Let's Get Real... Dealing with Hypoglycemia

So can we real talk for a minute?

I get a lot of questions about my fitness routines. And you guys probably see some of my pictures or videos of me doing various programs.
But there's something a little deeper in there that I'd love to finally talk about........

For me to be able to get through a cardio based high intensity workout like Insanity Max 30, it takes a lot of my strength. Not because I am scared, or lazy... but because I actually have a really hard time doing cardio workouts. I get super short of breath and my energy just goes down so quickly. I prefer to do workouts that are a little slower and more strength based, because I can breathe, take my time, and let me blood flow.

When I was young, sometime in grade school, I found out that I have hypoglycemia. After years of wondering what the heck was wrong with me, I got blood work done and found out that my sugar levels are extremely low. I used to pass out when I'd get too hot and get light headed all the time... I remember my mom blow drying my hair as a kid and feeling woozy.

Since then it has been an endless struggle and war to figure out how to keep myself balanced and healthy at the same time. I have to make sure I eat the right things, drink the right things, and keep my sugar level up (without using artificial bad sugars) just to get through the day... and to get through a workout.

Getting through something very intense like Insanity Max 30 takes a lot of my energy. I have to sit down, I have to drink flavored water to keep my sugar going, and I have to make sure I don't get too hot.

When I went to my first Piyo class, in Vegas at Summit, last year, I had a million reservations about liking the program. I really dislike yoga, I tried it, but it way too slow for me. Sorry!! hehe! But little did I know, I would find the workout that happily balances my love for fun music and strength training. I'm getting in my cardio and strength, without having to bust my butt for an hour on a treadmill, having a hard time breathing because my sugar is getting low.

Piyo lets me breathe.... it let's me be calm... but it challenges me! I still struggle with my sugar but I feel like I can get through a workout without having to absolutely kill myself. I feel GOOD afterwards!! Like every other normal person on the planet!

It is still a daily struggle, but I learn more and more each day about myself and my limits. I know there are others out there who deal with this, and probably feel pretty helpless like me sometimes. It is not like diabetes where there is something you can attach to yourself to feel better... we just sort of have to figure it out as we go!

I encourage anyone who struggles with getting through workouts, to never give up. It just may not be for you. I would love to be the person who can get through a 45 minute Insanity workout, but I have to listen to my body and go with the flow!!

Contact me:
www.facebook.com/erika.levarse
email: mommyburgh@gmail.com
twitter: pghmommy
insta: pghmommy 

xoxo

You are Invited!

I am so excited about this... THIS is seriously one of the best parts about being a Beachbody coach. And I am going on a free trip to Cancun next week... yet this is so much better! Seriously I'm not just saying that so you are like "oh wow she is so selfless." lol Trust me, I am no liar!

Anyway... what is it??

Well starting on Friday I am going to take 5 people and mentor them through 3 days of what exactly I do as a Beachbody coach. Just 5 people, because I want to really get to know them and have some fun with this little group!

okay I have mommy brain and that should say 2010, I swear I know when my kid was born lol!!!

That picture up there is my journey. I wasn't a coach yet in picture number one, actually it would take me three more years to get to the point of signing up, but the seed was certainly planted. I had no clue what Beachbody was at that time, I heard of P90X but I knew it was not for me. I was the girl at the gym going on the treadmill until the calories said I burned over 400. Because then that made me feel satisfied and like I actually did something. But I'd ruin it by marching my butt down to the Starbucks down the street to get a drink that was probably 500 calories. I really had zero nutrition other than eating a salad but I'd still smother it in Ranch. So no goals, no real direction... I just relied on the fact that I was a naturally thin girl.

Fast forward to the second picture... 5 years between the two pictures, holy smokes!!! But this girl really understands the importance of a balanced diet. I do not diet, but I had a lifestyle change. Now I hold off on so many splurges and I workout the right way every single day and I just live life!! I don't worry about it as much anymore because I trust that I have the tools set in front of my to succeed. 

Those tools were BEACHBODY!

So back to the group.... I am blessed beyond belief to have been given this gift of coaching. What started as a discount ended up saving me from retail hell!

And the best part of my job, better than Cancun, is that I can share the crap out of this and there are no limits. 

So I want to invite YOU to join me and a few others in a Facebook group that will go all weekend. You do not have to be around all weekend, but check in for the info and let me know you saw it.

I just want to lay down the foundation for you, so you can see how Beachbody can help you!

If you are interested in one of the 5 spots, please go to this link and fill out the application. It is just so we can get to know each other a little better!

Some things I will touch on....

• How much can I make as a coach?
• Do I have to be full time to succeed?
• What are the start up costs?
• What trips can I earn?
• Who makes a good coach?
• Do I have to be fit or a nutrition expert?
• and more!!!!

So here is the link, fill it out, and I'll be in touch!!!

http://tinyurl.com/BombshellApplication

xoxo

Why I Choose Shakeology Every Time......

via the Beachbody Blog. 

“As a holistic health professional and nutrition expert, I’m a firm believer that when it comes to getting and staying healthy and fit, what we put in our mouth plays about a 70% role in our overall health. Because when you think about it, there really isn’t such a thing as bad fitness. However, there is such a thing as bad nutrition. And bad nutrition is far more prevalent in the majority of people today—regardless of their exercise regimen, or lack thereof.

But thanks to Beachbody, there’s an incredible solution to this poor nutrition epidemic, and it’s called Shakeology. One of the biggest things that separates Shakeology from all the other protein shakes on the market is its quality ingredients. Not only is Shakeology packed with over 70 premium ingredients, it’s also loaded with potent superfoods from around the world that most of us would never have the opportunity to consume.

Another reason I love Shakeology over other shakes is because I know I am not comparing carbs/protein/fats on labels, instead I’m only comparing what’s listed after the word “INGREDIENTS.”

Those words tell you exactly what you need to know about what you’re putting into your body. While there are some big words listed on the back of the Shakeology bag that I can’t correctly pronounce, the truth is, I don’t need to. All I need to know is that there is NOTHING artificial in Shakeology. And most importantly, it does NOT contain two big No-No’s: there are NO artificial flavors in Shakeology, and there are NO artificial sweeteners.

And having that inside knowledge about all the things that aren’t in Shakeology completely leaves you in the know. So since we truly are what we eat (or drink)—now is a great time to say YES to Shakeology! As the saying goes: Health is wealth. And my goal is to be as wealthy as possible. Thanks, Shakeology.”

Seay Standford, Beachbody coach

What is INVITE INVITE INVITE

What is the WORLD does it mean when your Beachbody coach tells you to INVITE INVITE INVITE?

Trust me, I was in the dark about this for a long time. It seems simple, but it really has a lot more to it than just messaging someone about buying products from you (ew gross!!!)

I really wanted to write out my ideas for what has helped me the past few months when it came to inviting. I guess I never realized that there is a method to it, and a lot of it is timing. This is by no means a sure way of getting people to sign up with you, but your success rate will certainly go up!

I will go over...

• What does each INVITE mean?
• Who to INVITE?
• What do I say to these people?
• My person calendar for inviting.

What does each INVITE mean?

Invite #1: Free Stuff!

Who doesn't love free stuff? When you walk into Sams Club, don't you go for the free samples? Do you actually buy the product... sometimes, but usually I just want the sample hehe!! But I tried it, and the seed is planted in my head, "hmm that was good, maybe I'll get it next time!" 

Beachbody is the same way. People love free stuff! So what can you give out for free that will move your business forward? Free groups/challenges, leaving free advice on your page, sharing free tips that have helped you... anything that does not break your bank, but opens the lines of communication.

Examples: Squat challenge, Free Clean Eating Group, Mommy Support Group, post about your favorite workout shoes, post about the face cleanser you use after you sweat that keeps away the acne!

As you can see, it can literally be anything! People love free tips! Why do you think Pinterest is so popular?? Free stuff! 

Invite #2: Challenge Groups and Products

This is where you connect your customer to a product that best suits them!

Challenge Groups are the bread and butter of your business. They are where the magic happens, so this is where you need to spend a lot of your time. 

This is where you might find your next potential coach, you will change lives, and find life long customers. More importantly, this is where we put the products to the test. We love them and use them, but we need to teach others about it too. I learned the past few months that Challenges do not have to be this thing you put off, or get down on yourself because you only have 2 members. Regardless, this is your way to get in there with your customers and help them! That is how this company became so popular and is different from everything else... we are customers too who just really love the product! Challenges are a way to showcase that!

Invite #3: Invite to the Coach Opportunity

This is probably the one that takes the longest. You really need to get in touch with their WHY and goals. Why would they make a good coach on your team? Why would they benefit from being a coach? Can it fit into their lifestyle? This is where FORM really takes shape and you start to dig a little deeper with your customer. 

Who do I Invite?

Obviously you could go around just inviting everyone you see, randomly, and hoping that you will eventually get a "yes!" Darren Hardy talks about doing this when he was a real estate agent... he literally went from door to door, spouting out his pitch, then moving on. That method still holds true in this, but with slightly more structure!

To your free groups... INVITE EVERYONE! No one is off limits! This is something fun and stress free, so go ahead and get crazy with it! The more you are adding to your network the better. This is where you will start seeing the pipeline effect (consistently adding people to your network). All of these people probably will not move past the first INVITE, but at least you are adding value.

To your challenge groups... use your free groups to advertise about your upcoming Challenges. 

But do not limit yourself to just your free groups, that is just an example of how to invite to free items. Find people who are active on your page and LIKE your posts often. They are watching you, so chances are a message to them would not seem out of nowhere but just a logical next step.

Invite your close friends and family, you are comfortable with them and can practice some of your scripts and wording on them. 

To the coach opportunity... these are the people who are doing an excellent job in your challenge groups, your all-stars! Also look out for anyone who might be interested in being a preferred customer (or discount coach). Usually they are really enjoying the group, but are just way too busy to really be bothered with the business end. I never use "coach" when telling them about it, I make it appear like it is separate but still connected. 

A Few Tips on Inviting....

~ Have a plan Stan! Seriously, if you are just knocking on doors hoping that for every 10 people you get 1 yes, you are sort of wasting your time. But with a plan, you can be a lot more effective!

If you are faced with objections, you may flounder because you were not ready. But if you go in with a plan for your day "Today I am inviting to my Free group" then you are more mentally prepared for what to expect! You can do your homework, have videos ready, and look way more professional!

~ I write out a lot of scripts but I add a lot of my personality and facts about them in it. I do not just go around cut and pasting a boring script to everyone to say I did my 5 invites for the day! There has to be MEANING behind it. These are potential coaches!!!! Get to know them now! Develop that trust and relationship. Chances are, they have been approached before.... be different!

~ Do your homework! Go to their page and get to know them. Make your presence known. I LIKE posts and pictures, look at pictures of their family or latest vacation, and comment on things that interest me. That way I am not coming from outerspace when I do message them about joining a Challenge Group! Plus these are items that you can use when INVITING them and connecting.

Here is an example of my month calendar. I add a lot more to my physical calendar, along with daily activities, but I like to sit on the last day of each month and write out a general guide.

This is helpful because it big bold letters I see when things start and stop, and if I have any commitments that may get in the way. 

Obviously looking at this, I see that next week I have a challenge starting, so I can do some last minute inviting to my 3 Day Refresh group today. 

Next week I will focus a lot on my Piyo inviting, because the deadline for that is before I go on vacation to ensure they get their Challenge Pack in time. I'll be in Mexico with limited WIFI connection, so I do not want to leave sales hanging around without me being able to help!

I plan to do a FREE group in May, so I see that I have time after Cancun to start inviting to that while I get prepared for my big Piyo Challenge. 

I can also follow up with my 3 Day Refresh group and see if they want to move into another Challenge Group, or I can see how things go, and INVITE to the coach opportunity! These could be great people to invite to a free group too if they are not interested in another challenge or coaching.

See how it goes? I usually write in my actual planner what type of INVITING I will focus on that day based of this. That way there is a plan, and it is leading to something. Not just randomly knocking on doors. 

I truly hope this was helpful! Remember... HAVE A PLAN TACO MAN! hehehe!!!! 

Lets Talk Piyo... plus NEW CHALLENGE GROUP!

My heart is about to burst this month! A lot of pretty amazing things are starting and happening... it certainly feels like SPRING!

I won't get into EVERYTHING but I will talk about a few things... including this month's amazing special from Beachbody!

First...
I accepted two new positions! "But Erika, you quit work to stay at home and do Beachbody!"
Yes I did, BUT, I accepted two new Piyo instructor positions at local gyms! YAY! 
Starting next week 3 days of my week will be filled with teaching Piyo at two really great locations.
1. Monday at 5pm: XShadyside
2. Saturday and Sunday: Honor Your Body Wellness Studio
(I am also teaching P90X on Sundays)

How great right?? My love for what I do at home is EXPANDING out into the real world! hehe!

Okay let's move onto the other exciting news! I really feel like God was speaking to me last night when I saw the new April promos! hehe! 

So Beachbody announced that Piyo will be the special this month! What does that mean???

Well I'll go ahead and break it down for you! 

$140 Piyo Challenge Pack (amazing price!)

~ 3 Piyo dvds with all of the workouts 

~ Your choice of Shakeology flavor, month supply

~ meal guide (a lot like the 21 Day Fix, minus the containers)

~ calendar of workouts

~ Bonus dvd for ordering from me!

~ Piyo is low impact, it takes moves from Pilates and Yoga, and is set to fantastic music!

Why is this such a great deal?

A Challenge Pack is what Beachbody offers to give you SUCCESS in one package. You literally get everything you need to lose weight, tone, gain strength, have accountability, and dial in your nutrition. 

The price is amazing because essentially you are getting your Piyo dvds and extra for $10. Shakeology is about $130, so for just a few more bucks you get the workouts too. Success!

So what about that accountability?

Well you are in luck! Because they also have in a built in free service for you! ME!!!!

Coaches are assigned to you (or you find a coach friend and have them help you hehe) to help guide you along the way. 

How do I help? Everyone who purchases a product from me (whether it was last year or just today) can be added to any of my challenge groups. They are online (Facebook) groups that help keep you accountable in your goals, help you understand the nutrition plan, and have some fun with your dvds!

It can be scary getting that box in the mail, seeing the guide, and all the dvds! Like, okay what now!!!!! Well I help you sort through it and create a lifestyle around it!

This is not some big scary diet or change of life. It is a process. So I am here to make is easier and to fit into YOUR life. How I do things may not be right for you, but we will work together to find out what is best! 

So speaking of Challenge Groups....

Now that I gave you a little info on what a Challenge Group does, I'd love to personally invite you to my PIYO group!

It is on Facebook and will last 21 days!

I am a certified Piyo instructor, so you will have a huge advantage in this group! I love sharing what I do in class and online... so this will be a fabulous was to merge the two! I will post bonus moves and be able to help with modifications in case you need it to start!

If you would like to be considered for my Piyo Challenge Group... please contact me!

www.facebook.com/erika.levarse

email: mommyburgh@gmail.com

Spots will fill up fast! Add me on Facebook so we can start chatting today!!!!

Pittsburgh P90X Certification

This was something that I really wanted to do for a long time... so this post is super special to me!

I knew about being a P90X certified trainer for a few years, but there was never an opportunity to get certified here in Pittsburgh since I learned about it. I waited and waited... saw other certifications come and go... and just waited. Why wasn't this something that was popular in gyms? Why was it so hard to get certified?

Well I later found out that it was because they were phasing out the OLD method and bringing in something NEW! And wow, am I glad I had to wait for this new cert!

Let's backtrack a bit. If you read my blog or know me well enough, you know that I am a huge Tony Horton fan. A lot of people like Shaun T, because of how popular Insanity is, but I am 100% on Team Horton. I credit my 45 pound weight loss 2 years ago completely to him. Sure, I was the one that lost all the weight, but Tony was the one that showed up every single day and made me laugh, motivated me to keep going, and gave me the tools to get back in shape. His silly jokes and funny style was exactly what I needed at the time. Had I picked up another program, I probably would have given up, honestly. Something about his style just kept me going!

I was super privileged last July to fly to Vegas and attend the Beachbody Summit. There not only did I get to meet Tony and have him sign my book, but I got to stand front row while he debuted his new workout, P90! It was a really special full circle moment for me!

So back to last Sunday. I signed up for the certification and was so pumped, and a little nervous about going. This is P90X afterall... it is hard! It has that stigma of being the hardest workout out there. And for good reason... chin ups! lol okay not just chin ups, but a lot of other reasons too. So I was really interested to see how they were going to bring everything he teaches you in the dvds (which last over an hour each) to the gym!

Let's start with what you need to bring to a P90X certification and class...
- two sets of weights (women: 5 to 8lbs men: 8 to 10lbs depending on level)
the weights are not required, and you could bring one set that you are comfortable with for both leg exercises and arm exercises
- strength bands (in case you do not own weights or cannot travel with them
- towel
- water
- mat, if the gym floor is not padded, for the floor exercises
- pen and paper
- P90X certification outline guide (you can write notes here)
- change of clothes, you will sweat a lot after your first workout!
- snacks and food for lunch! I packed apples, Shakeology, and granola bars
- credit card to purchase PRO TEAM status!


We started out just chatting about the day, introducing P90X group fitness, and talking about the new format. This got me so excited to start! Before, the program was more of a personal fitness geared gym class. Each day was a different target, and not really the same routine as Piyo or Insanity. No music or pre choreographed moves.

This new format is all of that and more. Music, fun, energy, but still keeping with the integrity of the brand! It is still very much Tony Horton!

I really liked that the instructor went over that Beachbody as a brand is really seeking to be the leader in the fitness world. They want to stay ahead of the curve, not behind it, and with that comes changing a few things and making it what the people want. But still getting fabulous results!
Beachbody will always be about their customers and coaches, and trying to reach more people in new ways.

After chatting for a bit we got to preview a workout. Round 13. I absolutely loved it, and hated it too haha! You are moving from start to finish, and even though there are built in breaks... you are still out of breath!

The class runs in this format...

• Warm up
• Cardio X
• Lower Strength
• Upper Strength
• XCore (Burnout)
• Cool Down 

The classes with always follow this format, but the moves within each block will change, along with the music.

Cardio was pretty hard because it is a lot of Plyo... Tony loves his Plyo so I really wasn't too surprised to see this in there!

But you do 2 exercises with breaks in between, then onto two other exercises with breaks. 

Lower focus is where you start to bring in your weights, even though you are able to use bands or just body strength. At the end of the day, a squat is a squat and you are pushing your body up and down... you'll get results!

Upper focus also used the weights or bands depending on your preference. It was hard to keep going because you start to do moves for longer periods of time, but you can move at your own pace. This is not like Piyo where you have to follow the instructor and the music. You can do as many reps as you want, as long as you are being effective!

XCore again was pretty hard but being at the end, I knew I could push through. We went through 3 different exercises that lasted a minute each. 

There is a burnout move as well that lasts a minute, it really reminded me of doing T25 and listening to Shaun T yell at me to keep pushing (COME ON Y'ALL!)

After the workout I got really really excited about this format. It is new, and fun, and changes a lot. I liked that you get the cardio out of the way, but with the fast fun music you are still moving and pushing yourself.

Unlike Piyo, you do not have to learn a million moves and routines, and be right in time with the music. Basically hours of practice for me to prepare for an 8 week class. You could go through the moves on the dvd once, write them down and how many times you do each, listen to the music to get the timing down... and be ready to go! A lot easier to prepare but still a lot of fun for your class!

The music is awesome! Popular songs made better... you felt like you could smash through a wall listening to some of them. They make the songs go faster or slower depending on the moves too, which helps encourage the class to concentrate on form or to push a little harder.

We spent a lot of the afternoon listening to the music and working on form. It is super important that this class and the instructor are familiar with proper form, considering they will be using weights. A lot can go wrong with weights... so safety first. I liked that we went over modifications too... because a lot of the class may be new to P90X. 

As far as the music and teaching the class goes.....

- the songs are specifically set to the routines, so you cannot mix and match the music to other blocks.

- there are bells and buzzers in the songs to indicate when you start and stop an exercise

As long as you are able to listen for your cues and know the length of each exercise, it is really easy to teach. 

This format is more about coaching your class, and not so much doing it with them. You can start out by showing them each move and proper form/modifications.... but it is really about going around and encouraging them to keep going, correct form, and have fun!

I think it is about time that something like this comes to our gyms. Too often, especially as a woman, we are a little intimidated to try weight lifting. I know back when I went to a gym... I took classes based on cardio, and then went to the cardio room to run more on a treadmill. I stayed away from the big weight room because it was all muscle dudes! haha!

But this allows for anyone to get in a great all around workout from cardio to core to weights! No need to go from room to room and not know what you are doing.

Plus the class can change every 8 weeks if the instructor is a PRO team member! 

I am really excited to get started and start showing this to classes in Pittsburgh! I think it will go over really well... and finally get men and women together in some classes!!!

Family Friendly on the Fix Part 1

Welcome to PART ONE of my Family Friendly Fix Recipes!

I have two kids who are pretty good eaters (depends on the day!) so I can usually make whatever, and they will at least try. Or, I only have to modify a little bit on their plates.

Who wants to cook TWICE for every meal for 21 days? Certainly not me! I got things to do and some sunshine to soak in now that Spring is in the air!

So this is part one of a few of the family friend 21 Day Fix recipes that I enjoy making, and my kids enjoy eating!

Breakfast:

Meal #1 Egg Muffins
These are super popular in my house! The kids love the shape, and love that they can dip something in ketchup (tell me you didn't do that as a kid, seriously!) at breakfast time!
You can substitute any of the egg filling, just be mindful of what containers they would fit into before you do too many subs. Other fun idea.... turkey sausage, mushrooms, or cheese!
Find the recipe and a video here!

Meal #2 Whole Wheat Protein Pancakes

Woo! Feel like you are indulging while getting a big dose of protein!

I like to eat mine with a half container of my fruit (berries or cut up mellon)

Find the recipe here!

Lunch Time!!!

Meal #1 Almond Crusted Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Dip!

Okay seriously, what kid does not LOVE chicken fingers? My kids sort of rejected these the first 2 times, because they're used to McDonald's or the Tyson nuggets (#sorrynotsorry) but they soon warmed up to the idea.

These are really good chopped up and over a salad too if you are feeling a crispy chicken salad like you get from big restaurants! I put vinegar on my salad and dip the chicken in the honey mustard hehe!

Find the recipe here!

Meal #2 Lemon Raspberry Shakeology

Probably a little more of a treat for mommy than for the kids, this is a great snack when you are craving coffee or a refreshing lemonade. All of those bad things you tend to reach for on a warm spring day... soda or maybe a beer! ugh!

Shakeology is my secret weapon against cravings... the second I want something, like a snack but I know that snack will be a treat, I blend up a shake. When I saw this on the Beachbody blog I said YES THIS IS THE ANSWER! For real... ricotta in a shake?? No really, try it!

Find the recipe here!

In part two I will share some dinner recipes! 

Hope this was helpful... the Beachbody blog is a really great reference for recipes... as well as Pinterest! But what CAN'T you find on Pinterest anymore right??

For more info or to join one of my challenge groups...

www.facebook.com/erika.levarse