate Cross Training Hybrid. 

My Excitment

Yes I'm excited, yesterday I finally received my Vegan Chocolate Shakeology.  I had a chance to try it 2 weeks ago at Summit.  I initially liked it but couldn't wait to get it home so I could try my favorite recipe.  My motivation to get through this mornings workout was knowing I was having it for breakfast.

When I first tore open the bag, it seemed to have been vacuum sealed and some of the "powder" seeped out.  Of course I had to try this magic "dust" and couldn't help but taste how pure the dark cocoa flavor was.  Then just reading the back of the bag made me realize how happy I am to incorporate this dietary supplement into my daily routine.  This new formula of Shakeology is a powerful super food.  You may wonder what does that even mean?  It was designed to give your body the perfect combo of nutrients to help give you energy, reduce cravings, maintain healthy body weight, and support your immune system. 


Here is my typical recipe!  1 scoop of Shakeology (this works with regular chocolate, Tropical Vegan and now the new Chocolate Vegan).  1 cup of frozen unsweetened strawberries, 1 cup of Almond/Coconut milk blend, 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder, your choice and 1 tsp. unsalted peanuts.

I love the texture that peanuts provide.  I am definitely into textures!  Yes I love my pasta al dente (although I hardly eat it anymore), and my oatmeal lumpy.  OK enough about me.  What I want YOU to know is that if you're looking to improve your health, you can do it, one shake at a time!

To try a sample, go here:  http://bit.ly/KY3ddW

Here we go again!

I know, I know, haven't blogged in a while.  I really miss blogging because it helps me purge all my thoughts and sort out what's in my head.  Lately there's been so much going on that its been hard to keep up.  Last month was a world wind of activities, stress and emotions.

I just wrapped up a 13-month consulting stint and the project finished up on May 25th.  It was sad AGAIN to say goodbye and leave a place that I have been so familiar with.

The beginning of May was a very busy and stressful time.  I had to pick up the slack on running my dad's tax reduction business which had an UBER critical deadline.  All this was happening while Dad was in the hospital.   His health had been on the decline as his chronic heart failure was progressing.  What was happening was that we were hoping he would get strong enough to withstand a scheduled mitro valve clip procedure (which was quite risky at his tender age of 83).  But, he's a fighter and is determined to keep on going for everyone else!  I am amazed at his determination and attitude.  I have dubbed him, "the comeback kid."  The morning of the procedure he was calm and ready to get it over with.

Of course that day was spent waiting anxiously for news upon the completion of the procedure, all of us hoping it would be a success.  Fortunately it was.  I consider my family very lucky to still have him with us.

That day I realized how important it is to take your health seriously.  Heart disease is completely preventable.  You can reverse it with diet and exercise.  That's why I am so passionate to helping others achieve their goals and it keeps me accountable to my own.


While my emotions have run the gamut lately, I am faced with settling into a new routine which brings some anxiety and uncertainty.  Pretty soon the kids will be out of school, schedules will change even more.

I am still figuring out my schedule and know that my most successful workouts happen when I do it early in the morning before everyone wakes up!

I know keeping up with my goals has kept me from spiraling out of control.  It provides the structure and confidence I crave to get through each week.

My goal for the remainder of this month is to focus on lifting as heavy as I possible with Les Mills PUMP and working out getting INTENSE with some my cardio workouts.

If you want to get started or need more accountability with keeping up, shoot me a message on my facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/mariapaulercio

Workout just 3 times a week to get world-class results

Walking a tight rope

Over the past few years, I have always equated my life's experiences with roller coasters and circuses.  Well the title of my post came to me because lately living with an adolescent daughter with autism is like walking a tight rope every single minute of the day.  You can imagine the balance one needs to be able to pull it off.

Fortunately I have a balancing tool I use.  My fitness and nutrition goals!

I am in my second round of Les Mills PUMP.  This time around I have committed myself to being disciplined with nutrition.  I am eating as CLEAN as possible plus I have been hitting my workouts with extra intensity. 

Carving out time for myself each day has been like putting on my oxygen mask first when the plane loses altitude.  Intuitively as a mom, we tend to put everyone else's needs first before our own.  When I first heard that scenario I was like WHAT?  If you can't help yourself first, you will be of no service to anyone else.

This past week was very rough and while I kept up with my workouts and nutrition, and I'm proud to say I no longer succumb to stress eating.  I was caught up in a viscous cycle of eating to numb my feelings but would never make progress on where I wanted to go.  Fortunately I was able to break the cycle and in turn, re-adjust my mindset. 

What also helped me get through my week was connecting with a friend who has this amazing ability to provide such a unique perspective.  His insight really helped me realize that its not about having a perfect life but its about making the best decisions possible.

He said, "All you can do is give your best.  Never doubt your best effort and never, ever give up."  That got me thinking...this is not something I can change, what I can change is how I choose to deal  and accept it.

I need to be my best so I can give my best to my daughter and rest of my family.  My daughter depends on me cause I'm all she's got.  Each day I focus on being grateful for what I have.  Deep down I know things can always be worse.  If you'd like to check on my progress with fitness then check out my page:  Maria