Wow, life has really thrown me for a loop! Work is crazy these days, and I have really lost the focus I once had with my workouts and nutrition...However, for the 21 day challenge, I really did well, and lost not 5 lbs, but 3 lbs, and felt much better about myself in terms of getting things back on track...However, things have degraded since then with my eating rigor, and so I am looking to get back on track and develop sustainable habits...
To that end, I am really excited to hopefully get signed up for the next Precision Eating Coaching Group! I think it is a 4 or 5 mos program, with homework, learning, coaching, peer support, and THAT is all good for me! I know what programs I do best with, and I think engraining the PN rules into my life and developing recipes and habits that support those rules, I can more easily sustain as a set weight and manage at that level going forward.
It is frustrating to me that I'd be SO successful in the TT Challenge, and really go beyond where I thought I could go, and then rebound so much! I knew there would be SOME rebound, but it's just been a struggle...I think taking a more moderate approach with PN coaching, losing weight slowly and with less pressure, that it will be easier for me to continue on that eating plan! Plus, a big element is practicing meals that both my husband and I can enjoy - eating separately every night as I've done on PAST eating regimens is not fun...So, alot of goals, and excitement about this coaching group given how I think it aligns with what has worked for me in the past - the trick is just to be paying ATTENTION when they announce that signup is open, and getting myself IN!
I'll definitely start to post a little more and let you know how I am finding the PN coaching...The rules are not new to me, it is just a matter of creating habits and enjoyable meals that I can continue to follow beyond the program!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
21-Day Challenge/Mission Statement!
So, I was reading about a 21-day challenge today, and it made me think about how frustrated I am with my own eating and discipline right now, despite working my toushie off in the gym...I miss my uber-lean self, and want to take a step to head back in the right direction...To that means, here is my mission statement:
My health and wellness deserve a renewed focus in my life, and my body is craving the foods I know will nourish and strengthen me. I will use the next 21 days to kick off the healthier habits I want to instill in my life, and prove to myself that I can regain and maintain my healthy physique.
For the next 21 days, I will:
1. Workout each morning with 1 rest day per week
2. Prepare and bring my daily food to work
3. Follow a clean eating diet, with 90% compliance
4. Complete all New Rules of Lifting (Fat Loss 1)workouts
5. Have a massage to celebrate during the final 7 days
6. Plan healthful dinners for the week to limit grocery store trips and lazy eating
7. Blog about my 21-day challenge and my progress
8. Take and post before and after pictures to motivate me through challenges, and appreciate the progress I make in this short period.
My goal for these 21 days is to execute the above 100%, lose 5 pounds, and inspire others to start their own 21-day challenge!
That said - um, pictures? Really? Did I write that??!! Since the final day of my TT challenge/contest, I have really avoided the camera. It's funny how ANY extra weight feels HORRIBLE when you've been pretty lean! But, it's the great equalizer, and pictures don't lie...But, logistically I may have an issue getting pics taken/downloaded, so I am REALLY going to try to make that one happen, but am going to hit the others full force even if I am not able to accomodate that one.
I'll start my 21-day challenge tomorrow, and finish on Wed Oct 15th (yay - Wed I head out of town to MN for a family visit - it's perfect timing for feeling great around family I haven't seen in a while!). My trip is just one more STRONG inspiration to stick with my plan and my mission!!
Anyone want to join me? :)
My health and wellness deserve a renewed focus in my life, and my body is craving the foods I know will nourish and strengthen me. I will use the next 21 days to kick off the healthier habits I want to instill in my life, and prove to myself that I can regain and maintain my healthy physique.
For the next 21 days, I will:
1. Workout each morning with 1 rest day per week
2. Prepare and bring my daily food to work
3. Follow a clean eating diet, with 90% compliance
4. Complete all New Rules of Lifting (Fat Loss 1)workouts
5. Have a massage to celebrate during the final 7 days
6. Plan healthful dinners for the week to limit grocery store trips and lazy eating
7. Blog about my 21-day challenge and my progress
8. Take and post before and after pictures to motivate me through challenges, and appreciate the progress I make in this short period.
My goal for these 21 days is to execute the above 100%, lose 5 pounds, and inspire others to start their own 21-day challenge!
That said - um, pictures? Really? Did I write that??!! Since the final day of my TT challenge/contest, I have really avoided the camera. It's funny how ANY extra weight feels HORRIBLE when you've been pretty lean! But, it's the great equalizer, and pictures don't lie...But, logistically I may have an issue getting pics taken/downloaded, so I am REALLY going to try to make that one happen, but am going to hit the others full force even if I am not able to accomodate that one.
I'll start my 21-day challenge tomorrow, and finish on Wed Oct 15th (yay - Wed I head out of town to MN for a family visit - it's perfect timing for feeling great around family I haven't seen in a while!). My trip is just one more STRONG inspiration to stick with my plan and my mission!!
Anyone want to join me? :)
Monday, September 8, 2008
TT Challenge Results!
Thank you to everyone who supported me in the 2nd Turbulence Training Challenge Competition - I won 2nd Place!!!! I am extremely happy, and so grateful for all the support I received along the way, on the TT boards, and from those close to me - it wasn't always easy putting up with my diet or training "needs" (which were of course of highest priority to me, and usually me alone!), and I really appreciate the sacrifices that others made (primarily hubby - thanks hon!).
It's really been an eye-opener for me to lose this weight and succeed in meeting my goals...In an effort this intense, with the pressure of a time period, there is always the "afterwards" that is a crapshoot! What happens AFTER the lights go down, and no one is asking me my weight every morning? Good question, and I'll answer it honestly.
For me, there was definitely a freedom that I went through, of eating, of relaxing more, of a lack of stress that translated into a better mood and easier life. It was the freedom of eating, TOTAL freedom, that I struggled to get back on track! Now, I didn't go eat donuts all day, but, if donuts were my thing, I probably would have...That said, I was shocked at how little my weight responded. There was water weight that did rebound fairly quickly once I was well hydrated, but beyond that I have only fluctuated a few lbs. I am now back to eating clean and quickly getting back down to where I was at. Once you are lean, I discovered, REALLY lean, it is hard to feel that layer covering up your muscles! Not acceptable!! I am looking to maintain at about 15%, which I think will be achievable and maintainable. My diet now looks similar to during the competition, but a few more clean carbs, and I get a cheat meal (and maybe 1-2 SMALL cheats during the week - we'll see how my body continues to respond!)! Much more maintainable for me...
I am working on a new workout program, just something new to change things up, although very similar to the concepts of Turbulence Training! It is the New Rules of Lifting (a book, available in most bookstores, but check before you go as they usually only have 1 copy!). Basic stuff, but focusing on building some muscle and shaking things up a bit to keep my body guessing. I'll go back and forth with Turbulence Training as well, as Craig is always putting out new programs that I know I'll be itching to try! Have to get some kettleballs as well - I have heard the workouts are addicting! See? I have workout ADHD - but that is okay, as long as I continue to see results by shifting between good programs and giving each program enough time to add value.
I have been EXTREMELY busy at work, with about 50% more work since a co-worker left, which is why I have not posted my results until today! The next TT challenge is started, but you have until Sept 14th, I believe, to start - that means to submit pictures and commit yourself. If you are thinking about this, PLEASE give it a shot! You will not regret it! I have gone back to visit the threads of old friends doing this next challenge, and it is HARD to stand on the sidelines for this one! The energy is there, and the folks participating WILL lose 5-25 lbs a piece, if they finish, I can practically guarantee it! Just FINISH!! See it through!!! If you want that to be YOU in those "after" pics, follow the link to the right to take TT for a 21 day test drive, get into the contest, and that could be you. Period.
Look at me - I am awaiting my $1000 check and lost 15 lbs that I never thought I'd be able to do, that I had STRUGGLED to do, for just about forever...I'm a different person, one who is now maintaining at their goal weight, instead of LONGING to reach their goal weight!
Okay, I am off of my soapbox! If you hit the TT challenge boards - say hi to all of my old friends!! They are experts and continue to lose weight and fine tune their bodies through these challenges...
It's really been an eye-opener for me to lose this weight and succeed in meeting my goals...In an effort this intense, with the pressure of a time period, there is always the "afterwards" that is a crapshoot! What happens AFTER the lights go down, and no one is asking me my weight every morning? Good question, and I'll answer it honestly.
For me, there was definitely a freedom that I went through, of eating, of relaxing more, of a lack of stress that translated into a better mood and easier life. It was the freedom of eating, TOTAL freedom, that I struggled to get back on track! Now, I didn't go eat donuts all day, but, if donuts were my thing, I probably would have...That said, I was shocked at how little my weight responded. There was water weight that did rebound fairly quickly once I was well hydrated, but beyond that I have only fluctuated a few lbs. I am now back to eating clean and quickly getting back down to where I was at. Once you are lean, I discovered, REALLY lean, it is hard to feel that layer covering up your muscles! Not acceptable!! I am looking to maintain at about 15%, which I think will be achievable and maintainable. My diet now looks similar to during the competition, but a few more clean carbs, and I get a cheat meal (and maybe 1-2 SMALL cheats during the week - we'll see how my body continues to respond!)! Much more maintainable for me...
I am working on a new workout program, just something new to change things up, although very similar to the concepts of Turbulence Training! It is the New Rules of Lifting (a book, available in most bookstores, but check before you go as they usually only have 1 copy!). Basic stuff, but focusing on building some muscle and shaking things up a bit to keep my body guessing. I'll go back and forth with Turbulence Training as well, as Craig is always putting out new programs that I know I'll be itching to try! Have to get some kettleballs as well - I have heard the workouts are addicting! See? I have workout ADHD - but that is okay, as long as I continue to see results by shifting between good programs and giving each program enough time to add value.
I have been EXTREMELY busy at work, with about 50% more work since a co-worker left, which is why I have not posted my results until today! The next TT challenge is started, but you have until Sept 14th, I believe, to start - that means to submit pictures and commit yourself. If you are thinking about this, PLEASE give it a shot! You will not regret it! I have gone back to visit the threads of old friends doing this next challenge, and it is HARD to stand on the sidelines for this one! The energy is there, and the folks participating WILL lose 5-25 lbs a piece, if they finish, I can practically guarantee it! Just FINISH!! See it through!!! If you want that to be YOU in those "after" pics, follow the link to the right to take TT for a 21 day test drive, get into the contest, and that could be you. Period.
Look at me - I am awaiting my $1000 check and lost 15 lbs that I never thought I'd be able to do, that I had STRUGGLED to do, for just about forever...I'm a different person, one who is now maintaining at their goal weight, instead of LONGING to reach their goal weight!
Okay, I am off of my soapbox! If you hit the TT challenge boards - say hi to all of my old friends!! They are experts and continue to lose weight and fine tune their bodies through these challenges...
Thursday, August 21, 2008
What BodyFat Percentage Are You?
Wow, what a personal question, huh? I know that in the TT challenge I did and the forums I participate in, people regularly report their bodyfat % from various methods of measuring - scale, caliper, immersion, DEXA. It's impossible to compare, as every method gives different results, and the rational in my mind is mostly to measure progress and my own personal milestones as opposed to considering it "fact"...
Leigh Peele, author of Fat Loss Troubleshoot and Metabolic Repair Manual, has created a video/slideshow where she walks through how you can visually estimate body fat, and what she looks at when doing so. Of course it is an art, not a science, but it is an interesting exercise! Also, she talks alot about fat vs muscle and how 15% BF can look completely different on two different people and why.
Here is the link if you are interested in viewing this 25-30 minute video/slideshow...
Click here to view Leigh's blog and see the body fat video
I have her manuals, as I mentioned, and they were VERY thorough and very interesting - I'll have to do a full write up/review at a later date, but here you can find one done by a shrewd fitness friend, Skwigg: Click here to visit Skwigg's blog
Click here to learn more about Leigh's Fat Loss Troubleshoot.
End of the Turbulence Training contest soon! I am excited to see the finalists and have voting under way!!
Leigh Peele, author of Fat Loss Troubleshoot and Metabolic Repair Manual, has created a video/slideshow where she walks through how you can visually estimate body fat, and what she looks at when doing so. Of course it is an art, not a science, but it is an interesting exercise! Also, she talks alot about fat vs muscle and how 15% BF can look completely different on two different people and why.
Here is the link if you are interested in viewing this 25-30 minute video/slideshow...
Click here to view Leigh's blog and see the body fat video
I have her manuals, as I mentioned, and they were VERY thorough and very interesting - I'll have to do a full write up/review at a later date, but here you can find one done by a shrewd fitness friend, Skwigg: Click here to visit Skwigg's blog
Click here to learn more about Leigh's Fat Loss Troubleshoot.
End of the Turbulence Training contest soon! I am excited to see the finalists and have voting under way!!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Exercise Alone Doesn't Work!!
Ugh, my worst fears have finally been confirmed by research scientists! There's no way I can ignore this concept now that it is practically "fact"!!
Take a look at the article put out by John M Berardi, PhD, CSCS today...
Click Here for Article
People who trained 5 DAYS A WEEK for 12 WEEKS lost only **1 lb** on average!!!! These test subjects were working out using a Berardi designed weights program, and with a trainer and cardio coach each of those 5 sessions...Hmmm, can't question that they were likely expending a LOT of energy...But there was NO mention of eating as part of this test program, and so the assumption was that their eating remainded static/did not change.
1 lb lost - in 12 weeks...How mad/frustrated/sick would you be if you went from SEDENTARY to working out THAT HARD for 12 weeks, and lost 1 lb...Holy mother of treadmill-running rats - I would BLOW a GASKET (okay, "YELLING" portion of this post is over! :)).
Anyway, it's an eye opener, and something to think hard about if you are not seeing the results from your workouts that you'd like. Since my transformation/weight loss, almost everyone I talk to who has had a similar loss has said, "yep, once I focused on my eating, the workouts really started to have an effect!" - kind of backwards, but I get what they mean. Once you get your eating in line, you can see the results of your workouts!! And that's what it is all about, right?!
So, I am zoning in on an eating program to follow now that I have had enough "free time" after the contest! It will be very in-line with Precision Nutrition principles - as almost every clean eating diet is. I know I need to fuel my body, and eat the right foods at the right times to do so. That's what PN is about. I'll post what I come up with - then I'll have to give it a few weeks and see how it does in helping me maintain or lose weight (just a few lbs I've played with since the contest ended). If it works, great - if not, I'll tweak it until it does.
Thanks for stopping by - please let me know who you are and if you relate! It's so great to hear comments and feedback!
Karla
Take a look at the article put out by John M Berardi, PhD, CSCS today...
Click Here for Article
People who trained 5 DAYS A WEEK for 12 WEEKS lost only **1 lb** on average!!!! These test subjects were working out using a Berardi designed weights program, and with a trainer and cardio coach each of those 5 sessions...Hmmm, can't question that they were likely expending a LOT of energy...But there was NO mention of eating as part of this test program, and so the assumption was that their eating remainded static/did not change.
1 lb lost - in 12 weeks...How mad/frustrated/sick would you be if you went from SEDENTARY to working out THAT HARD for 12 weeks, and lost 1 lb...Holy mother of treadmill-running rats - I would BLOW a GASKET (okay, "YELLING" portion of this post is over! :)).
Anyway, it's an eye opener, and something to think hard about if you are not seeing the results from your workouts that you'd like. Since my transformation/weight loss, almost everyone I talk to who has had a similar loss has said, "yep, once I focused on my eating, the workouts really started to have an effect!" - kind of backwards, but I get what they mean. Once you get your eating in line, you can see the results of your workouts!! And that's what it is all about, right?!
So, I am zoning in on an eating program to follow now that I have had enough "free time" after the contest! It will be very in-line with Precision Nutrition principles - as almost every clean eating diet is. I know I need to fuel my body, and eat the right foods at the right times to do so. That's what PN is about. I'll post what I come up with - then I'll have to give it a few weeks and see how it does in helping me maintain or lose weight (just a few lbs I've played with since the contest ended). If it works, great - if not, I'll tweak it until it does.
Thanks for stopping by - please let me know who you are and if you relate! It's so great to hear comments and feedback!
Karla
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Official Turbulence Training Contest Pics and Statistics
Here are my official contest pics and statistics, as promised...
Start: May 5th, 2008
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 158 lbs
Bodyfat: 20.8% (using 7 pt skinfold test)
Chest: 38 7/8"
Upper Arm: 12 3/16"
Waist (smallest part): 29 1/4"
Belly Button: 30 11/16"
Hips: 40 1/2"
Thigh: 23 9/16"
End: July 27th, 2008
Weight: 142.8 lbs
Bodyfat: 14.15% (using 7 pt skinfold test)
Chest: 35 3/4"
Upper Arm: 11"
Waist (smallest part): 26 3/4"
Belly Button: 27 6/16"
Hips: 37 1/2"
Thigh: 21 14/16"
Change:
Weight: -15.2 lbs
Bodyfat: -6.65%
Chest: -3 1/8"
Upper Arm: -1 3/16"
Waist (smallest part): -2 1/2"
Belly Button: -3 5/16"
Hips: -3"
Thigh: -1 11/16"
Overall, I am SO completely happy with the results of this challenge! I want to say I gave it my all, but I know there were times I could have given more, despite the fact that I probably sacrificed and worked harder than probably 99.5% of what a "reasonable human being" would have done! There will ALWAYS be more that you can physically do, whether it is skipping a bite of this or that, or completing a full 60 minutes of cardio instead of 55 - the challenge is to push yourself to your utmost limit, whatever that is, when anything but success is not an option.
Scroll down to see the previous post if you have not seen my after pic from a photo taken by a friend! I like it much better than the official after pics, but it's hard to look great against a flat wall in a yellow room!
Again, I am not super human, and I would say "results not typical", but if I can do it, I really believe that anyone can do this! If you have 50 lbs to lose, or want to burn down to a super low body fat, I would recommend giving Turbulence Training a try - especially when combined with a clean diet. You can't out train a bad diet!! Whether you use Precision Nutrition or another clean eating program, that is a key element to success in transformation.
Ack - maintenance time! I am planning right now to start my next TT program tomorrow - am thinking of using Craig's new August posted workout - Hot Zone Fat Loss. Have heard good reviews on it, and I really just want to get back into a program that is going to keep me moving forward and regimented. For eating I am going to go back to where I started my transformation at - a base clean diet with oats, eggs/egg whites, ground turkey, chicken, cottage cheese, Fiber One, a few fruits...All the good stuff I came to love during this challenge! I may get back to cycling carbs if I can't maintain on that plan, but we'll see...It's a journey, not a destination!
Thanks for following along on my journey! I'll be posting more about the eating program I followed, the supps I added, and in general what helped me to lose 15 lbs of fat in 12 weeks (while putting on lean muscle at the same time!). Please feel free to ask questions!!
Monday, July 28, 2008
TT Challenge Update - 14% Body Fat and 15 lbs Lost~!
So, my 12 week Turbulence Training Challenge is over! Finished yesterday, with results of 15.2 lbs lost and 6%+ of bodyfat lost to get to 14.15% BF! I am thrilled with my results, and that I was able to hit and exceed my goals of 15 lbs and 15% bodyfat.
I'll be honest - this was NOT a piece of cake! I worked hard, the entire 12 weeks. I ate clean - no cheat meals, no alcohol, and ALOT of ground turkey, chicken breast, and eggs and egg whites! And ALOT of veggies! I did Turbulence Training programs, including executing ONE Turbulence Training workout a week with my trainer, and high intensity interval training 3X per week - along with additional steady state cardio to boost weight loss as we saw such slow progress from the beginning! But, the progress I saw week by week motivated me to keep going and keep working hard!
The fact that I was able to do 3 separate 4-week workout regimens during that time made it diverse and interesting, and I was always challenged by something new! I love the Turbulence Training concepts and workouts - I could be in and out of a HARD weight-lifting workout in under 40 minutes, most days. And the HIIT really helped burn the fat and change the shape of my body, as did the myriad of one-legged exercises built in to Turbulence Training. The crazy thing was that in the challenge, there are 20 year olds and 60 year old executing the same workouts - these are not for JUST elite athletes or experienced weight lifters! I've gotten two of my close friends into Turbulence Training during this time, and both LOVE it and have seen real gains in a short period of time...It is so rewarding for me to see people I care about find the program that works for them that they enjoy!!
I did a quick photo shoot in my backyard to try to capture better pictures of where I got to in this challenge, and although I am still awaiting my official "after" pics (due to email rejection issues between my trainer and I!), I can share this non-official "after" pic to show you what is possible and what 14% BF looks like on me! I feel great and am really on a high from achieving the goals I set out to achieve - I hope if you are reading this you know that I am not heroic, and I am someone who has struggled my whole life with weight, and have just finally found the diet and exercise combo that worked for me! I hope you'll take a look at Turbulence Training, if you are interested in transforming as well!
Before and after pics to come soon!!
I'll be honest - this was NOT a piece of cake! I worked hard, the entire 12 weeks. I ate clean - no cheat meals, no alcohol, and ALOT of ground turkey, chicken breast, and eggs and egg whites! And ALOT of veggies! I did Turbulence Training programs, including executing ONE Turbulence Training workout a week with my trainer, and high intensity interval training 3X per week - along with additional steady state cardio to boost weight loss as we saw such slow progress from the beginning! But, the progress I saw week by week motivated me to keep going and keep working hard!
The fact that I was able to do 3 separate 4-week workout regimens during that time made it diverse and interesting, and I was always challenged by something new! I love the Turbulence Training concepts and workouts - I could be in and out of a HARD weight-lifting workout in under 40 minutes, most days. And the HIIT really helped burn the fat and change the shape of my body, as did the myriad of one-legged exercises built in to Turbulence Training. The crazy thing was that in the challenge, there are 20 year olds and 60 year old executing the same workouts - these are not for JUST elite athletes or experienced weight lifters! I've gotten two of my close friends into Turbulence Training during this time, and both LOVE it and have seen real gains in a short period of time...It is so rewarding for me to see people I care about find the program that works for them that they enjoy!!
I did a quick photo shoot in my backyard to try to capture better pictures of where I got to in this challenge, and although I am still awaiting my official "after" pics (due to email rejection issues between my trainer and I!), I can share this non-official "after" pic to show you what is possible and what 14% BF looks like on me! I feel great and am really on a high from achieving the goals I set out to achieve - I hope if you are reading this you know that I am not heroic, and I am someone who has struggled my whole life with weight, and have just finally found the diet and exercise combo that worked for me! I hope you'll take a look at Turbulence Training, if you are interested in transforming as well!
Before and after pics to come soon!!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
TT Challenge Update
No post for a long time - have been scrambling with work and a looooong vacation out of town around the fourth! I wanted to post an update on where I am at with the Turbulence Training Challege.
So, 10 weeks into the challenge, I have lost 10 lbs and at last check, my BF was down to just below 17%! I am super happy with where I am at - although I think once I am a few days PAST vacation I'll see possibly another lb or two off this week.
Vacation...Ah yes...It was great to have time off from work, but trying to diet and exercise like a madman while on VACATION was NOT what I needed to be successful! It's like going to Octoberfest when you can't drink (or shouldn't, or don't want to!)! However, I worked my ASS off, doing all of my lifting days, and doing 1-2 hours of cardio a day, EVERY day! It is the only thing that saved my weight despite tastes of EVERYTHING it seemed like! It was just a flood of homemade baked goods, treats, candies, rich foods, etc - I was SO strong for so many of these challenges, but weak for many of them as well. But, it is behind me and I am focused on the final two weeks of my challenge! I am eating clean, doing extra cardio, lifting hard, and making that final push, so I can end the contest knowing I put it all out there and can be proud of my effort!
Personally, I am THRILLED with how I look! I am leaner than I dreamed possible, and all of my clothes are too big now! I have found a new way of life, and am inspired to keep on pushing BEYOND the end of this contest, to continue to find new goals to reach for, and make sure I never allow myself to backslide! I love the structure of Turbulence Training, and that it can always be changing, and is so concise in nature! I get questions all the TIME about what I am doing to bring about such change in my body, and the training is a BIG factor. Diet is huge as well, and clean eating and following basic Precision Nutrition concepts has pushed me beyond previous limitations.
I will be posting pics at the end of the contest and look forward to sharing my progress with you!!
So, 10 weeks into the challenge, I have lost 10 lbs and at last check, my BF was down to just below 17%! I am super happy with where I am at - although I think once I am a few days PAST vacation I'll see possibly another lb or two off this week.
Vacation...Ah yes...It was great to have time off from work, but trying to diet and exercise like a madman while on VACATION was NOT what I needed to be successful! It's like going to Octoberfest when you can't drink (or shouldn't, or don't want to!)! However, I worked my ASS off, doing all of my lifting days, and doing 1-2 hours of cardio a day, EVERY day! It is the only thing that saved my weight despite tastes of EVERYTHING it seemed like! It was just a flood of homemade baked goods, treats, candies, rich foods, etc - I was SO strong for so many of these challenges, but weak for many of them as well. But, it is behind me and I am focused on the final two weeks of my challenge! I am eating clean, doing extra cardio, lifting hard, and making that final push, so I can end the contest knowing I put it all out there and can be proud of my effort!
Personally, I am THRILLED with how I look! I am leaner than I dreamed possible, and all of my clothes are too big now! I have found a new way of life, and am inspired to keep on pushing BEYOND the end of this contest, to continue to find new goals to reach for, and make sure I never allow myself to backslide! I love the structure of Turbulence Training, and that it can always be changing, and is so concise in nature! I get questions all the TIME about what I am doing to bring about such change in my body, and the training is a BIG factor. Diet is huge as well, and clean eating and following basic Precision Nutrition concepts has pushed me beyond previous limitations.
I will be posting pics at the end of the contest and look forward to sharing my progress with you!!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Imagineering
I love that word. I got it from Dax Moy's "The Magic 100" program. This is the program tagged as "The Fastest Goal Achievement Program on the Planet". Grand claims? I don't know - I hope it is true! I am going to give it 100% to see!
Back to "imagineering" - there is no official definition in the program (I don't believe - apologies if there is!), but I believe it is "enabling your imagination to engineer your future reality". How cool is that? I have read alot about the Law of Attraction (another, much longer, post!), but the concept of imagineering is so much more rich! Really using your imagination and believing what you imagine, however far-fetched, could be your reality...Who does that??!! Um, kids, that's who...Not busy, stressed out, limited-by-our-knowledge-of-reality, boring adults!
So, that word caught my eye, along with alot of the concepts of the Magic 100 that asked you to suspend reality for the purposes of this exercise of gathering your dreams on paper, and starting to consider them a feasibility. You don't have to ask "How am I ever going to make THAT happen??!!" - in fact, one of the main facets of the Law of Attraction is NOT to ask HOW!! It's like poisoning your aspirations...
The interesting thing that happened during this exercise, is that my aspirations took a totally different direction than I had ever thought or uttered out loud!! How did THAT happen?? But things really started flowing, and I got more and more excited as they landed on paper...I didn't ask how - I still am NOT asking how...I don't have to know that right now...Somehow it will reveal itself to me over time...
Anyway, this is not my final review on the subject of Dax Moy's Magic 100, but I wanted to talk about the process and how it has spurred my thinking...It has invigorated me in many areas of my life, knowing I have BROADER goals and aspirations that I am working towards! Something to think about if you might need that spark in your life as well...
For more info on Dax Moy's Magic 100, Click Here!
Back to "imagineering" - there is no official definition in the program (I don't believe - apologies if there is!), but I believe it is "enabling your imagination to engineer your future reality". How cool is that? I have read alot about the Law of Attraction (another, much longer, post!), but the concept of imagineering is so much more rich! Really using your imagination and believing what you imagine, however far-fetched, could be your reality...Who does that??!! Um, kids, that's who...Not busy, stressed out, limited-by-our-knowledge-of-reality, boring adults!
So, that word caught my eye, along with alot of the concepts of the Magic 100 that asked you to suspend reality for the purposes of this exercise of gathering your dreams on paper, and starting to consider them a feasibility. You don't have to ask "How am I ever going to make THAT happen??!!" - in fact, one of the main facets of the Law of Attraction is NOT to ask HOW!! It's like poisoning your aspirations...
The interesting thing that happened during this exercise, is that my aspirations took a totally different direction than I had ever thought or uttered out loud!! How did THAT happen?? But things really started flowing, and I got more and more excited as they landed on paper...I didn't ask how - I still am NOT asking how...I don't have to know that right now...Somehow it will reveal itself to me over time...
Anyway, this is not my final review on the subject of Dax Moy's Magic 100, but I wanted to talk about the process and how it has spurred my thinking...It has invigorated me in many areas of my life, knowing I have BROADER goals and aspirations that I am working towards! Something to think about if you might need that spark in your life as well...
For more info on Dax Moy's Magic 100, Click Here!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Update on Turbulence Training Challenge #2
So, I am 6 weeks into the 12 week Turbulence Training Challenge, and things are going phenomenally! I have lost 8 lbs, and at LEAST 1.5% BF (as I measured after 4 weeks, and not since then). I have really leanned out with that 8 lbs (given I started at 20% BF), and am completely stoked that the program and eating I am on are WORKING, and are programs I am going to STICK WITH after the 12 week challenge!
I would LOVE to post pictures, but have decided that I'm going to only post before and after pics. It dulls the impact of totally sick "after" pics when you've been posting your progress regularly - people are used to your new leaner look! I want to shock and awe with my results - I am so focused and disciplined because of this challenge!
The support on the TT forums is great - it helps so much to be learning from others, and know you aren't in this alone. It's reinforcement when you need it, and someone to celebrate your victories with, big and small.
I found a little digital Canon camera that I thought I had lost, left on an airplane or just lost somehow about a year ago - but I found it in a purse I hadn't used in a year!! So fun to have all of those pictures back!! However, on it were pics from last summer, and I was SO heavy! It is painful to look at those pictures. I wasn't weighing myself at the time, knowing I was heavy. A BIG lesson for me is that I HAVE to keep the scale out in my bathroom, and have to get on it at LEAST once a week...Otherwise, you can so easily end up 5-7 lbs up before you realize what has happened! I get on it daily right now - and some days it is up .5-1.5 lbs, and some days it is down! I need to see trends - if I am plateau-ing I need to DO something after a week of no movement. I'll change my diet a little, add a bit of cardio, or just increase my intensity if I can...But you can't lose sight of the number, no matter how bad it gets. The truth is better than ignorance.
I wish the me of a year ago knew about TT!! Especially before my wedding in May 07! My fitted wedding dress is in MN, and I just thought about this - I can't wait to try it on when I go home this summer! I know it is going to be way too big, which will make me happy, and yet sad...I wanted to be in the BEST shape ever on my wedding day, and I completely was not...But after the wedding and the stress leading up to it, I definitely gave myself a "free pass" on eating for months...Not good...
Okay, have heard enough good stuff about Dax Moy's "Magic 100" goal achieving program that I am going to buy it today! My life is really "flowing" right now, and I want to take advantage of that and organize my goals so I can keep achieving more! I'll let you know how that goes - I'll probably post some of my goals here and progress!!
I would LOVE to post pictures, but have decided that I'm going to only post before and after pics. It dulls the impact of totally sick "after" pics when you've been posting your progress regularly - people are used to your new leaner look! I want to shock and awe with my results - I am so focused and disciplined because of this challenge!
The support on the TT forums is great - it helps so much to be learning from others, and know you aren't in this alone. It's reinforcement when you need it, and someone to celebrate your victories with, big and small.
I found a little digital Canon camera that I thought I had lost, left on an airplane or just lost somehow about a year ago - but I found it in a purse I hadn't used in a year!! So fun to have all of those pictures back!! However, on it were pics from last summer, and I was SO heavy! It is painful to look at those pictures. I wasn't weighing myself at the time, knowing I was heavy. A BIG lesson for me is that I HAVE to keep the scale out in my bathroom, and have to get on it at LEAST once a week...Otherwise, you can so easily end up 5-7 lbs up before you realize what has happened! I get on it daily right now - and some days it is up .5-1.5 lbs, and some days it is down! I need to see trends - if I am plateau-ing I need to DO something after a week of no movement. I'll change my diet a little, add a bit of cardio, or just increase my intensity if I can...But you can't lose sight of the number, no matter how bad it gets. The truth is better than ignorance.
I wish the me of a year ago knew about TT!! Especially before my wedding in May 07! My fitted wedding dress is in MN, and I just thought about this - I can't wait to try it on when I go home this summer! I know it is going to be way too big, which will make me happy, and yet sad...I wanted to be in the BEST shape ever on my wedding day, and I completely was not...But after the wedding and the stress leading up to it, I definitely gave myself a "free pass" on eating for months...Not good...
Okay, have heard enough good stuff about Dax Moy's "Magic 100" goal achieving program that I am going to buy it today! My life is really "flowing" right now, and I want to take advantage of that and organize my goals so I can keep achieving more! I'll let you know how that goes - I'll probably post some of my goals here and progress!!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Who is your Mentor?
If you're not currently familiar with Precision Nutrition site (click here
to go there and check out their forums!), and you're interested in losing weight, being fit, or getting 6 pack abs, you probably should mosey over there...So much information and expertise jammed into that site, you can get lost for days!
An interesting email hit my inbox earlier this week...PN did a survey of a sample of their newsletter subscribers, asking questions about happiness with their physique, level of fitness, knowledge about nutrition, and access to mentorship and social support.
The results were fascinating! On a scale of 1-5, people rated their happiness with their own physique as follows:
1-Extremely unhappy - I’m nowhere near my goal and I doubt I can make it.
2-Unhappy - I’m far from my goal but I’m willing to do something about it.
3-Ambivalent - I’m working toward my goal but I’ve got a ways to go.
4-Happy - I’m close to my goal and making progress.
5-Extremely Happy - I’ve achieved my goal and I’m working on maintenance now.
They then looked only at the people who answered 5-Extremely Happy in order to measure the impact of various factors on their success. You really need to read the full article here, but long and short of it is that although there wasn't significant difference in nutritional knowledge amongst level 3-5's (in happiness with physique), 77% of 5's said that they had access to regular mentorship (constructive and impartial feedback and direction, on a near daily basis, for a period of at least 3 mos). Only 17% of 3's and 4's said they had access to the same. Less than 5% of the 1's and 2's had such access.
Ryan Andrew's question of the day to readers was: do you have somebody in your life that actually knows how to eat well - and is healthy enough, vibrant enough, and fit enough to demonstrate it? Seriously, do you have someone that can help you work through nutrition problems and troubleshoot obstacles, rather than just telling you to eat more proteins, carbs, and fats? If you have a good role model in your social circle right now, someone who has already done what you want to do, and someone who can mentor you to success, make the absolute most of it! If however you don’t already have a mentor like that, FIND ONE IMMEDIATELY.
Interesting question for those of us in the TT Challenge - outside of mentorship, which is provided to a certain degree but maybe not the most personal level that Ryan seemed to be talking about, is the support found on the community. Not all of us find that support from family or friends, and even more limited is finding folks executing just what we are going through. The TT forums provide that, in spades! You're never in this alone unless you choose to be!
For those of you reading this who MAY be interested in that kind of support and community, think seriously about purchasing TT, or getting a trial membership, and getting to know the program and the community. The next challenge is coming - just around the corner. Are you going to sit on the sidelines and watch, or be one of us losing weight and feeling better every day??!!
My personal mentors?
My trainer, Michelle Adams(http://www.thrivetraining.net/), who has competed herself in multiple figure competitions, as well as marathons and many other physically painful endeavors. I see her twice a week (one training session, one group bootcamp), and email back and forth daily. She keeps me on track and mentally going every day, and pushes me past the limits I'd set for myself physically! Not to mention celebrates every small victory with me, from a perspective of someone who knows how hard it is to hit each one
Also, my nutritionist, Dr. Clay Hyght. See http://www.drclay.com/ - he's competed in many bodybuilding shows and has multiple degrees and certifications in exercise and nutrition, not to mention being a Chiropractor and winner of the 2007 Precision Nutrition "Hot Body" Contest! So, he's definitely walking the walk...He's responsible for prescribing the nutrition that, when combined with my TT training, will shred fat off of my body until I am a lean, lithe minx!
Are paid mentors necessary? Nope, not for most. For me, I am taking this challenge, this 12 weeks of my life, to prove to myself that I CAN achieve my goal of ultimate leanness. For me, I need the accountability and guidance of these two to make that level of leanness even a feasibility. For me, I don't HAVE friends or associates who've accomplished what I am looking to do that I can lean on for advice and guidance. And personally, let me tell you that I am DILIGENT about what I put into my mouth, and in executing my workout plan exactly, knowing two people are going to be looking at me and asking, "You ate WHAT??!! What were you thinking??!!"
So, take a look at the full article on Precision Nutrition, and think about what YOU have to gain from a built in support network synched with an effective workout program...I can tell you - 5 weeks and 6 lbs into this challenge, I consider joining TT a life changing decision for myself!
Please let me know what you think and what your experience has been! I look forward to your viewpoints!
Karla
Monday, June 2, 2008
New Article on Carb Cycling for Women
Here is a snippet and link to a good article on carb cycling that I just read...
Carb Cycling for Women
Plan Your Week to Reshape Your Body
by Christian Thibaudeau
Tomorrow morning, flip on the local weather channel. You'll probably see the "five day forecast," that tells you the weather for the coming week.
If they predict it's going to be 95 degrees and sunny on Monday, and then say you'll get 15 inches of snow on Tuesday, you know what to expect. Not only are you in the middle of the weirdest storm ever recorded, but more importantly, you know exactly what you'll be wearing each day.
We can apply this same concept to our weekly diet plan to help us gain lean muscle and lose bodyfat. This approach is called carb cycling, and it's being used by bodybuilders and figure competitors to drop bodyfat consistently and effectively.
It's based on rotating your carbohydrate intake each day, depending on the amount of exercise you have planned. More training... you get more carbs. No training that day... less carbs on the menu.
In my original carb cycling article, I went into detail about the history of carb cycling, as well as discussing how you can manipulate nutrient intake to affect your body's hormone levels. But for now, let's learn how to make it work for you.
Carb Cycling: The Basic Structure
Carb cycling is similar to the nutritional practice of eating carbs only in the morning, and after workouts. The biggest difference is that the amount of carbs (and thus, the amount of calories) will vary each day. What will this accomplish?
• It allows you to have fat burning and muscle building days each week.
• Your metabolism never gets a chance to slow down or adapt, which often happens with "traditional" diets.
• Long-term success is reinforced because it's relatively easy to follow, especially compared to more strict, low-carb diets.
(to continue see link below)
-------------------------
Here is the link for the rest of this long and super info packed article - along with great pics that I couldn't include!
Carb Cycling for Women Article (con't)
Please let me know what you thought - is this something you will incorporate to some degree? I am doing only higher and lower days right now (not three different levels), and will let you know what I see in terms of results!
Karla
Carb Cycling for Women
Plan Your Week to Reshape Your Body
by Christian Thibaudeau
Tomorrow morning, flip on the local weather channel. You'll probably see the "five day forecast," that tells you the weather for the coming week.
If they predict it's going to be 95 degrees and sunny on Monday, and then say you'll get 15 inches of snow on Tuesday, you know what to expect. Not only are you in the middle of the weirdest storm ever recorded, but more importantly, you know exactly what you'll be wearing each day.
We can apply this same concept to our weekly diet plan to help us gain lean muscle and lose bodyfat. This approach is called carb cycling, and it's being used by bodybuilders and figure competitors to drop bodyfat consistently and effectively.
It's based on rotating your carbohydrate intake each day, depending on the amount of exercise you have planned. More training... you get more carbs. No training that day... less carbs on the menu.
In my original carb cycling article, I went into detail about the history of carb cycling, as well as discussing how you can manipulate nutrient intake to affect your body's hormone levels. But for now, let's learn how to make it work for you.
Carb Cycling: The Basic Structure
Carb cycling is similar to the nutritional practice of eating carbs only in the morning, and after workouts. The biggest difference is that the amount of carbs (and thus, the amount of calories) will vary each day. What will this accomplish?
• It allows you to have fat burning and muscle building days each week.
• Your metabolism never gets a chance to slow down or adapt, which often happens with "traditional" diets.
• Long-term success is reinforced because it's relatively easy to follow, especially compared to more strict, low-carb diets.
(to continue see link below)
-------------------------
Here is the link for the rest of this long and super info packed article - along with great pics that I couldn't include!
Carb Cycling for Women Article (con't)
Please let me know what you thought - is this something you will incorporate to some degree? I am doing only higher and lower days right now (not three different levels), and will let you know what I see in terms of results!
Karla
Sunday, June 1, 2008
What is "Turbulence Training"?
Now that my hard work is starting to pay off in terms of inches and loose clothes, I am starting to get alot of questions about what I am doing to get in shape and lose weight! I have struggled to explain Turbulence Training in an "elevator speech" to this point - but I wanted to do a better job of explaining it for those who are interested.
Turbulence Training promises fast fat loss results for men and women who don't have a lot of time for exercise. I think I qualify! I read this as a bold promise, especially given the claim of great results in only three workouts per week. Having done 5-6 days a week as long as I can remember, I was interested.
The program was created by Craig Ballantyne. Of course there are alot of "fitness guru's" out there, but I'd come across Craig's name before in my husband's Men's Health magazine, and also in Oxygen and Shape magazines (I have gotten 10+ magazines per month forever to keep me amused during marathon cardio sessions!). So I considered him quite qualified as a fitness expert.
I did some reading on Craig, and learned his experience goes back to the mid-nineties, in both the gym and in the research lab. He's actually led research trials on sport supplements, strength training, and cardiovascular training. Plus, Craig has been a strength coach and has worked with hundreds of clients in thousands of training sessions.
Craig's articles are pretty hard on traditional aerobic cardio workouts. So if you're looking for new ways to spend 30 or 60-minutes doing cardio (and catch up on your magazines!), then this program is not for you. But if you only have 45 minutes to workout, a couple of times per week, and you have access to only a bench, dumbells, and an exercise ball, then you'll like what Craig has for you here.
So, what is Turbulence Training? Well according to Craig, its the combination of resistance training and interval training used to boost your metabolism so that your body burns calories and fat between workouts (uh huh, while you AREN'T even sweating!). He says, "Cardio doesn't boost your metabolism after exercise. Only strength training and interval training do that - while you work, sleep, and eat - your body will be shedding fat."
Craig's unique system of bodyweight exercises, dumbell exercises, and interval training can all be done at home, with minimal equipment. So again, if you are one of those people who loves machines, or cardio equipment, or marathon workouts, then this program is not for you.
I've been using the program for about 6 weeks now - starting just prior to the start of the Turbulence Training Challenge. I really love it! Why? Because I no longer choose to allocate my precious time to hours in the gym each week! After we got our puppy, Maximus, last year, suddenly I wasn't free to get home from work at 7pm, or head off to the gym every morning at 5:30am. My little guy needed exercise and TIME from me! My workouts and body went downhill fast - I put on 10 lbs and nothing fit. Buying new clothes even though you have a closet of GREAT clothes that are just too small is NOT fun.
Turbulence Training system is known for burning fat without sacrificing muscle - so you end up lean, defined, chiseled and toned. 4 weeks into the Turbulence Training Challenge #2, and I have lost 5 lbs and 1.5% BF. I know these results will continue.
The best part about it (okay, second best to losing WEIGHT!) is that the workouts are FUN and VARIED! So many workouts are boring (i.e. long cardio) or repetitive (i.e. doing the same bodybuilding workout over and over again). But Turbulence Training uses a lot of unique (but not fluffy) exercises, including some cool, killer bodyweight moves that will make you more athletic and increase your functional and core strength - again, all with minimal equipment needs. I do workout in a gym for my sessions, but on vacation this summer I plan to switch to a body weight TT workout series, so I can maintain even without a gym or weights or equipment.
I am even recommending this program to friends who are just starting out, because Craig has put together a 6-week introductory program, and a 4-week intermediate program in addition to the 16-week advanced training phase (PLUS, the Turbulence Training program comes with a massive amount of bonus workouts for muscle building, bodyweight only, advanced fat loss, and even a female specific bonus). So, there is a program for you no matter what your experience level is, and Craig is constantly delivering NEW workouts for members, so you'll never be bored! Oh yeah, and every workout contains pictures of every exercise - so even if you've never done ANY of the exercises, you can pick it up with no problem. This comes in handy when you're asked to do "Decline Spiderman Pushups" for the first time...(??!!)
Okay, so bottom line. Turbulence Training is NOT....
Long, slow cardio workouts
A machine-based exercise circuit
A bodybuilding program to gain bulk
A workout with lots of time-wasting isolation exercises
A restrictive eating plan
Turbulence Training provides NONE of the above. Turbulence Training DOES provide the perfect workout for busy men and women who want to burn fat in the comfort of their own homes without spending a lot of money on equipment or space on exercise machines. Oh, and you'll actually have fun and you won't "dread" these workouts - heck, they are over before you know it!
If you're in the slightest bit curious, I recommend you look closely at Craig's program. I was very impressed with all of the Turbulence Training workouts, the bonuses, the guarantee, and Craig's expertise. For the money, it's the best deal in the fitness and fat loss industry - so much better than diet pills! And remember...
Craig Ballantyne's Turbulence Training is backed by a 8-week money back guarantee. And this is a real guarantee... if you are not completely satisfied, you will receive your money back, no "ifs," "ands," or "buts." I definitely was a skeptic, and was ready to use the guarantee if needed, but I will not be needing that at this time given the results I am seeing!
If you are serious about losing fat and inches with a plan that will fit into a busy lifestyle AND that you can maintain over the long haul, you really have nothing to lose.
Click Here to Try Turbulence Training Risk Free
Karla
The program was created by Craig Ballantyne. Of course there are alot of "fitness guru's" out there, but I'd come across Craig's name before in my husband's Men's Health magazine, and also in Oxygen and Shape magazines (I have gotten 10+ magazines per month forever to keep me amused during marathon cardio sessions!). So I considered him quite qualified as a fitness expert.
I did some reading on Craig, and learned his experience goes back to the mid-nineties, in both the gym and in the research lab. He's actually led research trials on sport supplements, strength training, and cardiovascular training. Plus, Craig has been a strength coach and has worked with hundreds of clients in thousands of training sessions.
Craig's articles are pretty hard on traditional aerobic cardio workouts. So if you're looking for new ways to spend 30 or 60-minutes doing cardio (and catch up on your magazines!), then this program is not for you. But if you only have 45 minutes to workout, a couple of times per week, and you have access to only a bench, dumbells, and an exercise ball, then you'll like what Craig has for you here.
So, what is Turbulence Training? Well according to Craig, its the combination of resistance training and interval training used to boost your metabolism so that your body burns calories and fat between workouts (uh huh, while you AREN'T even sweating!). He says, "Cardio doesn't boost your metabolism after exercise. Only strength training and interval training do that - while you work, sleep, and eat - your body will be shedding fat."
Craig's unique system of bodyweight exercises, dumbell exercises, and interval training can all be done at home, with minimal equipment. So again, if you are one of those people who loves machines, or cardio equipment, or marathon workouts, then this program is not for you.
I've been using the program for about 6 weeks now - starting just prior to the start of the Turbulence Training Challenge. I really love it! Why? Because I no longer choose to allocate my precious time to hours in the gym each week! After we got our puppy, Maximus, last year, suddenly I wasn't free to get home from work at 7pm, or head off to the gym every morning at 5:30am. My little guy needed exercise and TIME from me! My workouts and body went downhill fast - I put on 10 lbs and nothing fit. Buying new clothes even though you have a closet of GREAT clothes that are just too small is NOT fun.
Turbulence Training system is known for burning fat without sacrificing muscle - so you end up lean, defined, chiseled and toned. 4 weeks into the Turbulence Training Challenge #2, and I have lost 5 lbs and 1.5% BF. I know these results will continue.
The best part about it (okay, second best to losing WEIGHT!) is that the workouts are FUN and VARIED! So many workouts are boring (i.e. long cardio) or repetitive (i.e. doing the same bodybuilding workout over and over again). But Turbulence Training uses a lot of unique (but not fluffy) exercises, including some cool, killer bodyweight moves that will make you more athletic and increase your functional and core strength - again, all with minimal equipment needs. I do workout in a gym for my sessions, but on vacation this summer I plan to switch to a body weight TT workout series, so I can maintain even without a gym or weights or equipment.
I am even recommending this program to friends who are just starting out, because Craig has put together a 6-week introductory program, and a 4-week intermediate program in addition to the 16-week advanced training phase (PLUS, the Turbulence Training program comes with a massive amount of bonus workouts for muscle building, bodyweight only, advanced fat loss, and even a female specific bonus). So, there is a program for you no matter what your experience level is, and Craig is constantly delivering NEW workouts for members, so you'll never be bored! Oh yeah, and every workout contains pictures of every exercise - so even if you've never done ANY of the exercises, you can pick it up with no problem. This comes in handy when you're asked to do "Decline Spiderman Pushups" for the first time...(??!!)
Okay, so bottom line. Turbulence Training is NOT....
Long, slow cardio workouts
A machine-based exercise circuit
A bodybuilding program to gain bulk
A workout with lots of time-wasting isolation exercises
A restrictive eating plan
Turbulence Training provides NONE of the above. Turbulence Training DOES provide the perfect workout for busy men and women who want to burn fat in the comfort of their own homes without spending a lot of money on equipment or space on exercise machines. Oh, and you'll actually have fun and you won't "dread" these workouts - heck, they are over before you know it!
If you're in the slightest bit curious, I recommend you look closely at Craig's program. I was very impressed with all of the Turbulence Training workouts, the bonuses, the guarantee, and Craig's expertise. For the money, it's the best deal in the fitness and fat loss industry - so much better than diet pills! And remember...
Craig Ballantyne's Turbulence Training is backed by a 8-week money back guarantee. And this is a real guarantee... if you are not completely satisfied, you will receive your money back, no "ifs," "ands," or "buts." I definitely was a skeptic, and was ready to use the guarantee if needed, but I will not be needing that at this time given the results I am seeing!
If you are serious about losing fat and inches with a plan that will fit into a busy lifestyle AND that you can maintain over the long haul, you really have nothing to lose.
Click Here to Try Turbulence Training Risk Free
Karla
Weekend Wrap Up
What a weekend, workout wise! Friday pm I worked out with a new trainer, one who is more familiar with Turbulence Training and the precepts, and who teaches a bootcamp I am a regular at on Sundays. I started a new TT program, TT Fusion Fat Loss - Advanced, and we worked through workout A completely. It was good to have her guidance on an Olympic lift that I hadn't done (properly!) before.
Saturday was a 25 minute walk-run, just steady state work trying to keep perceived rate of exertion around 7 or so out of 10. Sat night we went to dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse - feared it could be a minefield of poor choices, but it was GREAT!~ I had seared ahi with crab meat sprinkled with peppers - all clean and delicious! Salad was tomato and onion and I put vinegar (not vinegrette!) on it, and that was super tasty, too! Long and short - it FELT like a cheat meal, because the food was so good! Since I am not planning on any cheat meals during the 12 week competition, these types of meals are invaluable mentally.
Finally, today (Sunday) did my weekly bootcamp workout in the park. It is held on an artificial field and outdoor track, so we do plenty of short sprints, 5 minute medium speed runs, agility and speed drills, then abs...I was still sore from Fri/Sat, but working out felt good. About 17 people out today (with two leaders) and great sunny weather, so an outdoor workout was great.
Tomorrow marks day 29 of 84 (beginning of week 5!) of the challenge. I plateaued for about a week and a half, and have lost about 3 lbs in the past 4 days, so I feel like I have pushed past that plateau (and hopefully gained momentum that continues)! I am still focused on my Challenge goals - which I just realized I never posted any goals! I want to lose 15+ lbs and have visible abs!! I'd like to get to 15% BF, but we'll see what weight and BF it takes to get the lean look I want.
So, 1/3 of the way through this challenge, I feel GREAT physically, I feel acclimated to the diet and am in love with the lifting/cardio plan! I have tried SO many different programs over the past few years, and to find the right program and the right support to finally make progress and eventually meet my goals, well, that is a GREAT feeling!
I am working on a post to talk a little more about my training program, but if you are interested, Craig Ballantyne now offers a 21 day $4.95 trial offer - this was not available when I started, but I definitely would take advantage of it if you are interested and want to kick the tires a bit! You get access to EVERYTHING I and all other TT members have - that's a pretty huge amount of information. Here is the link: Click Here for TT 21-Day Trial Offer
Keep reaching for those stretch goals!!
Saturday was a 25 minute walk-run, just steady state work trying to keep perceived rate of exertion around 7 or so out of 10. Sat night we went to dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse - feared it could be a minefield of poor choices, but it was GREAT!~ I had seared ahi with crab meat sprinkled with peppers - all clean and delicious! Salad was tomato and onion and I put vinegar (not vinegrette!) on it, and that was super tasty, too! Long and short - it FELT like a cheat meal, because the food was so good! Since I am not planning on any cheat meals during the 12 week competition, these types of meals are invaluable mentally.
Finally, today (Sunday) did my weekly bootcamp workout in the park. It is held on an artificial field and outdoor track, so we do plenty of short sprints, 5 minute medium speed runs, agility and speed drills, then abs...I was still sore from Fri/Sat, but working out felt good. About 17 people out today (with two leaders) and great sunny weather, so an outdoor workout was great.
Tomorrow marks day 29 of 84 (beginning of week 5!) of the challenge. I plateaued for about a week and a half, and have lost about 3 lbs in the past 4 days, so I feel like I have pushed past that plateau (and hopefully gained momentum that continues)! I am still focused on my Challenge goals - which I just realized I never posted any goals! I want to lose 15+ lbs and have visible abs!! I'd like to get to 15% BF, but we'll see what weight and BF it takes to get the lean look I want.
So, 1/3 of the way through this challenge, I feel GREAT physically, I feel acclimated to the diet and am in love with the lifting/cardio plan! I have tried SO many different programs over the past few years, and to find the right program and the right support to finally make progress and eventually meet my goals, well, that is a GREAT feeling!
I am working on a post to talk a little more about my training program, but if you are interested, Craig Ballantyne now offers a 21 day $4.95 trial offer - this was not available when I started, but I definitely would take advantage of it if you are interested and want to kick the tires a bit! You get access to EVERYTHING I and all other TT members have - that's a pretty huge amount of information. Here is the link: Click Here for TT 21-Day Trial Offer
Keep reaching for those stretch goals!!
Friday, May 30, 2008
A New Beginning!
I am so excited to dive into this world of blogging! I am nothing if not wordy, and I love to find kindred spirits to relate to and learn from, which blogging is a perfect venue for.
My blog will focus on life overall, but specifically how I redefine my body and learn to maintain at the fit, lean level I want to stay at! I know there are alot of people out there like me, busting their hump working out but only seeing "fit"results, with an extra 10 lbs or 5% BF still left to lose to hit "optimal leanness"! I am learning what it takes to GET there, and then what it takes to MAINTAIN there! No more yo-yo-ing up and down!
I am currently participating in the Turbulence Training Transformation Challenge #2! I am almost 4 weeks into the challenge, and am seeing great results and really loving the Turbulence Training program! I will post more about this program and what I'm doing in my next post.
I look forward to your comments and feedback!
Karla
My blog will focus on life overall, but specifically how I redefine my body and learn to maintain at the fit, lean level I want to stay at! I know there are alot of people out there like me, busting their hump working out but only seeing "fit"results, with an extra 10 lbs or 5% BF still left to lose to hit "optimal leanness"! I am learning what it takes to GET there, and then what it takes to MAINTAIN there! No more yo-yo-ing up and down!
I am currently participating in the Turbulence Training Transformation Challenge #2! I am almost 4 weeks into the challenge, and am seeing great results and really loving the Turbulence Training program! I will post more about this program and what I'm doing in my next post.
I look forward to your comments and feedback!
Karla
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