45 Days of P90X

Day 45!!!!!

I put two photos in the collage for comparison....

The first with the orange shirt is me 5 days after having Charlotte

The second is me 6 weeks after baby, first day of my workout!

Wow what a difference!!!!!!!

I'm down to 116lbs... I haven't taken measurements yet because I am so close to day 60 and want to wait to see!

IF YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL ACHIEVE!!!!

This folks is proof that even a small framed mama of two little girls can get her butt in gear and make a difference. 

I feel awesome!

** I stick to a fairly clean diet... I still eat pasta once a week and have one day of "cheating" even though I really don't go all out. It usually means I eat bread and maybe add extra cheese to my chicken! haha!

I replace one meal a day with Tropical Shakeology! Usually lunch!

Motivation Week 5

Week 5 is almost over, so what in motivating/inspiring me this week?

But first... here is what my schedule looks like...

I am doing P90X doubles this week.

I decided to cut out Turbofire except to maybe sub a workout that is fairly equivalent. 

So I really wanted to throw myself into P90X for 2 weeks, then go back to the Lean phase.

NOW ONTO MOTIVATION!!!!!!!!!

I keep saying this to myself when I make a meal. 

Stop counting calories or being a slave to diets...

just make good choices

exercise

and smile!

always a work in progress!

That's for you Tony Horton!

I mean... it's Ryan Gosling!

Saying stuff about Beachbody

How can I not love this!

and finally... cute lululemon workout clothes

There is something about cute/new clothes that really get me motivated!

How about you????

Carry On

You're not the only one...

...tempted to splurge at night;

...wondering why you seem heavier even though you've been on track;

...wanting to stop the workout when it JUST began;

...working out with an injury;

...working harder than someone else but not seeing similar results;

...struggling to balance family, work, life, AND be fit;

...having feelings of self-doubt;

Even the fittest people I know, struggle with all these things too. They have ups and downs too.. They just choose to learn from their mistakes, appreciate what they DO have and CAN DO, and they continually pick themselves up to move forward stronger & smarter than before. You are not the only one trying to move yourself forward, but you ARE the only one who can move YOU forward. -J.S.

or just to be silly....

right ladies?????

Monday 3/25 Wakeup Call

When you are a Beachbody Coach you get to participate in these amazing things called National Wakeup Calls on Monday mornings. They are basically a big rally call to get your week started, and get you motivated. Each call is a different theme, and this weeks REALLY spoke to me! They discussed feeling the pressure to get sales in because the end of the month is quickly approaching... but with that pressure can come some sloppy habits.

I am an Assistant Manager at a retail store, so I have a ton of experience in selling and meeting new people. We are constantly talking about what works and what does not work when you are trying to sell a product.

Lets face it, Beachbody is a business and you have to sell products. That is a fact. In order to be successful you have to get people to buy. You won't hear it described that way too often, but that is the generic purpose of being a Beachbody Coach.

However... it is all in the HOW with and WHY that makes the difference.

We are all familiar with the concept of a used car salesman. It is this image that we have of a person coming up to you and SELLING you a product. They want your money, they want it now, and they will say and do anything to get you to buy it. They will trick you into thinking you need it, and pressure sell you into buying it. I feel uncomfortable just thinking about this concept! But we have all been there! I even see girls in my retail store acting this way!

That is when, as a leader, I have to step in and have them back off the situation for a moment. And usually this is how my conversation goes...

Me: "So tell me about what you did there?"
Sales Girl: "I asked what she was looking for and she told me dresses. So you I showed her our dresses and told her about how great they are and that they are on sale and she shouldn't pass up this offer because she won't find a better dress in another store!"

I just learned a lot in a short conversation. First of all... WOW! Information overload! The customer walked in the door, asked what she was shopping for, then bombarded with information! Where does she even go from there?

I always try to tell the girls to remember this.... KISS! (KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!) Its silly but it works.

Start off with asking more questions, the more you know about a person the better you can help them!

For the sake of our example of a woman shopping for a dress, we would do the basic greeting but then move into a series of questions about her that are angled to direct us to what type of dress she may be shopping for...

• Where do you plan to wear the dress?
• Is it for one event or multiple occasions?
• What colors do you like?
• Do you work somewhere that you can wear a dress?
• What is your favorite style? Do you like straps or strapless?
• Are you open to other suggestions... like a skirt and top?

After I get that information from her I can then move into the sale... but make it seem like I am just keeping the conversation going. While taking her around and selecting a few of "my favorite picks" along with the ones that catch her eye, I casually ask her what her size is (including shoes size). I then ask her to keep looking around to see what else may strike her, and go off to place the items in the room.

BOOM! We are now rocking and rolling!

Now this doesn't work every single time, but it does work. OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS! But keep it light and simple. She is coming into YOUR store and wanting to check out YOUR product. Maybe she is just curious and truly wants to take a look around... GREAT! I love building relationships with people who are just looking! You never know if they may come back later after they get paid, or bring friends because they loved your attitude and service! It is all about the questions and building that rapport! 

I take this lesson into Beachbody constantly. I just think to myself... "what outfit does this person need today and how will I go about finding it for them?" But of course instead of outfits they are fitness programs, fitness equipment, or meal supplements! 

We are constantly being told BE THE PRODUCT! And I tell my girls at the store that constantly. If I walked blindly into a store and needed some guidance, I would head straight for the person who LOOKED LIKE THEY WORKED THERE AND HAD THE MOST CONFIDENCE! We all do it, even subconsciously! We want the expert advice, and we want to head to the person who looks like they are owning the room!

A lot of Beachbody work is done over Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, emails, and phone calls... but you can still own the room. Love the product and be it, inside and out! I always say to do your homework... try on the clothes, feel the fabrics, read fashion magazines... because it will make you that expert. Same goes for Beachbody... do the workouts, listen to the team calls, and get on message boards to see what the hot topics are lately!

Have questions about being a Beachbody Coach?

Contact me!

email: mommyburgh@gmail.com

twitter: PGHmommy

http://beachbodycoach.com/erikalevarse

30 Day Brazilian Butt Lift or Hip Hop Abs Challenge

Looking for a shorter Challenge? Have you always wanted to try the Brazilian Butt Lift or Shaun T's Hip Hop Abs?

I am starting a new April Challenge on April 14th!!!!

This is for people who want to give me their all for 30 days! We will motivate one another and become a team.

There are 5 spots in this Challenge, and I know A LOT of people who are interested in these program, so hop on board quickly.

I have been seeing some really awesome results from my current challenge... I am on week 4 of P90X and Turbofire and my baby belly is almost GONE! I am finally seeing definition in my arms and stomach, but I know there is a still a ways to go! Without my TEAM behind me, helping me and keeping me ON MY TOES I would not have these results.

You may be working out by yourself in your living room... but you are FAR from alone! We are here to be your cheerleaders!

The Guidelines:
1. You must have me as your Beachbody coach. You can sign up for FREE here. If you already have a coach, we can discuss changing me to being your coach.

2. You must ALREADY OWN or PURCHASE Brazilian Butt Lift or Hip Hop Abs. I will be in contact with you on which option is best for you and how to order. (if you already own BBL and want to try the Master Series, you have that option too!)

3. Shakeology. We will be replacing one meal a day with Shakeology so achieve the BEST results!

4. Participation in my Facebook group. I will have mini Challenges throughout the 30 days so you don't want to miss out. This is the best way for us to motivate one another and keep track of results. I'll be posting tips on fitness and meal planning/recipes for clean eating.

What is the Brazilian Butt Lift?

REAL RESULTS

I was suckered into thinking this program was EASY and boy was I WRONG! If you want to REALLY FEEL IT in your thighs and butt... this is YOUR workout!

Fun dance moves and a cute trainer! I laughed and sweat all at the same time! Plus workouts aren't super long. He gets you moving right away and you don't need a lot to get started, basic weights and ankle weights. 

What is Hip Hop Abs?

Love Shaun T and Insanity? This is his super fun, high energy ab workout! No crunches! Just dancing and moving! 

This is the workout that helped Shaun T himself lose 50lbs! 

It won't be easy... but it will be worth it!

I want you on my team and can't wait to get started!

So what are you waiting for????

email: mommyburgh@gmail.com

twitter: @PGHmommy

MY BEACHBODY WEBSITE

March into SHAKEOLOGY Savings

The price of Shakeology is going UP!

This is a big deal people! I never like to discuss price when it comes to Shakeology... or really anything for that matter. If it is WORTH IT then price should not be an issue. I would never stand behind something that I was not passionate about, and this is something that I feel is definitely worth it!

After having Charlotte I started my Shakeology right after leaving the hospital. I drank one a day, replacing one meal. I instantly felt a change in my attitude and energy. Being up at night with a newborn can be frustrating and difficult, but Shakeology honestly helped me with those mood swings and lack of sleep. It probably sounds silly... but I give it a lot of credit for my recovery from my c-section. I bounced back pretty quickly, and if it wasn't for the energy it gave me I don't think I could have done it. Attitude is EVERYTHING and when you lack sleep and proper nutrition, it can really get to you!

I lost 16 lbs from the time I came home with my newborn to when she was 6.5 weeks old!

But it isn't about losing weight for me, it was about getting MYSELF back. Something that was so important to me now that I had two kids. I wanted to conquer the world and go back to being Erika! It took me a long time after having my first baby to realize that a happy balance between ME and BABY is what keeps a mother from going crazy!

Anyway... back to Shakeology!!!!!!!!

My number one question is always... what IS Shakeology??

Shakeology is so much more than a "meal replacement shake." I honestly hate saying that but it is what is in it's simplest terms. When really it truly is the most important meal of the day. I spend hours a week planning meals for my family that satisfy all of the food groups and it is hard. Shakeology makes things easy by packing it all into one shake. 

What does it do?

• curb cravings
• promote weight loss
• increase energy levels
• support your immune system
• improve digestion and regulation
• support cardiovascular health

Now onto price.......

Chocolate and Greenberry Shakeology is increasing by $10. It is now $119 and will increase to $129.

If you purchase your Shakeology on an as-needed basis (not home direct) then your shipping costs will increase as well.

The breakdown is that you will be spending $22 extra a month!

HOWEVER!!!!!!!!!

If you "lock-in" a HOME DIRECT order before April 1st 2013 you will preserve your monthly rate of $119. It gets better... you'll also receive FREE shipping on your order! 

This always makes me laugh because I was a HUGE Starbucks person!!!!

But Chocolate Shakeology totally curbed that craving.

Now it is a TREAT and not a NECESSITY!

So if you have been considering Shakeology, the time to act is now! I know I personally would not want to pay the extra money for my order, so I would get on top of this offer before the deadline.

For information on Shakeology or to place your Home Direct order and take advantage of this deal please contact me......

http://myshakeology.com/erikalevarse

Twitter: PGHmommy

mommyburgh@gmail.com

HOLD ON... THERE'S MORE!!!!!!!!!!

Because I completely understand the pressure to buy something just because there is a price change I thought I would add a special treat to my customers.

For anyone who locks in a home direct order of Shakeology through me before April 1st 2013, I will send you a special  gift FROM ME, your coach. 

This also goes for anyone who orders a Challenge Pack before April 1st

(Challenge Packs include a workout program and your home direct order of Shakeology in one price)

xoxo

Finding Your Why

I am currently reading Charlene Johnson's PUSH and there are so many "ah-ha" moments in this book. I get way too excited and start reading ahead... but I love that you really just have to take it chapter by chapter, day by day. 

If you actually follow the 30 day program and do your homework... you can be successful in anything!

My favorite part right now is "find your why." This is all apart of finding your PUSH goal (the ultimate goal) but one of the first things you have to do is figure out WHY you are trying to achieve a specific goal. Before starting anything it is so important to figure out WHY you are doing it. If you are having a hard time figuring out WHY your are starting a journey, maybe it isn't right for you... or right for you RIGHT NOW!

For example... my "why" for joining Beachbody was financial freedom. 

Now that is pretty broad statement and I would say MOST people choose to be a Beachbody coach because of money. Who wouldn't join to earn some extra cash or just not have to pay for their programs and Shakeology? 

But Chalene goes on to say that you take that statement and try to make it as specific as possible.

Okay so how can I add to that? 

• I want to be able to use my day job paychecks for day to day needs, and my Beachbody paychecks for "fun" items each month.
• I would like to pay off our credit card in 12 months.
• Finish my student loan payments within 12 months.
• Purchase a larger car for my growing family in November.

There... I just turned it into a more specific statement that meets my needs within a year. I personally suggest that you don't set goals past a year, unless it would take longer than a year. If it will take longer than a year, set the goal according to where you will be in 12 months. 

For example... "I would like to start paying more than the minimum payment for my credit card monthly."

After 12 months reset your goal.

The awesome part about doing this is that you can then start breaking the BIG goal into mini goals that will help you accomplish it. I can take a look at each bullet point and break those down.

Let's try "I would like to pay off our credit card in 12 months."

I can then break down what it would take to make bigger payments on my card in order to reduce it within a year. But part of reducing it and paying it off is also not using it! So I then have to figure out what we use it for and how to move those items into our normal checking account payments. So I go from having a YEAR GOAL to having an obtainable monthly goal. 

If you have a goal similar to mine, I found it easy to make a calendar spreadsheet where I marked down days when bills went out and highlighted those in RED. My goal was to reduce those RED days, which meant that financially we were stable the whole month. If it makes juggling when bills get sent out, giving up a monthly expense that is more of a luxury... the point is that you have a visual of your money for the month. I personally was shocked by how much WENT OUT and how little WENT IN! It forced me to take a look at each of those "going out" items and figuring out if they were something we truly needed. Maybe we gave up HBO on our cable bill or reduced the time we went out to eat. (Seriously mark down how many times you "eat out" each month and how much you spent. It can be CRAZY!)

This is just one example... there are so many other ways to accomplish these goals and your goals.

The point is, write it down! I went from assuming to knowing and with that knowledge I became so much more powerful. We clearly aren't anywhere near the end, but its a start. And if you never start, then you will just keep the cycle going.

So what is your why? Is it specific enough? Can you keep breaking it down into mini goals?

For more information on Chalene's PUSH or Beachbody please contact me at:

http://beachbodycoach.com/erikalevarse

mommyburgh@gmail.com

twitter: PGHmommy

EYE OPENING!!!!!!

Are you sick of all those diet programs out there? Is it all overwhelming because you are left alone to figure out a workout program and sticking to a home delivered meal diet? Do you go to the gym and feel lost in a sea of treadmills and equipment?

I was this person. I went to the gym, did my 45 mins on the eliptical, lifted a few weights that looked "easy" for me to handle, then left. I never felt satisfaction afterwards and saw ZERO results. I was fit, but I wasn't at my full potential.

With BEACHBODY we can help you get on a program that works for you, teach you healthy meal planning (no home delivered meals, points or STARVING yourself!) and best of all, have you apart of a team who cares and is there for you every step of the way.

I hear WAY TOO OFTEN that Beachbody is expensive and the programs are too hard. Again, this was me! I always turned off the dvd because I got bored or it got too hard, and no one was there to push me. But then I became apart of this family and my thinking totally changed. I saw people making healthy decisions every day and getting some killer results, and that pushed me to keep at it! Not 8 week after having a baby I am seeing the inches fly off, definition in my legs and arms, and I have TONS OF ENERGY because of my healthy meal choices. And they are choices!!!!!!!!! I choose to make the meals I do and it is fun... and tasty! Dieting doesn't have to be about saying "no" it can be about having fun with it and discovering new foods. 

(p.s. these are Shakeology creations!!!!)

If you are ready to get started please like this post or shoot me a message! I can walk you through the programs, the meal planning, and everything I have to offer. But most of all, it is the support. You aren't ever pressured to buy things... we're a team and we just want to make you the best you can be! :)

I recently was shown this article and it is absolutely mind blowing to me.

This isn't about the money, or saving, or which one costs less. This is about YOU and what is best for your fitness journey.

The cost of getting fit!

A few highlights....

$600: Average cost of a nutritionist for three months

$1,251: 12-week program (includes $75 membership fee, $98 per week for food) -- Jenny Craig

$129: 12 weeks of passes and access to online tools -- Weight Watchers

$18,000 to $35,000: Average cost for bariatric surgery

$43: Average monthly price of a gym membership

$65: Average hourly price of a personal training session 

Beachbody....

$205 for Insanity Challenge Pack (includes Insanity, Shakeology HD for that month, meal planning booklet, training manual, personal coach, access to TeamBeachBody.com) + cost of Shakeology for each month following (comes out to be about $460 for 12 weeks) 

I thought this was so eye opening! We are so quick to look at these commercials and see celebs getting thin... but at what cost?

Home diet programs don't include a workout program... so you have to either purchase equipment or pay for the gym/trainer!

I am not saying Beachbody is the BEST option... but it certainly is cost effective when you see the changes people are making and the relationships you can make with fellow workout buddies!

Are you ready to make a change and be apart of ONE AMAZING FAMILY?

http://beachbodycoach.com/erikalevarse

twitter: PGHMOMMY

email: mommyburgh@gmail.com

CONTACT ME FOR MORE INFO!

I can't wait to have you join my team!

xoxo

Week Two: P90X/Turbofire

HELLLLOOOOO WEEK 2!!!!!!!!!!!!

This week I focused on staying on track with meal planning and following the program exactly. The previous week I did not follow it as they set on the schedule, and this week I wanted to do it right.

I think the hardest part was having a day of Chest & Back, then going right into a day of Fire 45. Tony and Chalene DO NOT mess around, so my arms and thighs were killing me. But I pushed because I knew the program only follows the same routine for the first 3 weeks, then there is a change up! I did supplement in one extra fun workout... BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFT BUM BUM! Have you ever done this workout? It is hilarious and hard and fun all at the same time. I did this after my Legs & Back day with P90X and even though it was hard on my legs, it was fun to dance around a little bit. 

Speaking of Legs & Back, that is totally my favorite workout out of all of them this week. I love focusing on legs, doing lunges, and slower movements. It is a nice break after a lot of jumping with Chalene! Hello Fire 55ez!!!! NOT SO E-Z!!!!!

STATS

Waist 31.5

Hips 35

Thighs 18

Weight 118

I noticed I stopped losing weight, which at this point I sort of expected. I am doing workouts that build a lot of muscle, so where I am losing FAT I am not shrinking the pounds. This isn't about losing pounds but inches for me though. I realize after baby #2 I have to come to terms with a more realistic weight for myself. I won't be 108 anymore like I was pre-baby. Plus I am working on building muscle mass this time around, not being skinny. 

I can officially fit into size 00 pants. When I say fit I mean THEY BUTTON. But they don't really look great on yet. But that will come with time and hard work. The middle bulge is going down and where I am carrying my weight now is in my "love handles." It is sitting on my hips just above my butt and hip bones. This week I plan to google some workouts to target that area and supplement in with my weekly routine.

LAST WEEK ON THE FIRST 3 WEEKS!!!!!!! That means I start more cardio with P90X which I am super excited about! I tried KenpoX for one last week and really enjoyed it. I can't wait to see what CardioX has in store... coupled with Chalene's toning workouts!

MY GOAL THIS WEEK! 

MARCH MADNESS CHALLENGES

Here we go people... it is GO TIME!

I may have already started my TRANSFORMATION but that doesn't mean you are left behind. I posted earlier about what a challenge group is and some expectations, here I will explain the different groups I am starting in ONE WEEK! So you have ONE WEEK to decide if you will PUSH PLAY or be left in the DUST! Because we are ON FIRE!!!!!!!!!

Here is the thing... regardless if you choose one of my groups or not we will be going on without you. We will be taking charge of our fitness, having fun, sweating, and coming clean with our diets. 

No one said this will be easy... but it will be WORTH IT!

So why me? Why Erika as your coach? Maybe you're a friend of mine and you see it as a favor. Or maybe you are just curious as to what Insanity or Brazilian Butt Lift is all about. Regardless of why you choose me, I have a really big job of proving to you that this is the best decision you can make.

I can't claim to know it all. I too am starting a journey, and I actually may be LESS FIT than you. Maybe you already completed P90X and just want to be apart of an accountability group to push through it one more time. 

But I can make one PROMISE to you... I will always be there! I will always be there for you when you need an extra push, have questions about what to make for dinner when chicken nuggets sound soooooo good, or just to tell you that you CAN DO THIS! And when I promise something, I hold to it!

Also what better way to get in shape and have fun than with something who is going through the exact same thing as you? I just had a baby 7 weeks ago so I have a huge hill to climb as far as my fitness and nutrition. But we will figure it out together... that is why we call it a CHALLENGE!

As a Beachbody coach we take an OATH to always have your goals and fitness in mind. We are not here to SELL you something, we are here to be your mentor and leader. We are not called Beachbody sales reps... we are COACHES!

So lets get started!!!!!! What are the challenge groups?????

MARCH 17TH

MARCH INTO FITNESS!

THIS IS THE GRANDDADDY OF THEM All! This group is for people who want to go ALL IN on their transformations. This means committing to a 90 day program and a nutrition plan. We will discuss together how to come up with a plan for you based on your lifestyle and needs. You choose the program. If you already own a program that is fine but you must be willing to have this be your start day. I do recommend Shakeology... that way we can get the best results possible!

MARCH 17TH

BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFT 30 DAY PROGRAM

We will be following the 30 day program set in the Brazilian Butt Lift guide. You are required to own either Brazilian Butt Lift or the Masters Series. I will email you a nutrition guide, but it is highlighted within your program details. I recommend purchasing the Challenge Pack that way you have all of the materials needed and your supply of Shakeology, which is apart of the plan laid out in the program.

APRIL 1ST

SHAKEOLOGY 30 DAY CHALLENGE

OKAY I'LL GIVE YOU EASTER, BUT THEN IT IS ALL BUSINESS! All that is required for this challenge is Shakeology. You can choose to do a program along with it, or simply go after your nutrition goals. I do recommend that you add in cardio a few times a week along with this diet plan, but the fitness portion is up to you. I will send you a nutrition plan and help you with meal planning. This is for people who want to work on their diet and get some great pointers. I say diet, but this is not a typical diet. No counting points or feeling like you are depriving yourself of something. We will highlight clean eating and meal planning. 

Want an even SHORTER challenge?????

APRIL 1ST

ULTIMATE RESET 21 Day CHALLENGE

Okay.... Easter is over. The weather is getting warmer. Lets RECHARGE and get ready to explode into your fitness! The Ultimate Reset is an amazing way to jump right into challenging yourself. 

How It Works: The 21-day Reset Occurs in Three Phases.

• BALANCE BODY CHEMISTRY

  Constant consumption of preservatives and chemical-laden foods along with exposure to toxins and pollution impair normal body processes. During Phase 1, you'll balance your body chemistry with four of the six supplements in order to optimize its systems. This will also reduce cravings or dependencies on items such as sugar or caffeine.*

• REMOVE TOXINS & RESET DIGESTION

  In Phase 2, you'll be reversing the effects of poor habits, unhealthy foods, and environmental toxins. You'll modify your diet so that your digestive system won't have to struggle, and digestive problems you may have experienced before such as bloating and indigestion will be significantly reduced as your gasotrointestinal tract is cleansed.*

• REJUVENATE YOUR HEALTH

  When you reach Phase 3, you will experience a profound positive change in your mood and energy level. During the final week, you'll eat foods of high-nutritional value whose nutrients are easily absorbed and return healthy bacteria to your freshly scrubbed digestive tract with pre- and probiotics. This will set you on the path to long-term healthy living.*
  I have seen some amazing transformations from this reset! If you feel like you need that extra push before taking on your next program... this is it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For entrance into any of these groups or to discuss which one might be BEST for you please email me (mommyburgh@gmail.com) or find me on Twitter @PGHmommy

Space is limited so that I can focus on each person and get the max results for each of you.

Best part? I will be there RIGHT WITH YOU! I too am challenging myself, taking before and after photos, posting my goals, and asking for advise! We are a team, and I take being apart of a team very seriously. 

How will you know your LIMIT if you don't take yourself there?

Before getting started please contact me personally so we can find out which Challenge is best for you! I am here to answer any questions and help guide you.

Not interested in a Challenge but still want to get fit????? I can help you find a program and diet plan that can meet your scheduling needs. Trust me... I know about being busy!!!!!