Shake it off.

We all have bad days. We all have bad weeks. Heck, I can tell you people that the majority of the past 5 years of my life have been the WORST. It started with a horrible divorce, followed by perimenopause (which I didn't know at the time) which meant weight gain, skin problems and body temperature issues that still leave me never ever wearing sweaters or coats even when it's cold out-- followed by a couple legal battles, unemployment for more than a year, two whacked out stalker situations, a new job that turned out to be my worst nightmare.....you get the idea.....a whole lot of stress. But guess what? 

All of that happened for a reason. As much as I hated much of it and it was awful to go through, yes, it changed me. I grew. I learned. I pressed on. I kept getting back up and kept keeping my faith. 

And now....guess what? I feel as though EVERYTHING is coming together. Everything DOES work together for good, eventually. The key is we don't know when. You have to keep the faith. You have to understand that the hard times and challenges WILL come and sometimes it seems like they will never end. When the going gets tough, the tough get MORE TOUGH.

You have to learn how to deal with the bad times, the down times, the bad days...the times you fell off the wagon. DON'T FEED THE NEGATIVITY. That's not hokey bulls**t people-- what you FEED will GROW. If you spend your time obsessing over what's wrong, guess what- you can cry for hours and get REALLY STRESSED!! But if you take that time and energy toward doing something about it instead of whining/worrying/obsessing/looking back--- what happens?? You'll be surprised.

Be stronger than your excuses. And when you fall down-- SHAKE IT OFF. We all have bad days-- all of us. Even the people you look up to that you think never eat poorly or ever miss a workout-- they do. They've just learned not to turn it into a bender. ;-)

I started my day off getting up with what I thought was enough time for a full cardio session. Turns out I only had time for 1/2 hour- about 275 calories burned vs my usual 500. I could obsess about how dumb I was for not getting up earlier or I can shake it off, adjust my eats if needed today and MOVE ON.

Too often, many of us ( I did this in the past) spend too much time analyzing what we haven't accomplished, reading books or magazines on what we want to look like --- instead of doing the work to get there. In the past, when I would have a bad week or whatever-- I'd decide to START AGAIN and then I'd spend days- like a whole weekend "researching" the perfect plan. Let me tell you- the amount of time "getting started" is usually the biggest time wasted. Do something. And then repeat that every day, adding more. See what happens. ;-)

Now-- I'm off to adjust my own attitude. I've been a bit annoyed this week by dental hangovers plus Aunt Flo kinda kicking me down. I've just felt...OFF> And I am TIRED OF SAYING this or that is wrong -- it's been week after week after week of SOMETHING. It's frustrating. But guess what-- I'm overall-- doing GREAT. I need to shutup and just MOVE FORWARD. ONWARD AND UPWARD. ;-)

Treat yourself. Better.

Yes, this is me after a workout. I'm always smiling and feeling great. And I think a lot of this has to do with the fact that I'm focusing on improving my life- every part of it-- by treating myself better. That means no more negative self-talk. Been there, done that for several years, y'all know. Perimenopause hit me and I fell down and then just did a lot of whining and moaning about it, a lot of beating myself up about everything, a lot of picking myself apart from head to toe....where did that get me? NOWHERE. Now, my attitude IS UP AND UP AND UP. I accept me now, then and future. I recognize MY UNIQUE talents and beauty and I own it. I'm not competing with you or anyone else. I am unabashedly ME. God created me with unlimited potential and I aim to own it. God created me with a mind and body capable of great things and I will treat that mind and body like a temple, as I should. 

How else can I treat myself better (in ways I haven't in the past few years) and how can you adopt simple things that will make BIG lasting changes??

Spend more time with friends. I spent two years doing NOTHING but working......all the time. ALL THE TIME. I had no social life and I lost touch with a lot of friends. Now it is WONDERFUL to have great friends like Jami, among others who just bring me so much joy. Heading up to WI with Amy for the KOSS event-- we had SO MUCH FUN!!! And I get to see Laura in Atlanta soon (yea I'm there on business but seeing her and my Hotlanta friends-- sooo exciting). I get to see Carla at Fitbloggin next month.....and my friend Linda here locally-- let me tell you, when she and I get together for sushi and girl talk (this weekend we went to see that movie The Wedding- LOVED IT) --- it is just pure fun. I am blessed with friends and LOVE making time to spend with them. 

For me, the more yoga I do  the better. It's both for my mind and my body and it's the only time- other than during massage or sleep that my mind is STILL. I need that.

I cannot tell you how much massage does for me. My muscles get soooooooo tight and having the best massage is not only relaxing, it helps with overall conditioning. And I have yet to meet a spa service that I don't like. I don't need fancy cars and ridiculously huge houses with too many rooms, but give me more spa time and I am golden. ;-)

I've really gotten back into my skincare rituals again. Yes, rituals. Allowing myself the TIME I deserve to take care of my skin. At 44 I feel fantastic about how I look- I have used Arbonne skin care for about 6-7 years now...adding a lot more products for the face and body, and also starting to use some of their health/fitness/spa products too-- that's a separate post. But taking care of my skin in the morning and night- it makes a difference.

Vacations. Plural. Not just talking about it but actually BOOKING them. Lots more to come. Because, I work hard and relax WELL.

Treat yourself with mini-rewards. We all work hard in this fitness journey-- and now I like giving myself (non-food related) rewards along the way. Something like new sneakers (why do I think that word sounds so dorky?? I say tennis shoes, which is even more dorky because I don't play tennis....HMMM) or a great new workout outfit or....the new Sparkly Sould headbands I just got (addicting!!! sassy plus they keep the hair back and they do not move!!)....(To get the shoes above, visit Reebok.com.)

I'm taking more time to READ. For personal and business instead of all business. 

All of this-- all that I am changing -- all that I am making time for in my life- it's making me more effective in my work. It's changing everything.

And then love happened and now I make time for that. Clearly I don't need to explain why. ;-)

Balance. It's doable. It looks different for everyone-- but -- it is attainable and probably will always transform as life progresses. What I can say is this....all work and no play is no way to live.

LIVE your life.

DISCLOSURE: Reebok and Sparkly Soul are both clients of my company, FitFluential. All opinions shared here are my own.

No Pain. No Gain. Pain? No problem.

Adidas Evil Eye Sunglasses

If you are wondering if I could possibly be any more dorky-- just try me. I'm the gift that keeps on giving people. See above. I finally have some RUNNING SUNGLASSES again. YAYAYAYA. Miss Amy makes fun of me for saying that certain glasses are to be used only for running but YES they are. The kind people at SunglassesShop.com sent me these lovely Adidas bad-boys and I am quite pleased. Going for a run in them any second. I think they are quite fabulous hence the saucy selfie that I share here. 

Don't you agree that you need special sunglasses for running? I will say this, now thave I've done some poking around on their site, I am thinking that I need these ones next: CLICK HERE.

So-- this morning, per my plan, I hit Hot Yoga. OMG. I cannot love it more. I've been going to a new instructor that I had never tried and she is awesome, the studio where I go has a ton of different instructors each with their own style and music and it's just awesome. I have a lot of yoga goals and am becoming very interested in getting certified. YES.

Now, to honor my commitment to get back to and kill the goal of 2-a-days from now until at least July 4th (giving exception for Memorial Weekend if needed but I hope to wow myself) -- I am heading out now for a run. And to remind you all- I have always loved and continue to love Under Armour for having the best sports bras on the planet. Seriously- thank you to Amy for introducing me to these bad boys a couple years ago- this is the one I use:

They come in white and black and are the BEST.

Now-- I've got running shades. I've got my bra. I've just come home from having ANOTHER ROOT CANAL. And it's on. Time to sweat. What's your plan tonight??

Now....get on out there and KILL IT!! COME ON!!! ;-)

DISCLOSURE: Under Armour is a client of my company, FitFluential. I've been wearing their apparel/gear long before founding my company and all opinions are my own. SunglassesShop.com sent me the Adidas sunglasses at no charge-- the raves for them are my own.

Figure it out for yourself.

Wow. The title of today's post sounds a bit douchey doesn't it? Not my intention. Here's the thing-- I'm not the kind of blogger that like plans out my posts. My videos OBVIOUSLY are the same way-- I just turn the camera on and start rambling on about what's on my mind NOW. So when I sit down to post, I'm writing about what is on my heart and my mind today - There might be a lot of things I want to share with you all but typically I sit down and think about-- what has come up recently, what has really struck ME today or yesterday etc. and then-- I write about that. So my "figure it out for yourself" is a sentence that captures a big lesson. 

To have success in this fitness journey-- to have success in your life, your relationships, your work, everything--- I've said this 100x before-- there is no one size fits all solution. There is no ONE "diet plan" that will work. There is no ONE workout approach or program that works. If you see an ad for a DVD set that says it burns 1000 calories an hour YOU NEED TO IGNORE THAT because everyone is different.

YOU HAVE TO FIGURE EVERYTHING OUT FOR YOURSELF.

Now-- don't take that as a bad thing. It will help you (in my opinion) tremendously to know that YOU are totally unique and what works for me and motivates me and makes my body respond and lose weight and build muscle-- well, you might have to vary that solution for you. I talked to an old friend at the gym a couple weeks back and as we stairmastered together we compared notes on training and "diet". He said that for him- he has to have a TON of carbs. He has to lift a bit lighter weight than he did in the past. He does more reps, lighter weights and eats a ton of carbs and does cardio. I know a TON of people that would jump all over him and start ranting about how that's all wrong. WHO DECIDES WHAT IS RIGHT OR WRONG FOR EACH PERSON?? WE DO. That approach works for him. He's happy with his body weight, his muscle conditioning etc.

I, on the other hand, am different. I dove into this training with Michael the end of last year and this year with a secret fear/doubt (I'd be lying if I said deep inside I wasn't horribly scared I'd follow his direction and fail and then I'd be a LOSER!) but an attitude that was good-- I committed myself to sticking with it and NOT GIVING UP NO MATTER WHAT. We experimented and adjusted and we still are-- especially now that I can finally (let's all pray and chant!! LOL) put all this whacky sickness behind and teeth drama behind and eat my real food again and train hard.

Guess what?? My body DOES respond to a good dose of cardio and I LOVE IT. I Love Cardio. You guys know I LOVE LOVE LOVE kickboxing and love running (but just like 30-45 minute sessions, no marathons), love plyo and love just about anything high intensity. I love yoga. LOVE HOT yoga. And love lifting-- isolation training and also circuit training. My "program" includes all of this. And yet-- NO DOUBT there are TONS of people that if they saw me write this out-- what I was doing for workouts and what I was eating-- I'd have no shortage of annoying toolbags giving me unsolicited advice on why my approach won't work and is "wrong". GUESS WHAT?? IT WORKS FOR ME. I'm so far-- in the best shape and muscular conditioning I've been in -- in my whole life. I am constantly doing double takes in the mirror at my upper body and when I see my legs and how they've slimmed down I sometimes think I'm dreaming. But--- we figured out what works for me. And we will continue to tweak and adjust, and sometimes there are things that would "jump start" or jolt fat loss in others-- they don't work for me. soooooo you shrug it off and move on.

YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT THIS AS AN ONGOING THING-- figuring yourself out. Figuring out what works for you. Figuring out your body. I even find it interesting now to see the full cycle of how my body behaves with the whole Aunt Flo thing. It's like clockwork that I get water retention = back pain + bad headaches about 5 days before. Do I enjoy this?? Heck no but I find it oddly interesting to understand the process. Aunt Flo arrived today and I am baffled that I swear, I feel like I have (TMI moment coming up) been using the ladies room 1000x as if I drank 700 gallons of water. Guess what. I haven't. Is it dorky that I find that interesting?

When you change your attitude to embrace figuring this out for yourself, and you release the idea of judging yourself for this approach not working or this diet tweak not working-- it takes the pressure OFF a bit, it eases your tension and (again, my opinion) makes the process more fun. Call me crazy~~ and I've been called worse, but I enjoy really figuring things out. I've become more secure in myself and more secure in maintaining what I have and in reaching my next levels.....because I've become more in tune with my body. Fully.

Do you feel like you know your body?  

Be that person that BELIEVES you can do anything. Be that person that refuses to give in to doubt and fear and insecurity and BEING TIRED OF TRYING. Be the person that knows how worth it is to work your ass off for something. Be that person that inspires yourself and others. Be that person that embraces I CAN and I WILL and deletes thoughts of "I don't think I can...." or "I've tried everything already..." or "I'm the only one that can't do this...." BULLCRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

You can do this. Are you ready to change EVERYTHING about your life this year?? ;-)

That's right. It's time to make every day reflect your goals. Every day reflects where you are going not where you've been. Focus. Focus. Focus.

Sweat is always good. Sweat, always beautiful.

Happy Saturday people! OH SNAP. Here I am blogging again-- no excuses! That's right. I got up this morning and did some Turbo--Fire, only had about 40 minutes before I had to leave----but I did it. I didn't make excuses and say "Oh I really can't get in a full workout so I'll just wait and kick butt tomorrow." NO. I put my favorite workout clothes on (I'll tell you what, yes, it is more fun IMO when you have fun clothes to workout in and then great shoes. Seriously-- I am beginning to have more workout clothes and shoes in my closet than regular clothes.....it's becoming an issue when my manfriend and I actually get ready to go out....I'm all like "oh dear, I can't wear my workout clothese there can I??"  --- time to shop.), my Polar Heart Rate Monitor then I took my pre-workout buzz in a shaker bottle and I BROUGHT IT. 

This is so simple but so true. People- for every 10 workouts I do, I totally "felt like it" maybe 5 out of the 10 times. But I did it, I started and once I start, I ALWAYS enjoy it, I am ALWAYS PROUD, I make progress and--- making excuses to NOT do a workout, THAT IS WHAT BECOMES HARDER TO DO, not the workouts. We always tend to do (in my opinion) whatever we did the day before. So if the day before I worked out and ate well, that FEELING, that MOJO bleeds over into the next day. And you can sure bet that when I am sick for a few days-- that first day trying to get back to working out-- THAT IS THE HARDEST DAY. But===== CREATE YOUR YESTERDAY TODAY.

Every day-- you are competing with yourself. You compete with yourself to improve upon what you did last week, last month and yesterday. ANDDDDD you compete with yourself in that you compete with the inner doubter the inner demon that wants you to QUIT.

Quitters never win and winners never quit. GET MOVING. DO SOMETHING. YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT. ;-)

Now. Here's another ramble-on-a-thon for you to enjoy this Saturday afternoon. I am seriously hoping that my teeth will be better enough soon so I can eat normal food again. I am a bit OVER eating nothing but oatmeal, scrambled egg whites, KFC plain mashed potatoes and coffee. I crave a hujazz salad like no one's business......what's your favorite salad combo?

And in closing, if you need a little visual inspiration to get moving, as usual, Under Armour has a killer video here for the What's Beautiful movement we are promoting in FitFluential. Wanna join my team?? Leave it in the comments below and I'll send you an invite-- total daily accountability and PRIZES. Yea-- someone may win not only some cool Under Armour for women gear but also A TURBO FIRE SET or a LES MILLS COMBAT set or a Cathe Friedrich XTRAIN set. 

Just breathe.

Happy Friday Kittens -- I started today with hot yoga. Oh every moment I am in a yoga class, it is just better. Yoga always makes me better and challenges me and pulls me in and I am becoming more and more addicted and needing it......I'm excited. I'm thinking that I would love to learn everything about it, to get certified. If there is anything that grows "old" with you, it's yoga. And the more you progress in yoga the more your MIND and your SOUL improve as well as your body and your flexibility and your strength and your muscles....it's just a beautiful thing.

You know what else? Here I am doing my new thing-- instead of assuming that writing this blog post would take too long and all that, I'm just putting up a post and talking about TODAY. Today was Yoga. And today-- I am still not really able eat "real food" because of my teeth (from two root canals on Tuesday) still being sensitive/sore a bit-- so I gotta tell you all, I feel MUSHY and not myself. Add to that, Aunt Flo should get here any day -- so I have headaches and backaches and I am just well CRABBY. But, I have to do my new thing now- recognize that this is a temporary phase and I cannot control certain things. I cannot control that I can't eat chicken and turkey and protein and salads like normal. I cannot control my back pain-- I have to mentally just CALM DOWN AND BREATHE. Let it go. 

This is so true. Good LORD I love Pinterest. I've always said that happiness is not getting what you want, it's wanting what you have. And I will tell you this, I LOVE what I've built in FitFluential and I am proud and yes, I look forward to the great (financial) rewards that are ahead but guess what-- I am happy and fulfilled and content and grateful for all that I have NOW. If I have the ability to only live and love and stay healthy and not acquire anything else-- my life is grand. My life is beautiful. I have health. I have LOVE for the first time in a long time and more pure and genuine and real than anything in my life. I feel like my life is just beginning. And all of this is not about THINGS really. It's about happy. Happiness. Peace. Gratitude. Growth.

Every day I am more comfortable embracing who I am. I have done soooo much growing and changing and working on ME-- both personally and professionally and physically and it feels great to embrace and relax into that. Wisdom that comes with age-- and experience, and self-evaluation and change....it's GOOODDDD. Now. I have to run out--- it's an odd weather day here in Chicago today. Yesterday was hot and almost 85 and today I think it's like 72 and windy, I have sweats on! Crazy!!! But-- it's beautiful either way. I am happy either way. What are your plans this weekend?? Enjoy the babble-on-a-thon below. I'll be back tomorrow. 

New. Better. Repeat.

Hey People! What's my title about? "New. Better. Repeat."? That's the new focus here on my blog and the new focus in my life. Every day I'm focused on and DOING IT-- making things BETTER--- usually by doing NEW THINGS or incorporating new habits-- and then REPEATING this mantra and philosophy daily. You don't just change a habit once. You don't just decide to do something once and then BAM you are a new person-- this is a life thing. And certainly-- at age 44 I am still learning. And yet, every time I turn a corner and have this awakening of what's been WRONG-- it's exciting, because it really is an opportunity to make things NEW AND BETTER.

So-- I'm back. I'm committing to blogging a minimum of 3x a week, ideally 5. I'm going to share abou the NEW AND BETTER approach. I'm going to share more about the great stuff going on with my FitFluential world-- because hello-- being a "fitness blogger" and connecting with all of you is why I founded this company. And we are changing things up for the better as we go GLOBAL this year-- so you, if you are not a blogger or YouTuber, you can join in and get PERKS GALORE. That sounds cool to me right? No one will want to turn down deals, discounts, giveaways, special secret events and new stores opening up in their area......yup, we will be all about exclusive perks and events and FUN FITNESS MADNESS.

So my goal is to share more with you of what I'm doing to change my body but also my LIFE -- for balance right?? How to take care of myself better so I can do all things better. I'm going to incorporate some input here from Michael too so you can ask him questions on my training and potentially on his tips and pointers for you if you'd like. We'll be shooting a ton of great videos on training and cooking and just being nerdy about being healthy and all that. ;-)

SOUND GOOD??

So, let me start off with some previews of what I'm loving and using right now.

Amia -- The Almighty Vest. LOVE the name alone. 

The folks at AMIA sent me this- I chose this option and I think you'd agree, these products are very cool. Check out the full line at their site by CLICKING HERE. I used to say a while back that I would not use shapewear because, well,  I thought if you got in shape you didn't need it. Well, after a few of my friends showed up in some fantastic dresses like right after having a baby looking all sleek and sexy I asked them what they were doing and each of them said somethinga about wearing shapewear underneath, even when they are at their goal weight. I rethought things and have since reconsidered my attitude. And frankly-- as I've lost weight, the area that I still have the most leftover weight to lose is the middle/core area. What I like about this vest is that you can wear your own bra under it-- I don't know about you but sometimes the other options when they have a bra it just doesn't fit or the straps don't pull the girls UP enough. I DIG this option. Have you used shapewear in the past?? Thoughts? 

The folks at Gaspari Nutrition sent me and Michael a ton of awesome product to try out. Kids, I gotta tell you. I am impressed. The above Myofusion protein shake- mixed with water alone is SO FREAKING GOOD-- Cookies and Cream hello?? Lo cal, lo carb and yum. Michael-approved. And the Peanut Butter Cookie is equally yum. I think Michael has stolen some of my pre-workout amino goodies but he's addicted to all the manly muscle beast products they sent him-- we'll share his take on that in a future post maybe this weekend. Oh and then, let me tell you about THESE BAD BOYS Holy SMOKES these are beyond yummy: 

I about died when the people at Lenny & Larry's sent me this package-- ok you know some "cookies" and bars can be packaged nice but really, they taste like your car bumper with fake frosting on it. Not these-- they are outrageously good. Personally I'd go for the Muscle Brownie vs the cookie strictly for the fact that I'd love this for an afternoon snack daily and the 20g of protein appeals to me. SERIOUSLY A TREAT. SERIOUSLY TASTY. I WANT IT EVERY DAY. I am not lying. Not exaggerating. Get you some. 

See people??? The muscles are being fed!! And really-- it's sad to say this but it's like the whole month of April plus this week with dental emergencies (more on that later) - my training has taken a HIT. Sick before vacation remember?? Then I had strep throat then got sick 2 days after the antibiotics then went to the Urgent Care- walking pneumonia!! Then I'm finally feeling better like 2 weeks later and on Friday my blasted tooth breaks off-- TWO ROOT CANALS on Tuesday night! DANG!! But-- that's only gonna make me work harder!!

THAT'S RIGHT!

Last Tuesday, Miss Amy and I drove up to MEQUON, WI to attend the unveiling of KOSS new headphones designed for women with Dara Torres above. She is so awesome- you all know I'm a fan of hers, have read her books and just love her drive. She shared a bit about the new headphones here:

The girls got to do a spin class with Dara and I swear-- I really want to do spin this year and I WILL. It's new. It's better. I will do it-- check it out -- have you done spin yet?? Love or hate it??

I've found it very cool that so many brands are finally paying attention to how important headsets are for fitness fanatics-- who doesn't workout with music?? And I personally in the past could NEVER EVER FIND headsets that fit my ears.......this is the set that Dara helped design and the price point is about $29 if I am correct you can buy at KOSS.com or at Walmart.

I'm all about trying new fitness workouts too people. And even......yes, dance. I met Ilyse Baker at the Reebok event last year and she is a saucy fun lady I tell you this. I always said I am too uncoordinated for group choreography but DANGIT maybe it's the Turbofire that's gotten me juiced to try new fun stuff and stop worrying so much about being perfect in a class. Ilyse sent me this DVD to try and how fun is THIS???

Adore her and Yea, Imma get my groove on. In private first. ;-)~

Now-- here is one of my last vlog babble-on-athons-- we'll be up to date shortly!

Now-- my workout today was Les Mills Combat followed by a run- it's warm out finally in Chicago!! Tonight I'm doing Legs with Cathe Friedrich -- one of the Xtrain workouts which I love. What's your favorite workout right now??

How to crush CAN'T, DON'T AND WON'T

OH SNAP. This is embarrassing that it has been two dang weeks since I last posted. But you know what--- people-- I have a lot to share. I've been sick, yes. And this morning I spent 2 hours at the DENTIST overcoming my FEAR and anxiety about doing that.....and so, with all this sickness/craziness of late, and all of the work I've been doing personally on getting my LIFE in order (better organization, for improved productivity-----attacking things head on and changing a lot of how I approach each day and each week.....don't worry, I will share all of this with you because it's exciting to see that as I implement these changes and incorporate new habits and use new tools.....I'm enjoying life and work more.....that's how we become more effective in all we do.) --- I thought about writing this post. I was just taking a minute outside on my deck to breathe and take a break from the office and once again, I was about to put off writing this post and I said HELLZ NO KO, GET IN THERE AND DO IT, WE HAVE REMOVED "CAN'T WON'T AND DON'T"!!!

Here's the thing. Me going to the dentist. I've avoided that experience like the plague for YEARS. That's absurd. I'm a grown woman. Behaving like a kid hiding under the table. That's not gonna cut it. So I go to the dentist and in my head I finally said "What's the WORST CASE SCENARIO.....???" and you know what, like everything, the worst case scenario is not that bad. Yea, I have a lot of work to get done but I feel much better about it and by July I will be looking back on this going HOW DUMB THAT I WAITED THIS LONG.

I've been SCARED and full of anxiety about the dentist and I've PLAYED INTO THAT FEAR. I've fed that fear. And that fear grew. People that's what we do-- we make things FAR WORSE than they usually are. ATTITUDE CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING. Facing things can be AMAZING. When you conquer that scary thing, guess what, you'll suddenly attack a whole bunch of other things.

I am DONE with sentences that rely on CAN'T DON'T AND WON'T. Like:

1. I can't blog! I just don't have time! If I do that, I won't get other things done. 
2. I can't run, I have breathing problems. I just can't run.
3. Oh yea....I don't do group classes, I can't get the choreography.
4. I don't want to go to the dentist. I don't have time. I can't afford that much work.

WHAT ARE YOU SCARED OF?? People. Dig down--- when you find yourself making excuses DIG DOWN and be honest with yourself and when you find that you are SCARED or fearful or doubtful YOU GET UP ON THAT AND CRUSH IT.

Are you with me?? I've said it before. I've done it before. But, now....it's really time. Amy B is back and she and I are initiating a 30 day challenge. I said I would post my blogs a minimum of Monday/Wednesday/Friday every week. I might surprise us all and do more-- but if you want to start making changes in your personal, professional and fitness life-- sweeping changes for the better-- JOIN ME cuz it's on. I have a ton to share and if I am loving my life this much more daily- I want you to do the same.

Now-- here's an overdue vlog, I think I have maybe 7 to catch you up on! DANG!

Take CARE of yourself.

Hey People! Guess what?? All that sick talk wasn't just talk. I have "walking pneumonia" apparently. Good times. NOT. And they put me on Biaxin which is pretty much the worst experience EVER as far as side effects-- seriously the side effects are worse almost than the illness. But-- that said, I'm taking it slloooowww. Was in bed - after being at Urgent Care on Sunday for three hours, yes three hours-- all day Sunday, Monday and part of today. I am on the mend but dang these side effects are ridiculous. Just wanted to pop in and say....I'll be back. In the mean time, get caught up here with my ramble-on-a-thons:

Do it YOUR WAY. Just do it.

I can't even begin to make enough excuses for not blogging this week. And I am rather embarrassed to say that I was ....drumroll, wait for it, wait for it.....sick again! WTH!!! Did someone slip me a vat of bacteria or what?? Out of the blue-- AFTER finishing the full dose of antibiotics for strep throat and feeling 100% better-- a few days later- this past Sunday it hit me-- dry dry dry sore throat with a raging cough. That's it. Nothing else. But as of THURSDAY I still had it. At that point Michael was all like ARE YA GONNA GET SOME COUGH MEDICINE? This is how my weeks can fly by people. Seriously. Suddenly it's Thursday. Cue the sad music and everyone feel sorry for me. ha not really.

So it's Saturday-- I will catch you up, I have still worked out this week although I have missed a couple evening sessions due to the clamp on my throat. I did LEGS on Tuesday and holy hell I BROUGHT IT.

So yea Leg Day was Tuesday and as of Friday it still hurt to get out of bed. AND I LOVED IT.

How AWESOME is this tank top that the kind folks at StrongerRX sent me?? Seriously- you have to check them out -- CLICK HERE for their site. We got some of the "Man UP" shirts for my manfriend- stay tuned for pictures. ;-) And in case you were wondering if I have some kind of attraction to black and pink, I think you are right. Exhibit A:

These are the gloves I bought - the weighted ones to do my kickboxing DVDS with (hey, it's ripping up the arms people. get you some!!) And then...

OH SNAP. PINK AND BLACK  VALSLIDES. YEA, SHE DID. CLICK HERE TO GET YOU SOME. Folks I'm not lying, y'all know Val is a friend of mine but these babies can do sooooo much for your ABS AND CORE AND BOOTIE you are insane to not buy them. Heck you should buy like 3 pair- one for home, one for gym, and one for travel. There. I don't make any money from suggesting this people-- they are just killer and Valerie has ways of making up moves on them that will make you curse at her so loudly......

OOPS. I did it again. Pink hat, Pink Under Armour outdoor thingy. Yea. I did it. And now, here's one of my last vlogs IN MORE PINK- actually it was the same day as the picture above....tying it all together for ya. Get your blankie and pacifier now- it's time to fall asleep. 

Disclosure: Va;lerie Waters is a friend of mine and is on my Board of Advisors at FitFluential LLC, but I am not compensated for recommending her products. She's just fabulous. Under Armour is a client of my company, FitFluential, and I was sent the jacket that I mention and wear. Stronger RX is a client of my company, FitFluential and they sent me the items in the photo above. All opinions on my blog are 100% my own.

Trust the process.

Happy Saturday people! Is it cold where you are? Let me tell you how much I want to be in Miami right now. A LOT. Last night and yesterday we had SNOW and HAIL. What's up with that? Anyway...... I shot 3 vlogs today- yes three, all around 10 minutes yayaya! Anyway-- I found myself a bit upset this week -- and for good reason. In the course of two days, the scale showed a 4lb gain. WTH!!! Now, I'm wise enough to know that this is not really something that will stick- it could be any number of things and -- our weight can fluctuate 5lbs or more each day, that's the truth. But...it's not easy to see that. So part of me was --- doing what I've done in the past. Getting down. Wanting to feel sorry for myself, pout and .....NOT DO THE WORK. BE easy on myself. You might not be consciously THINKING THAT when you get down in the dumps but that's really what is happening- you want to coddle yourself and baby yourself but what you need to do-- what got me THIS FAR --- is to trust the process. 

SERIOUSLY. This is one of the biggest attitude checks that has helped me. When you see something you don't like in the mirror or on the scale or when you try on your clothes-- you can't take some pill or do ONE THING in ONE DAY to fix it. Just remember- as long as you are MOVING MORE and eating BETTER -- you are making deposits in your fitness bank account. IT WILL GROW. But you gotta step off and let it happen. Keep making deposits. Trust the process. Stop watching the pot on the stove waiting for it to boil. DO THE WORK. Trust the process. It happens.

Yea. That's a whole lotta pink in one video isn't it? But I am rather pleased with that windbreaker jacket that Under Armour sent me. And I am excited to do more RUNNING again. I really enjoy running and for me- running with no PROGRAM or plan. I don't care about marathons and such, I just like to run and wow I like that feeling in my legs and people-- it works your glutes. Just SAYING.

What's your workout plan for this weekend??? Just make sure you.....SWEAT EVERY DAY. IT'S WORTH IT-- AND IT'S ADDICTING. 

DISCLOSURE: Under Armour is a client of my company FitFluential LLC but all opinions here are my own. (Hello I've been an UA fan for YEARS as y'all know!)

Make your best BETTER. Yes you CAN.

Here's the thing people. This evening I did something that has been-- as many things have been in the past-- on my MIND but not in my daily ACTIVITY. In other words it was another idea that I had every desire and intention to do.....but didn't.

DESIRE AND INTENTION. They are nice ingredients but they don't make a recipe. Any recipe for success needs ACTION. You gotta take your DESIRE and your INTENTION and design your plan (and you'll make MANY MANY PLANS and put many of them in action-- that's the point about the "Make your best better" that I'm driving toward.....) and then ACT ON IT. If you don't EXECUTE on your game plan it's just another WISH.

WISHING IS FOR WIMPS AND WANNABES.

So what is this epic thing that I did this evening? I actually added my workouts on my business calendar online. CRAZY RIGHT?? Notsomuch. But it's crazy because I realized as I came home from hot yoga last night-- basking in the glow of an intense session and realizing how much I love having that in my life (can I tell you about the DOMS today?? Whoa.)-- I realized that I had IN MY MIND said I'd be at X class on Friday at X time....and because it's not on my calendar, I scheduled a meeting at that time. So it ruined my plan. Pretty simple-- I need to schedule my workouts. PUT IT ON THE CALENDAR. Too many times I get to that point where I need to fit in X workout at the end of the day and 1) I'm annoyed because it's late and I know the gym is crowded and I will NOT get my training done in the manner I want to because of the crowds, so I end up half-assing it at home or 2) I miss a class like in the example above or 3) I'm trying to do cardio too close after eating and then my workout SUCKS.

FAIL TO PLAN-- PLAN TO FAIL. 

I'm done with that. Next week starts my first week where all workouts are blocked out on my work calendar. It's all about prioritizing-- chunking up that time and chunking up your priorities-- when you make time for yourself-- then the time that you DO devote to your work, you feel less bitter about it because there is a time for everything.

"A Garden Is Never Finished." One of my favorite quotes. Think about it-- you are a garden and you can ALWAYS get better in every way. I've come a long way the first few months of this year. But I'm not satisfied with staying put. I have more to accomplish and I can be BETTER. Watch me.

Start thinking about all the things you THINK you can't do. Remember-- I always thought I couldn't run. Um-- I just didn't know how to breathe during a run. Now I LOVE to run. I thought I didn't like yoga until I took a class. Holy crap. I'd go to hot yoga 2x a day if I could. And there are poses that I suck at CURRENTLY but let me tell you-- now I know-- inevitably I WILL do them. I WILL do crow. I will do half moon on my own. I WILL.  WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO THAT YOU'VE TOLD YOURSELF IN THE PAST YOU CAN'T?WHAT ABOUT - WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TRY THAT YOU HAVEN'T DONE YET?? I want to do a SPIN class. I want to rock climb. I want to bike more outside.....there are a ton of cool things we can do -- and that's how we get in shape too. Bonus.  

Here's my ramble-on-a-thon from last week. Of course my new goal with this new scheduling thing is to also schedule my WRITING OF MY BLOG. and all my new vlogs will be under 10 minutes!! woooo

Suck it up buttercup. You got this.

Why am I putting this picture up? What does this dorky selfie of me in my cowboy hat have to do with anything?

It has everything to do with it. This is me being HAPPY in my own skin- PROUD of myself and EXCITED about the future- after turning 44. I feel like I'm just beginning the best part of my life. And I'm coming out of a time where I did nothing but doubt myself and beat myself up every day.

And now-- I'm transforming from the inside out. Every HOUR. Every day. Every week.

How many workouts did I do the first quarter of 2013? Close to 160. That's right. How many times out of all those times did I WANT TO WORKOUT? Hmmm maybe 50%. 

I sucked it up. I got OVER the scale hating my guts. I got over my fear of everyone thinking "OH Kelly is gonna fail, she's been talking about these goals for 2+ years!!" I showed up. I didn't quit. I kept going. And guess what???

RESULTS SPEAK LOUDLY. This is my Facebook status from earlier this week- after I got on the scale and it showed a 1.4lb GAIN in one day-- think about that-- I was pissed!!! And then I thought--- take your measurements and compare to the first measurement you recorded (not on January 1, 2013 mind you-- the first measurements are from last year):

BAM PEOPLE! Hard work pays off! Just compared my measurements today to the beginning and I have lost: 1/2 inch off my chest (gone down a whole bra size ladies), 3 inches off of my waist, 3.75 inches off my upper hips, 4 inches off middle hips (I measure in 3 places from below waist, a bit lower then right around the BUTT), 4 inches off lower hips/butt area, 2 inches off upper thighs (that horrid saddlebag area we hate ladies) and 1/2 inch off my lower thigh, above the knee. And let me tell you- the scale MOVES SLOW FOR ME PEOPLE but the body is changing. DON'T QUIT!!! Just start and TRUST THE PROCESS!! Q2 it's ON!!!!!!! BOOOOOOOOOOYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAA.

That's right. If I can do this and change EVERYTHING ABOUT MY MINDSET and thus change my results and my future-- and I STILL AM-- you can too. If you want to join me and start changing your life-- stay tuned. Because I want to spread this feeling to everyone. I want to get YOU proud of yourself, and changing your life. It is NEVER TOO LATE. You've GOT THIS. (thank you Danielle for getting that phrase in my head). 

My life is different now. My friend Sherry had a blog (which she needs to revive cough cough) called "I Define Me". And guess what-- that's it. I now define what is successful, what is my best workout approach-- I do what I love, what makes my mind and body feel amazing. No one defines what is beautiful more than me for me. I AM BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. PERIOD. I can safely say that I've never felt more beautiful than right now. And when you feel beautiful and you are beautiful-- BOTH on the inside and out-- you spread that vibe to others. And beautiful things happen.

My LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL.

Are you with me?? Do you want to push aside all the doubts and fears and insecurities that you've let SINK YOU in the past?? Do you want to EXCEL?? Do you want to WOW YOURSELF?? YOU'VE GOT THIS.

If you want to change things up-- NOW IS THE TIME. If you want to take things up a notch with me-- then tell me in the comments below. Ladies-- FitFluential is also joining forces with Under Armour for "What's Beautiful" and I freaking LOVE this message because it sums up how I feel about myself and how we all need to change our views about ourselves and treat ourselves BETTER-- I saw this Dove ad last night and it made my just about cry--- LET'S CHANGE THINGS people. I'm changed. I want to help others see that they can change. And I'm not finished. I'm just getting started.

Does this not totally ring true?? We treat others with respect and appreciation but not ourselves. TIME TO TURN THAT AROUND. Each and every one of us is greatness. You were born with that. Time to own it.

Yup. I finally do. I finally DO look up to myself. It's time for y'all to dive in and do the same. Are you in?? Now please enjoy another ramble-on-a-thon from Aunt Kelly.

Disclosure: Under Armour is a client of my company, FitFluential. However all of my opinions shared here are my own.

CHANGE. It's not a four letter word.

What's up people?? Happy Saturday! Yayayyaa I am feeling better THANK GOD!! I had a killer workout this morning-- yup, pulled out one of my new favorites from Cathe's Xtrain. Tabata. OMG. And yes, this upcoming week I will be doing more of the Xtrain weight DVDs-- so stay tuned.

Anyway, I do feel a little flabby and out of this week from being sick and not hitting the weights but that means next week IT'S ON. Time to crush it. I mean NAIL IT. You guys in??? That's right- the first two weeks of this month it's like the devil is trying to push me down with Aunt Flo right after my birthday then getting strep throat but NO WAY YOU CAN'T STOP THIS. ;-)

Now, I am off- have errands to run this afternoon and I should really make my point before I close.

So what is today's point? CHANGE-- IT'S GOOD. People remember this saying-- if you have something about your life, your job, your relationship, your body-- something you don't like and want to improve on-- remember that IF YOU CHANGE NOTHING- NOTHING WILL CHANGE. And change is FUN. Convince yourself that it is fun. I enjoy truly enjoy all the new stuff I am doing. One of my new BIG BIG GOALS and big focus for Q2--- is -- yea, reaching my total weight loss/fat loss goal but I want abs. ABS. Yea, we all talk about it. But It's time to make that happen. I finally like what I see when I'm naked and looking in the mirror. I want this midsection CARVED UP. And to do that, I have to change. I have to amp up my workouts and tighten up and change the diet. IT'S ON. Stop looking at what you are "missing" and look at what you get to enjoy which is a lot. Do you know how excited I am every morning to have my coffee??

Yea. I cannot get enough of these mugs from The Universe Knows. Seriously I want every single new one that comes out. hmmm I just got an idea. I think we should do a contest with them where we have people suggest new mantras to include on a future cup.  And..now they have burnout tees in addition to the sweatshirts-- people--- get you some inspiration from them. I love the Zen.

Our new burn out tees are super soft, super comfy and super inspirational

(Disclosure-- I am an affiliate partner at The Universe Knows so I do earn commissions if you purchase via my links. #justsayin)

And CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE to change your LIFE and your view on all the CHANGE in your new life.

In Sickness and in health.

Photo Source

Hello Kittens. Yes. It's been a heck of a week. Monday, my mom had her lumpectomy surgery- finally! It went well although the hospital was running hours behind all day so it was a long day- for her especially of course. But she had a great procedure and now it's just radiation for 6 weeks and DONE. Thanks so much for all of your well wishes and prayers. It matters! And she thanks you.

That said-- ODD as heck- I left the hospital on Monday evening and on the way home could feel myself getting a sore throat and I'm all like OHHHHHHHHHHH NO YOU DON'T. (And then I'm like, "aren't I always saying how I never get sick"?? yeaaaa) Well suffice it to say by Monday night we thought (well Michael thought because he knows medical things and such) I had strep throat- woke up Tuesday morning with my lymph nodes swollen like I had 2 necks inserted inside my throat-- and could barely swallow-- went to doctor and yes I HAVE STREP THROAT. Dang! I mean, DANG!!! I am so annoyed. But it makes me appreciate my health and I cannot complain about strep throat when people all around like my mom are dealing with serious health issues.

So I have been attempting to stay in bed -- I did so yesterday-- started antibiotics yesterday afternoon-- and THOUGHT I'd wake up today 50% better. I am so impatient. I realize this. I was not 50% better. In fact it still felt like I had an extra neck inside of my throat. And then-- I WORKED TODAY. Til like 5pm. DANG girl. So it is almost 8pm and I am going to take some sleepy medication and go to bed early. I do feel like the 4 pills I've taken now mayyyyy be kicking in so tomorrow I can WORKOUT. Michael said I shouldn't push it today. I'm mentally wanting to do it but physically knowing I don't really have the energy. Pisses me off. Sometimes we have to be smart and respect our body and what it needs. RIGHT? But let me tell you it is amped up and ON when I start tomorrow (hopefully)-- we have stuff to accomplish in Q2.

Here is my part 2 vlog from a couple of days ago- it's a blur people. The past few days are a blur. I'll be back tomorrow. Watch out. ;-)

Playing games is fun.

Happy Sunday people! How is your weekend? Mine is good, although I slept in like a BOSS today. DANG. Although I clearly needed it, I really don't like waking up at 10am. I feel like so much of the day is gone. Anyway----  I have only a little time before I head out but wanted to get my blog up (remember, it's not THAT big of a deal, the things we think we don't have time for.....). The title of today's post is "playing games is fun" and I say that because I feel as if a lot of what I do with getting my mindset right and staying motivated (so many of you write asking how I stay motivated) is playing games with myself. Or, as I shared before, implementing daily rituals that just become....habit. Some of these are to create new habits and some are to bring back old habits I've somehow let go of.

One of my old habits is yes, getting used to just IGNORING ridiculous people in your life or on the outskirts of your life. Sometimes, we all can give a bit too much attention to what others say to us or about us but really-- once you wrap your head around the idea that YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER OTHER PEOPLE and that for the most part--- the haters are typically just bitter angry morons with a life that is lacking, and so they spend their days and hours obsessing about others who are actually doing something with their lives and making the world a better place. I mean really, what would 2013 be without my instagram photos of my morning Starbucks?? This is deeply meaningful stuff. ;-) But really=== YOU WILL NOT CHANGE THE MINDS OF OTHERS -- those that jokingly mock your diet and workout efforts or say bs like "oh it's all downhill after age 30!!" hahahaa-- they will keep saying stupid stuff like that. LEARN TO IGNORE AND NOT CARE. It becomes easier and you'll realize-- how others feel about you and toward you== THAT'S ON THEM. Not on you. Not your job to change it. Not your job to adjust your life to fit their moronic ideas of success. IT'S ON THEM. 

Yup-- I used to always think about -- in my personal life, my professional life and my fitness life-- all the things that could go wrong instead of how awesome it would be, no will be when I DO do the things I want. I'd look at workout dvds and write them off immediately because they were "too hard for me" - um, clearly I'm all over that now and enjoying a ton of fun new workouts. And do you think years ago I EVER EVER EVER thought I'd found a company and quit my job?? And that it would be a success let alone EXPLODE like FitFluential has??? HECK NO but let me tell you -- SUCCESS BREEDS MORE SUCCESS. JUST START. START. START START. Stop doubting yourself! 

The only way to fail is to quit. So--bringing all of this back to playing games--- I do some really dorky mind games with myself. I implement these "fines" for myself that have to do with MOVEMENT-- for example when I'm learning a new set of moves on a DVD or if I am OUT OF BREATH and have to pause my DVD in the midst of Cathe's Tabata-- I have told myself I have to do this fine of 8 sets of 8 high knee runs before I start again. Why? No idea. It's fun though. And when I make my coffee in the morning, after my morning cardio-- I tell myself the same thing, while the oats are cooking and the coffee is brewing I will MOVE around-- and then I use that time to see how many calories I can burn in a few extra minutes. Dorky game but hey, it's helping my body not hurting it.  Now that I bought some new weighted gloves for my Turbofire workouts-- the set I bought at TJ Maxx came with a weighted ball. So I decided a new game I'm adding to my day is to put that 6lb weighted ball by my bed and every night before bed now I'll do some wood choppers and plank holds-- that pink ball by my bed is a visual reminder to add a little something to my day. IT WORKS FOR ME.

Do you play any ridiculously dorky but effective mind-games like I do? Do tell. ;-)

Time to take it UP several notches!

What's up people? Yea. I owe another apology for not blogging like a good girl - but I did take some time off, on purpose and well, yes. I was crazy busy end of last week and early this week. It's now Thursday and it's my first relatively normal day all week.

That said, I promised to do a post that shared with you all what my "program" was the past 90 days-- my workouts, my eats, my supplements-- and then share with you the goals for THIS quarter because IT'S ON.

So. Here's the thing. It feels AWESOME to be so proud. I am psyched. I am proud. I am ready to build on what I've started. I have to tell you all-- DON'T THINK THAT YOU CAN'T. I just turned 44 and I am really feeling better about myself NOW than I have in probably my whole adult life. THAT IS AMAZING.

DISCLOSURE: I am not a doctor. I am not a certified personal trainer or a dietitian. I am only sharing what I have been doing to get the results that work for me-- I am not recommending or telling any of you to do anything or buy anything or try anything that you haven't researched on your own. This is just me sharing my journey-- NOT me prescribing anything! (sorry, have to be clear)

Supplements:

I use GNC Vitapaks. Although I loathe the process of taking vitamins, I do it daily. The packs make it just so simple.

I use BSN Lean Dessert protein powder to make protein pancakes. It is the best protein powder I've tried for those purposes. I use PB2 to make a sauce for the top-- OMG to die for.

And then y'all know how much I love my Genetix HD -- Prosculpt in the morning before my workout then pills with my post-meal vitamins.

I use the GNC AMP protein for all protein shakes and for making Zucchini Protein Bread NOM NOM. ;-)  What do I eat typically?

1. Meal One-- 1/2 cup oats plus 1 spoon of PB2, scrambled egg whites, Coffee with coconut oil, cinnamon and heavy cream. 
2. Meal Two -- usually some kind of protein (turkey meatloaf 5oz or tilapia or chicken or salmon burger) with a salad and roasted veggies and hummus. Or a salad version of this.
3. Meal Three, Four and Five tend to be strictly protein. I have almonds for snacks or some PB2 if I feel I need something carby-tasting.
4. Not doing fruit right now. But if and when I do it'll be morning/early afternoon and one serving.
5. Lots of water-- was bad on that last month, getting back to drinking a LOT of it.
6. One diet soda a day ;-(

This honestly has NOT been difficult for me. People I did not have ONE cheat day for I think 2 months. No joke. I kicked ass. Oh--- I have sashimi when I go out and seaweed salad. Also do shrimp cocktail in the evenings too. YUMMY.

Workout Plan:

1. Cardio every morning on empty tummy. Was 1/2 hour now more like 45-60 because I enjoy it and am amping it up. Last quarter I did MOST cardio at home-- Les Mills Combat and Turbo Fire (IN LOVE and yes I'd say that has a lot to do with my arms getting as good as they are getting-- sooooooooo much punching and using your arms, it's sick. In a good way.) Also do cardio at night before bed or if I do weight training say at 4pm, I'd do cardio after that for 30 minutes.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Les Mills. And then Chalene's Turbo Fire has blown me away how fun it is. Seriously-- SO FUN, GREAT KICKASS MUSIC AND sweatfest galore like 200000 workouts in this advanced set:

And of course, one of my all time favorites on the planet is CATHE. Um, where do I start, I have about 20 DVDs now, just got XTrain, and now she has 7 new DVDS coming out. And Michael and I were just talking about how annoying it is that we feel like the gym- and when it's crowded or not crowded how that determines our workout SCHEDULE and we hate it. I'm favoring getting back to more workouts at home and inevitably getting a kick butt GYM in my own home when I move. Seriously.

Honestly, I don't know how she does it but Cathe keeps amping up new workouts and they ALL - seriously all of them are incredible. Weight training, step, kickboxing, abs, cardio, circuits, boot camps etc. I will tell you this- get you some Cathe. You will not regret it. 

Workout Plan Contd:

1. Weight Training - isolation type heavy weight training 3-4x a week minimum. Always going hard and heavy and KILLING IT. 

Goals for workout this next quarter. Still doing cardio first thing in the morning. Now the goal is to hit the stairs at the gym 3x a week and run 2-3x a week-- so MIXING IT UP a bit more. I'll do stairs, my home DVDs, and running. Weight training will be hard isolation training mixed in with a couple rapid fire circuit style training days. Just mixing it up every week. Also-- definitely back to doing yoga 2-3x per week and sometimes that would be a cardio #2 option. 

So. I worked. I focused. I honestly was not losing my mind on the "diet" and now we do cheat meals once a week. But I'm not sitting around obsessing about food. REALLY. And....when you get the results, it lights your fire to do more. 

I have lost 15lbs so far!! And I also have gotten over my ridiculous fear of sharing my weight with anyone. Last November when I weighed myself I was significantly MORE than I thought. TYPICAL-- we all think "oh I need to lose 10lbs or so...." when really it's more like 25-30 or a lot more. I was at 155lbs (I'm 5'5 if that helps) -- and that was the weight I'd gained during perimenopause-- where I'd been stuck for 2 years or more. I am now right about 140 but let me tell you-- the changes in my body have been outrageous. The lowest weight I recall myself being was 125lbs -- but back then I did not have the muscle I have now. I'll say this-- ladies.....it sucks a bit......I've gone down an entire bra size. My boobs have like GONE AWAY!! But y'all know that I've wanted a boob job since I was 20 so that's gonna happen this summer. (Judge me if you will. I like fake, immobile boobs)

So-- my goal is to AIM for 125 but frankly, I don't care what the weight is after I've lost the rest of the fat. Most of my fat loss needs to happen in my core area-- clearly I've lost it in my BOOBS, lost a lot in my legs- my butt has become quite lovely I must say-- my arms have leaned out but yea, the area that is last to lean out is my core and that's where women gain weight hormonally later on. LADIES PAY ATTENTION!! 

Dang! Have to put up two vlogs today. Because I am a blogger slacker this week. ;-) Below is me talking about the progress from this past quarter etc. Please let me know in the comments what questions you have for me. And.....let's do this together! COME ON!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

Disclosure: GNC and BSN are clients of my company, FitFluential. I am also an independent Beachbody Consultant so if you purchase products from my site I will earn a commission. All opinions shared here are my own.

Add some frosting to that cupcake.

Hello Kittens!! How is your weekend starting? I'm excited for my next blog post- I will write a summary of the successes of Q1 2013-- all of you are asking what I did, what I ate, what I used for supplements etc. I will map that all out for you with my results and also give you a sneak preview of Q2. Because it's ON. It's time to reach higher, do more. Get faster, leaner, stronger.....JUST BETTER EVERY DAY.

I thought of this very odd analogy (I'm full of them aren't I??) this morning--- and that is the title of this blog post. Add some frosting to that cupcake. Imagine that the cupcake represents your typical workout. The way you get results is not by DOING THE BARE MINIMUM. You get results when you push yourself.

So that means you finish your -- like this morning, I finished my Les Mills Combat workout....and instead of going "Ok that's enough" I decided, I have the ENERGY I have the TIME why not add some frosting to this cupcake?? Who wants a cupcake without frosting anyway??? So I put on my new Under Armour Heat Gear Thermal Hot Pink jacket and -- unplanned-- I went outside for a run. I didn't go for 1/2 hour. I just ran around the perimeter of my neighborhood and that jacked up my caloric burn from 375 to well over 550. BOOYA.

People if you don't get yet that sooooooooooo much of your success is determined by your mindset-- PLEASE GET THAT. It's your mind that you will have to conquer again and again and in my opinion, the more you get used to pulling out the anti-virus software and killing that baaaaaaaaaaddddddd voice inside, the more you will win. 

Now, I am off to help some people MOVE. Yes, I actually enjoy unpacking boxes-- isn't that crazy? Wow. I still remember how long it took me to get out of my last house and how my house was in boxes for close to 8 months while several buyers fell through and kept having to re-do their financing. So glad to be in this next transitionary home....and the next place- is my dream place. That's another story.

And to top things off......if you EVER need a little juice to push you- you all know I have always loved Under Armour's commercials. ALWAYS. Never fails to push me out the door.

ENJOY.

Your own personal anti-virus software

PEEPS. OMG. Yup- put me in the time-out box. Dang. I went to Vegas and disappeared on y'all. Typical! But I will say this, I have a lot of good stuff to share with you that I experienced at the IHRSA show. Wow. So exciting- so many new things coming out from great brands-- old and new. COOLNESS. I'll share more-- I am off to Baltimore tomorrow, returning Friday evening so this is a quickie blog post.

Saw this on Pinterest of course....but....it brings me to the title of my post. And maybe you think you landed on the wrong blog but no -- IT'S JUST AUNT KELLY WITH ANOTHER METAPHORICAL JOURNEY FOR YOU.

One of the biggest things you need to figure out in your fitness journey (in my opinion) is in your mind-- it's how to deal with the stumbling blocks that YOUR MIND will throw down in front of you all the time. ALL THE TIME. It won't stop once you lose 10lbs or 50lbs or when you are 5 pounds from your goal. It won't stop when you reach your goal and are in some kind of maintenance. THIS IS A FOREVER THING THAT YOUR MIND, YOUR INNER EVIL-CHILD will continue to do.....try to get you to quit or give up. 

ACCEPT THAT. Understand that it happens TO ALL OF US. And that is when you need your own PERSONAL ANTI-VIRUS. I was actually reading my Joel Osteen devotional book this morning and he talked about "mentally changing the channel" when you bring up bad things in your past. He uses a lot of analogy/metaphor too in his talks and it works for me big time. Anyway-- he was referring to people that get down on themselves based on their health or divorce or - just bad "stuff" in life and he talked about how when you CHOOSE TO DWELL ON IT, you are choosing to be sad. Mad. Bitter. Angry. etc. You gotta change the channel-- he used the word "delete" and it made me think that all these REACTIONS I've been sharing with you-- how I deal with my own inner Bad Kelly that tells me to give up or give in or "workout tomorrow"-- I deal with her by having my own inner catalog of responses-- think of these as your own anti-virus software......you see where I am going with this???

BAD THOUGHTS, DOUBT, FEAR, INSECURITY- BEING LAZY-- YOUR INNER DEVIL CHILD---- that's a virus. From now on, you see that virus and you pull out your arsenal of anti-virus software.

Sometimes, I just turn on music I love and that gets me so amped, there is no way I'm not working out. Or-- sometimes, I go in my closet and pull out my jeans---I think about not wanting to NOT be able to wear them. Or my bikini or that new sexy whatever that I bought. I think about my little "it's not that big of a deal" or "it IS that big of a deal" mantras.......

See the virus inside of you. And then knock that biotch OUT!!!

Now. Let's cheer up with some positive messaging shall we-- did I talk yet officially about my obsession with The Universe Knows?? SERIOUSLY. Check this out.

I can't tell you how dorky and giddy I get when I see my coffee cup every morning. It helps me get my Zen on. Others love their notebooks and apparently their best sellers are the soft hoodies-- I love them all but I am ALL ABOUT THE MUGS. And.....Aunt Kelly got you a discount!!

Yes-- full disclosure, they did send me some mugs but I also went out and bought like a TON and have bought them as gifts and will continue to do so. Just love this company and the message and I told them that I had to share them with the FitFluential world and all of y'all-- do you love? Use the coupon code FITFLUENTIAL for 10% off! BOOYA! 

Now. I really must run- gotta pack and get some CARDIO IN!! Even though I don't "feel like it" It's ON!!!!!!!!!!  

What happens in VEGAS....

What happens in Vegas ends up on my blog. ;-) I'm out here all week for IHRSA 2013 convention- wow. So excited about this one- the official opening of it all is tomorrow so stay tuned for a lot of updates on the latest and most fantastic fitness finds. In the mean time, leave it to me to take ridiculously dorky photos in my hotel bathroom like above. I'm telling you people I did NOT feel like working out this evening. AT ALL. Maybe I am a bit jet lagged, I don't know but I was NOT. FEELING. IT. AT. ALL. Started some cardio and instead of being my usual YES YES YES I LOVE THIS self, I was all like WHAT AM I DOING, THIS BITES!!! Yea, me. So that little bad Kelly voice inside me was starting to whisper "don't workout. Take it easy-- double up tomorrow -- give yourself a break" and then I thought HOW ABOUT I GIVE MYSELF A BREAK IF I'M IN THE HOSPITAL??? I grabbed my resistance bands and just made up a killer Shoulder and bicep workout that tore UP my upper body. And I'm telling you this at the risk of sounding outrageously cocky and superficial at the same time-- perhaps the mirror in my hotel room is a skinny mirror but as I busted out my moves and was checking out my upper body in the mirror- I cannot lie I was all like 'DAYUM GIRL". yea. I said it. Don't judge me. 

I started the day right-- with my Genetix HD Prosculpt. So addicted to it- not sure if it is just because it is blue. I packed my goods!! 

Then I did my morning cardio- Les Mills Combat which never ceases to fire me up.

Then I ordered breakfast- an egg white omelet and coffee which took about 16 hours to arrive. #fail -- yes, I packed my coconut oil and cinnamon and vitamins!

AND my oats and measuring cup and shaker cup BAM!

Then I met Miss Valerie Waters for lunch and we went to walk the trade show floor but it wasn't open yet. GRRR -- people this is the first time I have walked around a conference in my workout clothes! It was kind of weird but also most excellent -- because it meant I was comfortable in more ways than one. And...I bought myself an early birthday present......how could I not? These have my name written all over them. 

And now Aunt Kelly has to get to bed. Because I am old and tired. ;-) And lame and no, I don't go out clubbing or partying it up in Vegas. I just buy sparkly things. Enjoy this ramble-on-a-thon about my serious haul from the fabulous Under Armour folks. LOVE. I wore this top today and had like 5 people stop and ask about it.