Staying Motivated to Exercise....It Ain't Easy

So, I was working out the other day, and a thought crossed my mind.  It went a little like this:

Why the HELL am I doing this??

This sucks.  It hurts.  It isn't fun.  I'm not coordinated, or fast, or ...well, you get the point. I'm not sure when the thought hit me...if it was while I was squeezing out a few more plank pushups, or ski abs, or it if was while I was jumping and squatting and punching all at the same time....I'm just not sure--but at some point in the workout it occurred to me--this really isn't a whole lot of fun!

I'm not smiling.  I'm not chatting with friends.  I'm flailing around like a newborn calf, sweating and grunting like a wild boar in heat--and I'm constantly looking at the timer on the screen to see how much longer I have to endure this.

So why on earth do I do this, day in and day out--if it isn't fun?  Isn't working out supposed to be fun?  Aren't we supposed to enjoy it?

Well, here's what I think.

I did finish the workout--as much as I struggled, as much as I hated it, and as much as I cursed 'really bad curse words' at Shaun T.  I did my level best--kept going when it hurt--and by the end of the adventure I was on all fours, heaving like I had just given birth, and feeling quite proud of myself indeed.  In fact, I felt pretty damn good.

I felt like a rock star. Make that a superstar.

And then it hit me--it's not necessarily supposed to be fun!

Maybe it's supposed to hurt, and make us struggle, and make us heave.  Because, when we're heaving, and jumping, and squatting, and punching and swearing--that's when the magic happens!

That is when we start really challenging ourselves, and believing in ourselves.  We prove to ourselves that we actually can do this stuff!  We are athletes after all!

I used to think that only athletes and people who were 'genetically predisposed' to having good bodies were the only ones who could get nice abs and toned arms.  Now I know that I was so so wrong.

I know that if I work--and I mean truly work--haul ass and sweat and struggle--I can achieve what I want. I can be who I want.

And it is because of that I am motivated to do this every day.  I struggle and I see results.

I believe in myself, and I become confident. I become the person I've always wanted to be.  The best version of myself possible.

And can all of that come from an Insanity workout?  Yes.  And the answer is Yes because it's hard.  It challenges you to do work harder than you've ever worked before.  It challenges you to dig deep within yourself and muster up that reserve of strength you never thought you had.  It challenges you to believe in yourself.

And when all is said and done, and you're on all fours, panting like a boar, feeling like he just gave birth--you'll know it's worth it.

To close, take a look at this video I made a while ago about a serious condition that affects many athletes, called OSTS:  You don't want to miss it!!

Dig Deep, my friends!!

Is Beachbody Fitness for You?

I think it's pretty safe to say that we all want to be fit and healthy. We want to feel good in our own skin, and we want to enjoy an abundance of energy.

However, finding the Holy Grail of "Holy Crap You Look Good" is easier said than done.  If you take a look around any mall or restaurant you will notice that there are a fair number of people out there who are packing more pounds than they should.

And I get that.  For years I too carried a few extra pounds on my arse and belly.  I got sucked into the world of stress eating, turning to food to comfort me when times were tough.  I convinced myself that I wasn't one of those people, you know, the ones who had ripped abs and toned arms.

Those people were just lucky.

So I continued to eat nacho's on Friday night, ice cream on Saturday, and pizza on Sunday, convinced that I was eating healthy.  I plugged bread and pasta into my mouth on a daily basis, and never thought much of eating boxed food, because it had a green check mark on it.

And yet, between croissants and chips I continually despaired that I couldn't seem to lose the weight! What was I doing wrong? I was eating healthy....most of the time!

Well, here's the deal.  I hadn't gotten to that point where I was being real with myself.  Truly, and utterly REAL.

I let myself believe what I wanted to believe, because it was easier that way.  What? Cut out processed foods and sugar from my diet? Are you kidding me?  Seriously?  Do significantly tough workouts almost daily?  Are you nuts!

I was poking my head up somewhere where it's nice and warm and dark, and wasn't facing the fact that if I truly and seriously did want to get healthy, I was going to have to work for it.

I was going to have to cut some crap, okay a lot of crap from my diet.

I was going to have to do workouts that made me sweat and huff and puff, and do them regularly.

I was going to have to make a commitment to put the effort into this that success required.

For years I had always believed that people with ripped abs and toned bodies were lucky. It was pure genetics. I didn't actually think they worked for it, nor did I believe that it was something that I could accomplish.

But here's the deal.  It is.  Sure, I haven't built my 6 pack yet, but after doing these Beachbody programs I look 100% better than I did before.  My mid-section is slimmer and more toned.  My arms don't look like spaghetti noodles, and my arse isn't bulging out of my jeans like a sausage factory!  I feel better, I'm happier, and way more confident too!

So maybe you're at the point where you're really and truly hating the place you're at right now.  Maybe you're sick of bulging out of your jeans.  Maybe you can't face a mirror another day.  And just maybe you are like I was, convinced that you couldn't possibly handle a Beachbody workout program, because you're just not in shape. Maybe you're convinced that you will never achieve your goals so why bother trying.

Here's the deal.  The answer is yes.  Yes you can handle a Beachbody workout!  Sure, it might be tough, but that doesn't mean you can't do it!  We all struggle at this stuff, but it doesn't mean we don't see results.

And yes, you can cut crap from your diet and survive.  Your body will not crumble into dust if you stop putting brown sugar on your oatmeal and a mountain of cheese on your eggs.  You can do it too.

And yes, once you get real with yourself and make that commitment to yourself to invest in your future, you will see results.  It might take a day or two, or even a month or 2, but it will happen.  Slowly but surely.

Invest in yourself.

You are worth it.

If you are ready to get in the best shape of your life, click here to join my team and receive a free copy of my ebook, THE PLAN!!

Top image courtesy of Freedigitalphotos.net

Falling in LOVE with Insanity Training

Well, it's Saturday afternoon and I'm just hanging out, sipping a Shakeology and contemplating life in general.

It's been quite some time since I entered a blog post, shame on me! Now that I've gotten a bit of a handle on this 'coaching' thing, I am now ready to post on a regular basis. I enjoy 'chronicling' my Beachbody journey, and sharing my Insane experiences with you, so it will be fun to start writing more about this adventure.

And what an adventure it has been!!

I am a new woman! Or I feel like it, at least.

Yes, the big wigs at Beachbody-ville knew what they were doing when they named this Insanity.  There is really no other way to describe it.  It's bloody Insane!!  Right from the get go it forces you to push your body to the max with exercises ranging from doing pushups and punches and running--all at the same time!  It makes you question your ability, your will to succeed, and it forces you to dig deep within yourself to unearth a hardened gritty determination that can only be found from doing things like power jumps and suicide drills. It makes you believe in not only yourself, but in your ability to succeed.

And the thing that I find very interesting about this whole experience is just how empowering it can be.  Insanity and P90X are both known for being very tough, especially Insanity, and I think most people generally talk themselves out of even trying simply because of its reputation.  It goes without saying that this program will make you sweat, and so to even contemplate starting it, much less completing it is a feat unto itself.

So, the question begs to be answered, is it really that tough?

I have a few things to say in response to that question.

For one thing, yes, it is physically demanding. The first time I did the workout the warm up itself damn near killed me, and then when I got to the actual workout part, I made the mistake of thinking, well, it's only 20 minutes long!  How hard could that be?  Pretty freaking hard, I'll tell you that much. But what makes it 20 minutes of sheer hell is the fact that A) there are hardly any breaks and B) the exercises are truly unlike any other exercise you may have done in the past.  You are expected to jump high in the air and then flop down and do 32 push-ups, followed with some plank running and ski abs.  And then just when you think you've had enough you get to move down into a squat position and jump back into the air for what seems like 15 minutes but is actually only 30 seconds!  And don't get me started on suicide drills!

So, ya it's tough because you're doing all sorts of things that your body isn't necessarily used to. And don't forget the fact that many of us (including myself) have been lured into thinking that if we go for brisk walk or do some light weights at the gym that we're doing one hell of a workout.  We don't even break a sweat yet we head to Tim Hortons for a chocolate strudel because we've just 'worked out.'  So when we strap on our shoes for a round of Insanity, we are shocked and dismayed at just how physically demanding it is. Sweat? It didn't look like I sweated much when I did my first workout; it looked like I had just gotten out of the shower! AND run 25 miles!

So, yes it's tough, but is it sooo  tough that the average Jo walking down the street can't do it?  Is it too tough? 

No.  Plain and simple, no.  What I think gets people, the general population is that it makes us work.  It makes us question our abilities, and it forces us to recognize that there are no quick fixes here, and in a lot of cases, we're just not used to that. We're used to living in a world where we can take a pill and get skinny in 2 weeks.  We can walk into a clinic with wrinkles, and walk out looking like Jessica Biel. If we want it, we get it--right now. But it doesn't work that way with Insanity.  If we want to look like the guys and gals who have had amazing transformations with Insanity we will have to work, and work damn hard to get them.  There is a reason why the shirt says, "I earned it'.  Because you'll have to. You'll have to commit to showing up every day, doing your best, struggling, and yes hating it.  You'll have to do things that don't necessarily feel great or are a lot of fun.  But if you do commit, you will reap the benefits of having a stronger, leaner body.  You will be fitter, firmer and faster. You will be grateful that you did it.

And what you may be really asking right now is can I do it?  The answer is simple.

Yes.

Will you be glad you did?

Absolutely!!

Click here to get started on the Insanity Journey of  a Lifetime!!

Click here to join my team and take advantage of free unlimited coaching!

Surviving the Insanity Program

Well, my friends, it's been quite the ride.  As you may know, I jumped on the Insanity Train a few weeks ago.  Okay, more like crawled, simply because my jeans were so tight from all the chips and beer that I was pretty sure that if I swung my leg very high I would have ripped the ass out of those tight jeans! But, alas, I made friends with Shaun T and his infamous Insanity Program and I haven't looked back.

So, how has it been, you ask?

The word HELL comes to mind.

But I won't say that, I'm a coach.

Really though, it's tough, yes.  It's a real bugger at times, but nothing that has made me want to quit.  The thing is, I think that we as society have gotten used to the whole Quick Fix Life.  We watch tv and the character's problems are solved in 30 minutes or less.  We go to the movies and that unattainable love is found in under 2 hours, with a side of popcorn and a gallon of pop.  We can now buy roasts that cook in less than the time it takes to set the table, and it is a crime if we actually have to wait more than 30 seconds for our food to arrive at the table when we dine out.

So what?  You're telling me that if I want to get into the best shape of my life that A) I'm going to have to actually work for it, and B) It's going to take longer than 3 days?  I'm not sure I'm up for that!  And don't get me started on being sore!!

The thing is, getting fit and healthy takes work.  It takes commitment, and for those of us who are already down and out because our ass looks like a marshmallow on steroids, it can be hard to stay positive when you want to barf every time you hear the word "suicide drill."  Ski abs?  Are you kidding me?  I could hurl just at the thought of them.  It's easy to get so down about our current shape, that it becomes next to impossible to motivate ourselves to even try.  Maybe we've been trying for years, struggling and floundering, jumping on band wagon after band wagon, trying everything from pills to detox that the idea of trying one more thing is very hard to digest. So when we do finally start, and the workout feels like it was specifically designed to kill you (okay I'm exaggerating....a bit), it's hard to keep going, and push play the next day.  We convince ourselves that we'll never do it, this kind of workout is only for athletes, so why bother.

But, here's the deal.  I've learned a few things over the last few weeks.

1.  Yes, this workout is hard.  There is no getting around it.  But, it also produces amazing results if you stick with it, try your best, and do it on a very regular basis. It works.

2. NO ONE and I mean NO ONE actually does a great job at the workouts the first time they do it.  That's why it's a home workout program.  So others don't have to witness the grunting, the farting, the swearing--it's just not a pretty sight.  I'd be curious to know just how many times Shaun T has been told to F right off in the last few years.  I bet it's a pretty high number.  We all suck at the beginning. We all take breaks, we all struggle with the floor drills, and we all have trouble jumping like Tonya.  HOWEVER, if we stick with it, (and avoid getting hurt), over time we find that slowly but surely we get better.  We don't swear as much, we can work longer before we pretend to need a pee so we can take a break.  Our form is better, and we can actually jump higher than a can of soda.  We get stronger, and more confident.

So, do I recommend this program? Hell YES!  It's tough, but it works.  It will make you question yourself and want to cry.  But if you stick with it, you will see results, and there will be a sadistic part of you that gets hooked on it.

Trust me.

Images courtesy: Freedigitalphotos.net (David Castillo Dominici)

Join my workout discussion thread!

Join me as a Beachbody coach!

Are YOU Ready to Start Your Insanity Program??

Ahh gotta love the Insanity program!! It's seriously one of the most effective cardio workouts out there, and it can be done in the comfort of your own home!!

Check out this video I made to talk about how I REALLY feel about this Insanity business!!

If you're ready to transform your body and get into the best shape of your life, then I want YOU!!

Step 1) Click this link to Join My Team--It's totally FREE!!

Step 2)Click this link to join my Message Board.  Achieve your goals with a group of supportive people and myself!! 

LET'S GET FITTER AND FIRMER TOGETHER!  WE CAN DO THIS!!!

Little Jo Enters the World of Beachbody Fitness!

I've joined the revolution!!  

I've joined the fight against obesity, the war against flabby asses, puffy tummies, and saggy boobs!!

Yes, you guessed it, I've entered the world of Beachbody Fitness!!

I have become I Team Beachbody Coach!!  It's a proud proud day!

Why, you say?  What's so great about Beachbody, and achem....what the heck is Beachbody anyway?

Well, I'll tell you.  Beachbody is the mother company for some fantastic products like P90X, Insanity, Turbo Fire, Brazil Butt Lift, and Shakeology, to name a few.  People have had tremendous success transforming their bodies and changing their lives with these ultra-effective workout programs, and I've always wanted to jump on the Beachbody train.

Up until now, Canadians haven't been able to be coaches, so alas, I was SOL if you know what I mean.  I watched from the sidelines as other coaches helped people get healthy, and so on October 1st, when my buddy Greg emailed me to tell me that the doors were now open for good old Canucks to take part, I jumped at the chance.

I've always been a big believer in health and fitness.  To me, being fit and active dictates how the rest of your life plays out, and if you feel like crap on the inside, hate the way you feel, loathe the way you look--life isn't going to be as joyous and fulfilled as it could be.  And let's face it, we only get one time around on this planet, so why not make it a good one, the first time!

As I've discussed before, I've always struggled with my weight, and as I get older, it gets increasingly hard to get it off and keep it off.  I like the fact that I can get do super effective workouts in the comfort of my own home, whenever I want.  Let's face it, life is busy....okay, life is NUTS, so it's important to be able to carve out 45 minutes each day to get a little sweat and bum shake in.

I'll admit it, I am excited about this.  This stuff is like crack and a lot like a cult, seriously.  You get hooked on the way it makes you feel, and you end up wanting to spread the word to just about everyone you see.

I used to think that girls with sexy abs were just born that way.  I used to think they were lucky, and didn't actually have to do anything to get those great bodies.  Now I know I'm wrong, in one way.  Sure they were lucky, but only in the fact that they found a good effective workout program that helped them shape their bodies into what they had.  And now I'm going to do it to.  Yes, it will be hard.  Yes, I will likely utter a few curse words and have the occasional moment when I want to barf, but I will feel better for it, and look better too!!

Be gone flabby ass!!  Be gone puffy tummy!!  Be gone saggy boobs!!!

Click here if you want to join me on this revolution!!!

You won't regret it.  I promise.