Self Myofascial Release, IT Band and the Rumble Roller

I have had a number of friends and family (mainly runners) who in the past had mentioned or talked about having problems with their IT Bands.  I really had no clue what they were talking about.  I have never been a distance runner and until I started using Beachbody workout programs I had never pushed very hard to improve my aerobic level.  Honestly, I've always been more of a weightlifter and use to really hate cardio.  But, after completing P90X, thirty days of Insanity: The Asylum Vol. 1 and twenty days of The Asylum Vol. 2, I went to perform the Championship workout (an hour long full body workout and fitness test).  I had done this particular workout twice before and was really looking forward to improving on the fitness test.  However, as I began I noticed pain in(on the outside of) my left knee.

Not only did this pain not go away, but I also had very little to no power to push off with that leg.  I was really worried that there was something seriously wrong with me.  I have had knee pain in the past and had surgery on my right knee many years ago, but the seemly sudden lose of power was very new and puzzling to me.  After looking into my symptoms online, I chuckled a little having finally learned what the Iliotibial or IT Band was and why it was causing me so many issues.  I began researching what I needed to do in order to rehab and overcome my new condition.  Over and over again Rest and Myofascial Release were recommended as being the best treatments.  Due to the fact that I was three-quarters of the way through my workout program, I really didn't want to stop my workouts and rest.  But, I am very glad that I listened to what I had read and the advice of good friends.  I performed only upper body workouts for about 10 days, during which time I also started performing Self Myofascial Release (Foam Rolling).

Luckily for me we had a foam roller in our house that I didn't even know about (thanks Kris), it was a smooth model similar to the one pictured on the left.  After reading up on the subject and watching a few videos I began to work the Vastus Lateralis (outer thigh), the Glutes and also the Tensor Fascia Latae (which includes the IT Band).  After I was done foam rolling, I would then spend time stretching out my posterior chain (calves, hamstrings and glutes).  After just 3-4 days I really felt so much better and wanted to get make to my normal workout program, but I knew that in doing so I would be putting myself at greater risk for further strains or injury.  Since then I've learned the importance of beginning treatment all the way down the kinetic chain and when I now work on loosening up my legs I start with the fascia of the foot and slowly work my way up spending a good amount of time on the Soleus/Gastrocnemius (Calves).  Another change that I have made over time is moving from the smooth foam roller to the Rumble Roller (pictured to the right).  The nubs on this roller act much in the same way as the thumbs of a message therapist/acupressurist, getting deep into the muscle tissue and aiding in the release of any trigger points.  There are many good videos and instruction out there on Myofascial Release, but some of my favorites are from Dr. Mark Cheng.  These videos can be found on his YouTube channel or on the BeachbodyVideo channel as well.

I hope that you will find this information useful and that you'll begin to set time aside for Self Myofascial Release!  Please let me know if you have any questions or would like any more information on anything covered above, including techniques or products.  

Confessions of a Workout Junkie...Part 1! Love the Sweat...Hate the Smell

I will be the first person to admit that I have a problem.  I am honestly a Workout Junkie, who just can't seem to get enough.  I'm addicted to the natural high that comes with an intense workout, as the result of your body producing Endorphins, Dopamine and Norepinephrine.  I feel most confident, self assured and at times even unstoppable when I am completely covered in sweat.  In fact not only do I not look forward to my rest days or days off...most of the time I don't take them.  Don't get me wrong if I feel worn out and feel that my body is starting to experience the symptoms of overtraining I make sure to rest and allow my body time to heal.  But, we'll save that discussion for another day. :-)

Being totally drenched, when working out, is like a badge of honor!  You wear it with pride and everyone around knows that you earned every last bead of sweat.  They understand the determination and the effort that you put forth to become more physically fit, and to change the way that you look/feel.  Most people can appreciate what you're doing and some are even inspired by your actions.  However, for some of us, there are unpleasant side-effects from working out that last long after we are done.  Believe it or not, sweat itself is actually colorless and odorless.  But when it mixes with bacteria found on the skin, that is when it gains its offensive smell.  After a while our workout clothes seem to have a permanent odor that we are unable to get rid of.

  











I have tired any number of products to help eliminate or reduce these odors, but have only had mixed results thus far.  Some of the products that I have used in the past are: Tide with Febreze, a number of different fabric softeners, various dryer sheets and oxyclean laundry additive/stain remover.  Most of these products seem to help a little, but none really ever made my clothes smell fresh for very long.

The latest product that we've begun to use is Downy's UNstopables in-wash scent booster.  To be honest with you, I lead a busy lifestyle and very rarely watch TV or even keep up with the news or current events.  On top of that, when out shopping I'm usually the type that goes in with a list and plans on getting done as quickly as possible.  So I had not seen or heard about these until my brother had brought them home.  After using these for the last three weeks, I would have to say that this product has been the most effective at removing/covering up the unpleasant odor of my workout clothes.

But, really all of this got me thinking and made me very curious to know...What tips and tricks do all of you have when it comes to fighting stubborn gym clothes odors?  I would really love your feedback and to be able to learn what works for you!

No, I am not on a "Diet!" Yes, I am eating healthy.

Questions that I'm asked quite often by people who have known me for a while, "are you still on a diet?" or "how is the diet going?"  Because, I have been eating better for about the last 10 months now, these questions are more funny than annoying.  I have changed my diet, I exercise daily and I weigh 60+ pounds lighter than I did last year.  However I am not on a diet, I am not just eating differently or eating less in order to lose weight or to reach a goal weight.  I am striving to treat food as medicine or fuel.  Working on consuming foods that provide nutrients and truly nourish the body.  At times this is not easy and I'll have the occasional cheat snack or meal, there have even been days where I just can't stop eating.  One thing that I've found that not only helps reduce these cravings but also helps me on those days where I just eat and eat, is to have healthy foods prepared, ready and on hand.
Overnight Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats - http://www.theyummylife.com/Slow_Cooker_Apple_Cinnamon_Oatmeal

If you keep good food in your fridge and in your home, you will eat good!  And on those days where you just can't stop eating, at least you'll be more likely to fill up on foods that are better for you.  Here are some foods that I try to always have available to me.  First we'll start with simple foods that we buy constantly and keep in our fridge or in my lunch box and a little explanation as to why I like them.  I always keep different protein sources on hand, most often this is beef or turkey jerky.  Not only is protein important to build and maintain muscle, but it also helps to keep you feeling fuller and for longer periods.  Another good source of protein (but, also has carbs) is Greek Yogurt, here I try to stay away from the ones that have a lot of sugar.  On top of providing both protein and carbs, this snack helps to satisfy my sweet tooth and reduce my cravings for less healthy sweets.  I also keep healthy fats on hand, this is usually mixed nuts or peanut butter.  I know many people, especially those "dieting" avoid fat as if it were the plague.  First of all, eating fat does not make you fat.  Eating excess calories, regardless of where those calories come from will be stored in the body as fat.  Also, I believe that not only do you need to eat fat (healthy fat) to burn fat, but there are also fats that help to boost your metabolism and can aid in burning calories and losing weight.  Some of my favorites are the fats from nuts, avocados and coconuts.  My carbs are generally mixed in with meals, in the form of vegetables, fruits, legumes and grains.  Carbohydrates that have become staples in my diet are quinoa (which is a very nutrient dense grain, and is actually very high in protein), brown rice, broccoli and steel cut oats (see above pictures and link, I also highly recommend the Pumpkin Pie flavored recipe).

Most often I saute some broccoli and then mix in about 4-5 cups of cooked quinoa, a little salt and pepper, parmesan cheese and some shredded cheddar/colby jack cheese.  Quinoa is fairly neutral in taste and can be used in many different applications, most commonly it's used in salads or replacing rice or pasta in dishes.  Here's another recipe that I really love using quinoa.
Quinoa Pizza Bites - http://www.soveryblessed.com/2012/02/quinoa-pizza-bites.html

Finally because I am on a body building program (Body Beast), of course I have to keep lots of healthy lean protein in the fridge.  Two of my favorites, not only because of their relatively inexpensive price but also because of their versatility.  The first of course being chicken and the second tilapia.  There are so many different ways to prepare both of these proteins.  But, here are two of my favorite recipes.
Cilantro Thai Chicken - http://www.food.com/recipe/cilantro-thai-grilled-chicken-481257
Keep it Tight Tilapia - http://www.eatcleandiet.com/food_and_recipes/clean_recipe/tosca’s_keep-it-tight_tilapia.aspx#.UR_LN45YyZY

One last tip...So far I've briefly discussed a few things that I eat.  Another important belief that I've followed and which I feel is very important to keeping up or boosting your metabolism is eating a meal or snack every 2-3 hours.  This means that I eat very often, but my meals and snacks are smaller.  Never skip meals or go long periods without eating.  Our bodies protect themselves and when they feeling that they are being starved, our metabolism will slow down as the body goes into survival mode and begins to store fat.

Insanity: The Asylum Vol. 2

After completing 30 days of Insanity: The Asylum Vol. 1, I decided to move on to Insanity: The Asylum Vol. 2!  Both programs are very intense and physically demanding, but they are also very different! Volume one is a much more cardio based program, with one day of weight lifting/strength training.  Whereas Volume 2 definitely changes the focus to resistance training with lots of weight lifting(3 out of the 5 workout days).  I enjoyed both programs a lot and I'm sure I will do them again in the future!  If you'd like to learn more about Volume One or my first experience doing a Shaun T workout program, please read my review in the "Insanity: The Asylum Vol. 1" post.



In The Asylum Vol. 2 you workout 5 days a week and have two rest/stretch days.  But, before you start the program I would highly recommend that you watch and follow along with the Agility Tutorial.  This workout shows you many of the exercises that you will be doing throughout the workout program.  In fact after struggling through X-Trainer and Championship in week one, I did the tutorial a couple times a week for the next two weeks and it really helped the moves become second nature.

X-Trainer - This is a full body, cardio based workout.  There is some resistance training(using your body weight).

Upper Elite - Is your upper body resistance training day.  Not really any cardio, but use weights that challenge you and you'll feel it for sure!

Power Legs - Lower body resistance training.  Again, not much cardio, but the burnouts are pretty intense.

Back and 6 Pack - On your last resistance day you're working your abs and back.

Championship - Is a tough, full body workout incorporating both cardio and resistance training.  It is not as demanding as Gameday in The Asylum Vol. 1, but it is an amazing workout!

Ab Shredder - One of my favorite Ab workouts!  Slightly longer than Ab Ripper X, Cardio Abs and Beast Abs...But, it is a lot of fun!

Pure Contact - Is a great training program for teaching your body how to land from all the jumps and intense Insanity moves.  It's also a nice little 25 min cardio workout.

One of the first things that I noticed doing The Asylum Vol. 2 was that I was getting light headed and was hunger all the time.  I was eating about every 3 hours and was consuming around 2200 calories a day, but with the increased weight lifting my body was trying to build lean muscle and that takes a lot of calories.  So I slowly began increasing my caloric intake, but it wasn't until I started consuming between 3000-3200 calories a day that I felt satisfied and like I was giving my body the fuel that it needed.  I could have stayed at around 2200 calories and my body would have continued to burn off fat, but being in that catabolic state I would have been breaking down and losing muscle as well.  When I started The Asylum Vol. 2 I weighed 173lbs, and dropped down to 171lbs before increasing my caloric intake.  I ended up doing this workout program for an extra 10 days (40 days overall) due to issues with my IT band, during which time I was only doing upper body workouts.  Here are my measurements at the start and end of Isanity: The Asylum Vol.2...
           
                Start              End
Weight -   171lbs           176lbs
Waist -      34"               34"
Hips -       37.5"             37.5"
Chest -     40"               40.5"
R. Arm -   16"               16.5"
L. Arm -   16"                16.5"
R. Thigh -  22.5"           23"
L. Thigh -  22.5"           23"

Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells

I have had these adjustable dumbbells for about a year now.  I purchased them to continue and build my home gym and also in preparation to begin Beachbody's P90X exercise program.  The main reason that I choose this particular set of Bowflex dumbbells is the wide range in weight.  By simply turning the dials on the side you can go from 10 lbs all the way up to 90 lbs.  Not only does this save space, as one set of adjustable dumbbells replaces 17 sets of conventional dumbbells, but it also saves money as buying those 17 sets of dumbbells would easily cost more that $2500.

For the past seven months I have used these dumbbells during my P90X, Insanity: The Asylum Vol. 1 & 2, and Body Beast workouts.  The dumbbells are very easy to use, and I have not had any mechanical or maintenance issues with them.  There are a few moves that feel a little awkward to me, simple due to the overall length of the dumbbells(from dial to dial).  But, with a little modification to the moves and with repetition, the moves become more comfortable and feel more natural.  One thing that I wish I would have done is purchase the stand for the dumbbells.  I have not hurt my back picking these weights up, but I have in years past and I know how helpful elevating the weights can be to saving your back.  Overall I am very glad that I purchased these dumbbells.  They are a little on the pricey side (full retail is around $600), however they are high quality and a lot less expensive then buying 17 sets of dumbbells.  I would recommend these SelectTech 1090's to anyone!  If you don't believe that you'll ever need to use that much weight, Bowflex does offer adjustable weight dumbbells that go from 5 lbs up to 52.5 lbs and cost a couple hundred dollars less.

"Must be the Shoes!"

Completing P90X and 30 days of Insanity: The Asylum, has really made me a "workout junkie!"  I just can't get enough and being lucky enough to have a beautiful wife who not only shares this passion with me but is my inspiration, we just continue to build up our workout libary.  Currently we own P90X, Insanity, Insanity: The Asylum, Body Beast, Turbo Fire and Turbo Jam.  We have purchased Insanity: The Asylum Vol. 2, RevAbs and pre-ordered Les Mills Combat.  All that I can say is that these programs work!

When I started getting serious about transforming my body, I had bought a pair of Nike Free Run 3's.  I had purchased a couple of pairs previously for my wife and she had really loved them.  I really like these shoes and they are very comfortable.  I'm not a runner, but I'm sure that these shoes would really excel and that I'd feel the comfort running in them.  The only thing that I noticed and which is to be expected from wearing running shoes to do cross-training is that they offer little lateral support.  Because of this there were times in my training that my shoes felt fairly loose, side-to-side.  I still use them from time to time while cross training and would purchase another pair, but for serious cross training I would recommend the Adidas Adipure Trainer Shoes.

These are those funny looking Adidas Toe shoes that you see people wearing around the gym.  I hadn't really heard of them and probably would not have tried them on my own.  I heard the benefits of these shoes from my wise father.  And because my parents own and operate a sports store in Western Samoa, they even sent me a pair to try out.  The first time that I went to try them out, I couldn't get my toes to go where they're supposed to and gave up.  While getting the toes in place is still something that takes me some time, as I manipulate them in.  Other than that I do not have any problems with these shoes.  In fact they are now my primary workout shoe!  They really make all the different movements in my workouts feel more natural.  They are comfortable, extrememly light weight and cushion surprisingly well.  Currently Insanity Asylum Vertical Plyo would be my extremly high impact workout, and I wear these shoes doing this workout as well.  I do not notice any addition jarring or discomfort.  While I will still buy regular cross trainers and running shoes, I am also going to buy more of these Adidas shoes and will continue to use them for the large majority of my workouts!

Insanity: The Asylum

While going through P90X, I was excited for and getting ready to start 90 days of Body Beast!  I've always loved body building/weight lifting and the Body Beast workout program looked to be my kind of program.  However after dropping 24lbs and starting to expose my abs by eating well and following the P90X workout program, I decided that I really wanted to have a well defined and ripped mid-section.  Because of this I decided at the last minute to do Insanity: The Asylum!  Cardio workouts and my aerobic level in general have always been a weak point in my fitness, and I knew that I was gonna be in for some very rough days!  In fact after following the workout program for about two weeks, I was really debating if I wanted to continue.

All the workouts are pretty intense and they left me feeling wiped out.  There were many days that my body was so sore, and I really didn't know if or how I was going to make it through my workout.  But, I kept with the program and did the best that I could everyday.  In the end these were usually some of my best workouts, I had to dig deep and find the mental focus to push my body through.  The sense of accomplishment at the end of these days, helped to fuel my fire and want more!  I would say that the roughest part of The Asylum is the Gameday with Overtime workout, and then following that up by doing Vertical Plyo the very next day!

After 30 days here are my results!  I

Weight: Starting-181lbs  Current-173lbs
Waist: Start-35.5"  Current-34"
Hips:  Start-38.5"  Current-37.5"
Right Thigh:  Start-23"  Current-22.5"
Left Thigh:  Start-23"  Current-22.5"

Athletic Assessment Test

Agility Hesiman:  Start-8  Current-10
In&Out Ab Progressions:  Start-33  Current-42
Mountain Climber Switch Kicks:  Start-59  Current-67
Agility Shoulder Taps:  Start-4.5  Current-6
X Jumps:  Start-22 Current-29
Agility Lateral Shuffles:  Start-10.5  Current-16
Agility Bear Crawl:  Start-6  Current-8

Next up I'm very excited to try out Insanity: The Asylum Vol. 2!  From the previews and hearing Shaun T talk about this program, it is going to be a killer!

Why I am an Independent Team Beachbody Coach

When I started using P90X, I knew that I would get into shape and lose weight.  I knew that I would be healthier and happier with myself.  And because my wife had become an Independent Team Beachbody Coach, prior to me beginning, I had hoped that my experence and results would help her as she shared with others about Beachbody and it's products.  The last thing that I expected was to become a Beachbody Coach myself.  I work a full time job with very long hours (worked over 950 hours during my 90 days of P90X), make a decent income and was not looking at supplementing that income.  I have seen the results from Beachbody products first hand as my wife has used a number of their workout programs over the years.  But, as I began using their products myself (P90X, Shakeology and the Results and Recovery Formula) I fell in love!  Craved my Shakeology, Loved the P90X workouts and truly felt that the Results and Recovery Formula went a long ways in getting my body ready for the next workout!  People around me could see the changes and asked me what I was doing, and as I shared what I was doing and how much healthier and happier I was, I realized that I wanted to help other's find what I had!

Love this video and it shows so clearly, why I am an Independent Team Beachbody Coach!



If you are into Health and Fitness and this sounds Interesting to you, you are a perfect candidate to become a Beachbody Coach yourself!  Message me for more information or visit my website to get started!  www.beachbodycoach.com/HMOORS77

After One Round of P90X

Although it doesn't feel like I've been doing P90X for 90 days (seems like I just started yesterday), I have completed the 90 day workout program and wanted to share my experience and results.  To start, P90X is an extreme workout program!  I found out what that meant the hard way, when I first tried (and quit) the program for a few days.  I was so sore that I could not bend my arms in past 90 degrees, then my legs were so sore that it hurt just to walk around.  What I learned and applied the second time around was not to worry or even try to keep up with the videos.  Use them as a guide and a goal to work up to, but don't push yourself to failure on every excersise, at least not at first.  Also, in the workouts follow "the tip of the day" and whenever needed modify the exercises and or take breaks.  Two other tools that I used the second time around were the P90X Results and Recovery Formula and Shakeology.  The Recovery formula really seemed to help my body to repair and rebuild it's self, I was still sore, but I also felt ready for the next workout.  I enjoyed the taste, as it is an orange creamsicle flavor.  I drank the recovery formula during or after every workout, with the exception of the days that I did X Stretch and only part of the time (when I felt my body really needed it) on Yoga X days.  The days that I seemed to notice the greastest benefit were the cardio days or days where I had really pushed myself and felt spent at the end of the workout.  As exhausted and tired as I was, shortly afterwards I felt that I still had energy and I only had one or two workouts where I felt that my body just didn't have the strength or energy to do it (but, I did it anyways).

Shakeology, was not something that I was looking at taking long term and was really not anything that I felt that my body needed.  I believed that eating healthier meals and snacks and eating about every 3-4 hours would do just as much for me as these drinks would.  But, as my wife became an Independent Team Beachbody Coach, we decided that we would try Shakeology out...Just so that she could tell others about it.  However, after drinking our Shakeology everyday for 7 days, neither one of us wanted to give it up.  We both felt increased, sustained energy and really loved the taste (Started with the Regular Chocolate).  I also noticed that my cravings for sweets and junk food had decreased, and in fact I really looked forward to my Shakeology.  My body seemed to crave other health foods and meals that would provide it with the nutrients that it needed.  Needless to say, the one bag that we bought just so that we could tell others about it, has turned into many more bags as we both drink it everyday and plan on continuing it.



As far as P90X goes...I Love This Program!  I could not think of a better program to get me back into shape and to help me begin living my healthy and fit lifestyle!  I have always enjoyed weightlifting and have loathed cardio.  So the resistance days in P90X really appealed to me and are a large reason for why I selected the P90X workout program.  Four days into the program I was surprised with Yoga X, didn't know there was Yoga in the program and although I knew how difficult Yoga can be, I had no idea how much of a workout it can be as well.  I did it all, and hated almost all of it!  At 93mins long, the Yoga workout is easily the longest of all the workouts and is probably the one most skipped by people doing the program.  I did all of the Yoga days and have really come to love it!  I still have a lot of areas that I need work on, but even going on to other workout programs I will continue to do Yoga at least once a week.  The benefits of Yoga are many and are rather well documented, so my advice...Do Your Yoga.  To tell you the truth I had come to love different parts of all the workouts, while really disliking other parts.  P90X will always be my first love (as far as workout programs), and it is one that I will come back to and do again without a doubt!  Your results will not be the same, unless you are paying very close attention to your diet and nutrition.  With proper nutrition and hard work you will see amazing results, to improve your results even more drink your Shakeology and Results and Recovery drink.

Results
Weight Loss- 24lbs
Pant sizes- Start:36 End:33

Would you like to give yourself a new body for Christmas?  Now is the time, ask me about a Challenge Pack today!  I'm here to help you reach your health and fitness goals with FREE coaching and support.

My Next Workout Program!

Right now I am loving P90X!  I really enjoy the variety of the workouts, different resistance workouts for each muscle group, yoga, plyometerics, kenpo, and stretching.  My results thus far have been a little better than I expected.  I knew that I would lose weight and get into great shape.  However, because of the amount of weight that I had lost in the months prior to beginning P90X, I figured that my weight loss would plateau and slow way down.  But, as of today it appears that once I complete the program that I will have lost around 25lbs in 90 days!  I'm sure that I will go through P90X again in the future and look forward to doing P90X2.  Really, there are a lot of Beachbody workouts that I can't wait to try, including Insanity, Insanity the Asylum and soon Insanity the Asylum 2.  I still love and look forward to drinking my Shakeology everyday!  I'm also Amazed at just how focused Beachbody is at listening to and focusing on helping their customers, while staying true to their beliefs and principles.  An example of this is the recent formula change that they've made in Shakeology.  They added more Superfoods (very nutrient dense foods) and made "The Healthiest Meal of the Day," even healthier.  The taste also changed and many people have complained, most large companies would tell you, "it's better for you, get use to it."  Beachbody, while reminding people how much better for them it is and stating that they are not going back, is going to pick individuals to try and test different variations to possibly find a taste that would be more widely accepted.

I've finally decided that once I complete P90X, I will be doing Body Beast for 90 days!



I have always enjoyed weight lifting/body building, more than I do cardio or aerobic exercise.  And this home workout program specifically designed to build muscle through weight lifting.  There is some cardio in the program and I will add a little more throughout the 90 days.  I will also be doing Yoga X from P90X on my days off.  I've watched the bonus DVD that comes when you order through a Coach or from Team Beachbody and I really can't wait to start!  If you'd like to learn more about Body Beast or any of the Team Beachbody products, feel free to e-mail me as I would love to answer any questions that you have and help you reach all your health and fitness goals!

What's your Excuse?

Alright, I'm now 2/3rd's of the way through P90X.  That's 60 days down and 30 left to go.  It's been about 10 years since I have felt anyway near this fit and healthy.  Although, my diet back then was still very unhealthy with lots of junk food, soda and fast food.  Now a days I'm constantly striving to find ways to improve my eating habits, from eating smaller portions to eating more often (usually eating at least a snack every 3-4 hours), and also working on the balance of carbs, protein and fat in my snacks and meals.  This has lead to a lose of 17 pounds, 9.5 of those pounds coming in the last 30 days.  I have also dropped 2 pant sizes and lost 4 total inches off of my body measurements; waist (measured around the belly button), hips, chest, thighs, and arms.  Not too sure exactly where my body fat % started at or where it is now, but I know that it has dropped a good amount as my Abs are beginning to become clearly visible.

Because I had lost about 38lbs in the three months leading up to me beginning P90X, my weight loss had began to slow down and plateau.  But, by beginning P90X and replacing one meal a day with Shakeology (I added a considerable amount of calories to my shakes, by adding bananas, peanut butter and sometimes greek yogurt) my weight loss continued and has begun to speed up a little again.
When I began P90X, I really worried and wondered if I would be able to workout every day!  My main fear was that I work very long hours (13.5hrs a day, for 20 days in a row...then 10 days off, which I usually end up working several of those days as well).  To give you an example of how many hours we're talking about, in the first 60 days of the program I worked at total of 590 hours.  That's the equivalent of almost 74 eight hour work days or 14 forty hour work weeks!  On top of the hours, I work outdoors, in one of the world's largest open pit mines.  Being exposed to the elements and standing most of the day is very draining, and in the past I have only had the energy to come home shower and eat before heading to bed.

This is not the Actual, Tempurature...It's just as High as the thermostat on the work truck goes!!!

I know that a large part of my increase in energy is due to my improved fitness level.  But, I also believe that the nutrition that Shakeology delivers has provided a huge boost in my energy, while also helping curb my cravings for junk food.  I was very skeptical of Shakeology at first, especially given the price ($4 a serving).  However, after the first week of use both my wife and I were hooked!  Now neither one of us can imagine going without our daily Shakeology!  I know it sounds crazy, but the only way that you will ever know is to try.  I challenge anyone to try it for a full 30 days and decide for yourself.  It has a money back guarntee, use the whole bag and if you're not completely satistifed return the empty bag and Beachbody will refund your money!  More importantly Shakeology lowers bad cholestrol levels, raises good cholestrol and boosts your immune system.  The video below, show's what 100 Doctors have to say about Shakeology and it's benefits.



In the end, it's all about what you want!  And just how bad you want it!  After letting myself go for so long and becoming so unhappy with myself, I wanted to change and wanted the rest of my life to start as soon as possible!  I could have done it without P90X and without Shakeology, but it would have taken me a lot longer to get to where I am.  You can do it, You are Worth it!  I would love to help you and support you through your fitness journey!  Please feel free to visit my Beachbody Websites, my Fitness Page on Facebook or e-mail/message me.
https://www.facebook.com/HarryMoorsFitness

http://myshakeology.com/hmoors77
www.beachbodycoach.com/HMOORS77
hmoors77@gmail.com

Half Way Through P90X

Yesterday's workout was the halfway point of my 90 days on the P90X workout program.  It was also my 45th day taking shakeology.  I have been following the "Classic" P90X workout but my resistance training and diet have been focused on gaining lean muscle while losing a little fat.  I have only taken 2 days off during the first half, while doing X Stretch on the other recommended days off.  My results thus far aren't anything dramatic or shocking; but for where I started, what my goals are and how I followed the program, I am happy with the changes I am seeing.  After 45 days I have lost 12lbs, 1 pant size and can really begin to see my body changing as my body fat percentage drops.  I am noticeably stronger and am able to make it through most of the workouts without extra or longer breaks.  I also have a lot more energy and I am less tired, even when I get very little sleep.

I am really excited for the second half and know that this is where the major transformation will take place!  I can't wait to push myself every single day and do everything that I can.  I'm also looking forward to my 60 day pictures and measurements, to see how my progress is coming along.  But, because I committed to 90 days...the real goal and payday will come when I take my pictures and measurements on day 90!  Loving the workouts, the Results and Recovery Drink and Shakeology (especially the Chocolate!).  Also, really enjoy having the P90X app on my iPhone.




Still have so many different Beachbody workout programs that I want to go through!  Body Beast will be the next one, but one day soon I'll have to try P90X2!

Finding the Time

Back in 2002-2003 I was spending a lot of time in the gym, most days it was 4-5 hours a day.  I was single, working 8 hours a day 5 days a week and just didn't have much else to do.  I was in the best shape of my life and was loving it.  I was not eating very healthy and as a result had not lowered my body fat percentage low enough to reach my goal of having a well defined "six pack."  Still I was very happy with how I looked and how I felt, and I swore that I'd never let myself get so out of shape again. None of us ever plans to gain weight, to let our health go or to become obese.  But, that is exactly what happened as my bad diet continued and my exercise ceased.  I found excuses for why I was letting myself go or why I couldn't exercise, the most common one being, "I'm just too busy and can't find the time."  Not that this was a lie, I was busy, few of us these days have any free time.  More often than not we are busy from the moment that we wake to the minute we lay our heads down at night.

I told myself, "if I could only find the time!"  I would workout, and get healthy.  As I changed jobs it really seemed that this would be impossible for me.  Working for a drilling company, I began working 13.5hrs a day 20 days on and 10 days off.  I never had any energy and even on my days off, just wanted to rest and relax.  After watching my beautiful wife push herself and workout everyday for years, I finally reached a point where I could no longer stand the way that I looked and felt.  My wife's example had inspired me to change.  I began eating better and working out 30-45 minutes a day 5-6 days a week.  Till, she became a Beachbody Coach.  Feeling that I was ready to increase the duration and intensity of my workouts, and also as a show of support towards my wife in her new venture, I began P90X.

In a few days I will have completed six weeks of the program.  Many of those days working 13.5 hours  outdoors and on my feet, only to come home and workout for 50-90 minutes.  I have no secret and never did "find" the time to workout.  But, I did find the burning desire to change myself, enough so that I decided to make the time.  To make my workout a priority, to hold myself accountable and show up everyday just as I do for work.  I thought that giving up that amount of sleep everyday would leave me drained and tired, but though I have had days that I feel worn down, most of the time I feel that I have more energy and that I'm more able to face the day and it's challenges.

In short, look and look but you will never find.  There is no extra time, just lying around waiting to be discovered!  Make the time, Make those things that mean the most to you the highest priority.  Make time for family, health, and self-improvement...And in the long run they will make time for you!

Team Beachbody Coach

After using Beachbody products and workouts for years, my beautiful wife recently became an Independent Team Beacbody Coach.  To help her in her journey and to learn more about Beachbody products we decided to try out Shakeology.  To be honest, we were only planning on taking Shakeology for a month or two.  Part of the reason was because of the cost, at $120 for a month supply per person we thought it was a little expensive.  However, using it to replace one meal a day, $4 a meal isn't bad.  Then after we factored in the amount of nutrition that you receive in each shake, we felt a little better about our decision.

In the months leading up to taking Shakeology I had lost around 30lbs by eating smaller portions and eating more often (5 small meals/snacks a day), working out about 45mins a day/5 days a week and cutting out the 64oz or so of soda that I was drinking most days.  On the same day that I started taking Shakeology I begin the P90X workout program.  My weight lose for the first three weeks was at the same rate as it was before Shakeology and P90X, between 1lbs-1.5lbs per week.  I did feel that I had more energy within the first couple of weeks and noticed after the first week that my cravings for junk food and unhealthy foods began to diminish.  Instead I looked forward to my Chocolate shake everyday.  Another thing that I noticed is that I felt fuller longer then I had in the past using other meal replacement or protein shakes.  After just a week of using Shakeology we were hooked and knew that this was a product that we would continue to use and love!

Click to Learn More About Shakeology

Weighing in after weeks four and five my weight lose had increased to 2.5lbs per week.  And I continue to feel energized, healthy and strong.  I am extremely excited about my lifestyle change and can't wait to complete my 90 days so that I can share my results with everyone!  As I started on this journey it was for myself and for purely selfish reason.  But, because these products have helped me to feel so much happier and more full of life, I can't help but share what I'm doing and what I've found with everyone that I come in contact with.  And now I have joined my wife as an Independent Team Beachbody Coach!  We look forward to helping as many people as we can reach their fitness goals, so that they can get the most out of life!

 Click to Visit My Beachbody Website