May Challenge

Last month I tweeted:  No candy, no cake, no donuts, no muffins, no white bread, no chips, no fast food, no pastries, no ice cream. Do it for 21 days = #results

My April challenge was a success.  We focused on making positive changes, eating clean and fitting in exercise.  Being in a group setting and seeing posts from others who are doing it too makes you feel like you are not alone and empowers you to stay focused.

As we turn the page on the calendar to a brand new month, realize that real results require time, patience, your consistency and accountability. Making an effort to improve yourself everyday is the goal.

This month, our goal is to select food in its most whole, natural state, free of added unpleasantries. This is a lifestyle, not a short-term diet. Rule of thumb: eat 100% clean 80% of the time. That means 8 of 10 meals/snacks are "perfect." The 2 out of 10 can be your choice. Make an effort over the next 30 days and you will get results.

If you want to jump in and join my group then friend me on Facebook.com/maria365 and we'll take it from there!

Big 5 Goals

Typically on a Sunday night, I start to think about what needs to get done for the week.  I love Mondays and have been inspired to narrow down my focus.

I wanted to share what I'm concentrating on for the week of 4/15/13:

1) Wrap up Mod 4 w/Test to get 100%, start Mod 5 (Integrative Nutrition online education)

2) Visit program to assess future placement regarding post-High School transition plan (special needs) for daughter for this coming September.

3) Learn and roll out new lesson PiYo Strength by Sunday 4/21 

4)Turbokick Certification Training 4/20

5) Get 3 Strength Workouts in this week (maybe a little ambitions but I'm shooting for it; 3 cardio sessions with one of them being a run).

These are my top 5 along with other ancillary goals (not mentioned) that must get done in order to keep the flow going.

"Within you is the power to do anything...with confidence and inspiration, you unlock the possibilities."  All you have to do is believe that you can and you're half way there.

Knowing what you want to accomplish and plotting out what you want to achieve can serve as a roadmap.  Let's face it, if you want to get somewhere you have to know how you're going to get there!  By taking forward motions in what ever it is that you are looking to pull off takes planning, determination, self-motivation and a sprinkle of perserverance.  

Last night when I drafted my Big 5, it gave me such clarity that I actually had peace among the chaotic schedule Mondays typically bring.

If you're like me you regularly plug into Social Media like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.  Its easy to connect with others who offer so much inspiration and motivaiton.  But remember, inspiration is a two way street. So Take heart: "There are people in your life whom you unknowingly inspire simply by being you."  How cool is that?  Very!!!!

New Month = New Goals

Precursor to this new month.  The Tri-State area was hit with a major storm, Hurricane Sandy (a.k.a. Frankenstorm).  And while we lost power for 48 hours, I realized how extremely resourceful and dependent we've become as a society on everything.  I was a definite wake up call to put things into perspective and not take things for granted.  I was able to stay on track with my goals of eating healthy (although I didn't have Shakeology for 2 days because I like using the blender; its a texture thing).  I worked out via candle light and lanterns.  My resolve and dedication helped me get to where I am right now. 

Which flows into the start of a new month where yesterday we flipped the calendar and I set new goals for the month.

My continued commitment to my health & fitness goals help me with my ultimate belief of becoming better than the day before.  As you know when you push yourself out of your comfort zone, you face your fears and gain experience to keep moving yourself forward.  If nothing changes then nothing will change.

The hardest part sometimes is starting.  So, what's important to remember is that you must decide what you're willing to do in order to get the results you want.  I could be something as simple as going to sleep a half hour early.

I have a busy month ahead of me and I know it will fly by.  The first 2 weeks will be focused on a deadline on the 15th and then the second half of the month I will start teaching PiYo classes at a local studio.  While I took the certification back in March, I never thought I'd really do much with it.  I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. 

So what are you going to accomplish this month?

What a week!

I am beaming with excitement.  With in just a week so many amazing things finally came to fruition.  It all started last Saturday, September 29th when I met up with my sister at a local gym to take a free Muscle Hustle class.  I loved being in that atmosphere and knew there and then I wanted to be in that environment on a more regular basis.

I happen to love working out at home and pressing play but there's nothing like being in a facility where you get to connect with others who are looking to improve their health and fitness goals.  So back to the class.   I'm all about switching things up and challenging myself out of my comfort zone. 

So after class, I approached the trainer and asked if I could teach a PiYo class.  Most people haven't heard of PiYo unless you're aware of Beachbody and Chalene Johnson.  PiYo is a fusion of pilates and yoga.

PiYo™ is a unique class designed to build strength & gain flexibility. The moves fit perfectly together to form a class filled with intense choreography that’s fun, challenging and will make you sweat. It’s about energy, power, and rhythm. Think sculpted abdominals, increased overall core strength, and greater stability.

So after discussing this with the trainer, he wants me to start teaching the week of November 19th.  This is crazy cool because now I am forcing myself out of my comfort zone and NEED to practice!  I haven't done anything since I became certified the end of March of this year.

Then the next day on Sunday, September 30th, I decided to move forward with a life changing decision to go back to school and become a Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.  That's a story in itself but just know that this has always been a passion of mine to do the following: 

• help others make healthier food and lifestyle choices, and
• to make a positive difference not only on a global scale but within my own community

As you may or may not know, I run my own fitness business as a Beachbody Coach and the very next day on October 1st, I had 3 awesome and inspiring ladies join my team.  If you don't know what a Beachbody Coach does, its very simple.  Coaches help end the trend of obesity.  We provide solutions for others who need help with their health and fitness goals.  For me personally it helps me be accountable to myself.  When I first decided to become a coach, I was strictly in it for the discount.  I love all of the programs that Beachbody was pushing out and I wanted to have everything they were releasing.  Then came Shakeology and that is a no brainer.  I can't say enough about Shakeology.  You may be wondering if you need to be an expert.  No, you don’t need to be a fitness or weight-loss expert to become a Beachbody Coach. You just need to be ready to commit to changing your life and that of others around you!  Its called PASSION!

So with that said, what an amazing week.  I am so blessed to be doing what makes me happy!  Check out my Facebook like page.  I'm currently focusing on a Michi's Ladder Clean Eating Challenge.  You can message me for more details.