GOBBLE GOBBLE...I'm challenging YOU.

Another Sunday has approached and my second full work week begins bright and early tomorrow at 5am. My body is back in the swing of waking up and killing my workout before work which I believe I will never let go of because I truly feel better, more awake, and accomplished before some people's day even starts. I have completed month one of Chalene Extreme, the Burn phase and phase two, Push begins tomorrow! I improved throughout the entire month and it slowly but surely has improved my mind too.  I am so thankful that I did not quit coaching. I have been reconnecting with my team this week, listening to recorded coach calls and team BeachBody calls on my commute to work and I am feeling that drive and passion I remember feeling so vividly.  

So, the question is WHAT NEXT? I feel like I need to just GO GO GO! But I need to step back for a moment and think to myself, "what made me want to be a coach in the first place (besides the awesome discount)?" The answer is simple, I wanted to help and touch other people's lives.  So what better way to do that than to start a Challenge group right in time to counter the holidays that are based on a lot of family, FOOD, and fun.  The winter blues and common lack of food control and physical activity that happens to so many people, me being one of them last year, can be directly combatted with commiting to a 90 day challenge to keep you accountable. I WISH I had that last year during the holidays so that I would have been accountable for my workouts and would have remained mindful of my eating during the holidays. I am in NO way saying that you should not indulge during the holidays, HELLO Thanksgiving is my all time favorite holiday and you better damn well believe I will enjoy it, BUT I am going to be conscious and mindful of my food and enjoy each bite rather than cram as much food as possible into my stomach to the point of no return from the couch. 

So do you want to stay accountable, be supported, have a laid out workout regimen, and one meal a day that you know you can feel good about during the holiday months--Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas/Chanukah? Then you should talk to me about joining my Gobble Gobble Winter Challenge Group.  I am here for you and want to help you feel good like you should at family gatherings rather than feeling guilty or like you have lost control.

message me, call me, skype me. I want to talk to you however you want to talk to me :)

Peace&Love
Sarah

.. and the verdict is..

So what is the verdict after my mini freak out about what to do, whether to stay a Beachbody coach and recommit myself to succeed or to call it quits... I have decided to..


DUM DUM DUM......


COACH. Was there really any other decision? I don't want to quit when I KNOW in my heart I can do this and make it work.  When I was in it and committed I started to not only see incredible physical results, a change in my mindset and way of life, but also my business began to grow. So what changed this, OLD HABITS. I got back in the pattern of my "college" life as I would like to say of partying too much, sleeping too little, and eating like... CRAP. Old habits completely flip-flopped not only how much progress I had made in my body but I noticed my mood and feeling of self worth and confidence slowly begin to diminish.  That is not what I want, I know what I want, I made it very clear to myself when I started this journey.  I put in SO much work during Insanity with myself and my business and I just let it go by the wayside for what? I am on week 3 of Chalene Extreme and I have that feeling of self empowerment, and the confidence is creeping back in. After chatting with a team member and my sister and brother I decided I need to do this. I was so passionate about the company, the workouts, and the supplements and the only thing that changed was my mindset and behavior, but it is back and I need to remember that this is where it needs to stay in order for me to stay mentally, physically, and financially fit. I did say that I was not a huge fan of the new shakeology formula, BUT I am on the panel to help change that, how much more involved can you ask to be, seriously?! I trust this company and I believe in them and I believe in myself, I just need to remember that all the time.

ALSO, I landed a full time job within the first two weeks of moving across the country with essentially no plan AND I am pretty sure I just landed another part time job at a gym that I will possibly be able to use my ACE group fitness certification to teach Turbokick and PiYo at. What else do I need to do to prove to myself that I am competent, I have the ability to conquer and do so much, and I have the drive to help motivate and help others. So life is good for me right now, I am focused, driven, and ready to work my bum off to get where I want to be in order to live the life I was meant to live. 

So thank you to those that reached out to me and helped me work through this decision and see the light. Don't EVER settle or give up on yourself. You deserve everything you want and more! Does that mean it will fall into your lap without putting forth any work or effort, well no DUH, but nothing worth having came easily and that is a lesson I am still learning and understanding.

Peace&love
-Sarah

What would you do? Help?!

This morning I found myself wide awake at 4:30am. For the life of me I could not fall back asleep and my brain would not shut off, does that ever happen to you at an inconvenient time? I started thinking about one specific decision I had made two days prior and it just was not settling well in my stomach and my gut was telling me, "don't do it!" even though I was SO sure of myself when making it.

So what was this rash decision I made that I'm now thinking was made out of fear, frustration, disappointment, and mostly a whole list of excuses....to stop shakeology and stop being a Beachbody coach. I KNOW, wtf was I thinking?! Honestly I do have a lot of logical reasons: $$ is short with a major salary cut in my new job and the move, two coaches under me quit which will move me back down to active from emerald causing me to lose money I was making from the customer lead program, and most importantly my beloved shakeology formula was changed and to be perfectly honest I do not like it! How am I suppose to support and sell something I don't enjoy? Now that's a challenge. Not to mention i have disconnected from my team with all the craziness going on in my life and moved across the country EEK!, BUT I do trust Beachbody, I am still religiously doing Chalene Extreme and Turbofire, and I know they are taking all of the concerns about the new formula seriously. They have even put together a shakeology panel to help fix the taste and formula so that every person is satisfied AND what do you know, I was chosen to be on it.

So today I will try and contact my upline again for some words of encouragement because I need it. I WANT to make this business work because I have seen the success it can bring when you commit to changing your lifestyle and I loved the feeling I received when someone reached out to me and I was able to help them. I want to build a team, which right now seems nearly impossible because I know about four people BUT it also supplies me with endless opportunities of new and fresh faces ready to change their lives.

So the question is.. What would a successful, confident, motivated, and driven person do in this situation?

Quit and save some money and time or work harder, push more, and see what else this company can do for me and others?

What would YOU do?

Mind OVER matter & OWNING the US in the Hydunai.

So... time has FLEW by once again...  Last time I wrote was July 17, EEK! I lost sight of a lot of things between spraining my ankle, having my last day of work, packing up and MOVING out west to Arizona. My nutrition went out the window, building my business went on the side burner, and working on myself seemed less important than spending time with family and friends.  I do not regret spending that extra time whatsoever with the people I love, but I look back and KNOW that I could have made much MUCH better decisions.  I drank a little too much with a celebratory or good-bye dinner every other night and restaurants became too comfortable.  It is amazing how 3 months of hard work and dedication to fitness and nutrition can so easily be swept away with a month of bad habits.  

I could feel how much I emotionally, mentally, and physically was going back to the "before" and I did not like it, not one little bit.  I knew that I had to get my mind back in the place where I love that focuses on staying healthy, being fit, and motivating others to do the same.  How can I preach to join Beachbody and how great it is when for those few weeks I was not leading by example and being a 'Product of the product'? 

So I knew that once the road trip from MA to AZ came to an end (which was amazing and I will talk some about!) I was going to get back into my happy place and whoop my butt back into shape so that I could start to feel like ME again. Monday morning, reality set in, I hoped on the treadmill sweat as much as possible, popped in Chalene Extreme and GOT TO WORK. I am starting week 2 tomorrow and I already feel more like me, more confident, and ultimately happier. I did not want to even be in pictures on our road trip because I knew that I was not looking how I did a short month earlier and honestly I was ashamed. I vow to NEVER allow myself to get back to that mind set again.  MIND OVER MATTER. Always keep your head on straight and remember what makes YOU feel like you and what makes you a happier, healthier, and better person.  When I am living a healthy life, I am happier, more productive, more confident, more energetic, and more likely to walk into an interview and score a job (which I need!!). So week 2 starts tomorrow, along with weigh-in and measuring comparisons from beginning of week 1.  

Arizona is going to bring big challenges as well as new opportunities and adventures.  I can feel that I am meant to be here and I cannot wait to discover what I am meant to do here. 

---Now on another note THE ROAD TRIP!
I cannot put into words how amazing of an experience that week and a half was. Kirstie, the BEST copilot and road trip planner I could have asked for and not to mention amazing friend, and I drove through 17 states, stopped in Charleston, Savannah, NEW ORLEANS, Austin, Roswell, Carlsbad, Tucson, Scottsdale, Sedona, and THE GRAND CANYON all in 11 days, SAY WHAT?! We drove our little butts off and became expert speed tourists, making sure to get the feel of all the cities and enjoy what each one had to offer.  I loved them all and could say each one was my favorite for different reasons. Charleston is GORGEOUS and we got to spend some quality time with Mary, Savannah was our shortest visit but it was such a neat city with the River Walk and I would love to spend more time there, New Orleans was just unreal and I NEED to go back and I will, Austin was super cool and had such an amazing jazz and 'smooth' feel to it, Carlsbad Caves were just unbelievable and breathtaking, and I cannot even put into words how amazing the Grand Canyon was to see.  I could go ON AND ON about all of our major stops because each city had soul and character that made it unique.  If there is one place that I know I NEED to go back to it is 100% New Orleans.  Yes Bourbon Street was unreal and unlike any other club, bar, drinking scene I have ever seen, but it was the city as a whole that makes me want to return.  The shops, THE FOOD, the people, the history, the architecture, it was all so intriguing and I definitely need to see and experience more of it. 

Here are a few pictures from my hundreds I took, Enjoy!!
Peace&Love 
-Sarah

CHARLESTON, SC

RIVER WALK IN SAVANNAH, GA

NEW ORLEANS, LA

AUSTIN, TX

CARLSBAD CAVERNS IN NEW MEXICO

THE GRAND CANYON

What's the best motivator?

Something that constantly comes up in conversations or just during my own thoughts is, MOTIVATION. What is it that keeps some individuals so committed and motivated to goals, whether they are fitness related or not, and what makes it so much more difficult for others.  There are many factors such as self-control, discipline, organization, support, self-confidence, believing in yourself, positive mindset, and I could go on and on, but for me I think the biggest motivator is PROGRESS.  Seeing your muscles look a little bigger or more defined, seeing 1 less pound on the scale, having the tape measure be a 1/2 inch smaller than it was the week before, or being able to do 5 more pushups than you could last time you did the workout... THAT is what makes me keep going.  When you can physically see yourself getting better, stronger, or closer to whatever your goal is it makes you want it that much more because... IT IS IN YOUR GRASP, YOU CAN ALMOST TASTE IT, FEEL IT, GRAB IT...

I have been seeing some major progress in my arm muscles and it makes me want to lift more and do pushups like my life depended on it. I have always wanted nice arms, but never really worked towards them.  ChaLEAN Extreme is doing just that, not to mention adding in Insanity the Asylum. My left arm is finally starting to work towards being as strong as my right because they have always been unbalanced and I can see definition when I flex. My shoulders and back are starting to feel stronger, and I hope soon will begin to look it too. All I know is that I feel stronger than ever and I want MORE MORE MORE.  What better motivator is there to want to work harder and do more?

 My legs have always been my strongest and most defined body part, but never to this level. My quads are hardcore and I love it.  Whoever said skinny was in? I will take strong, lean, and muscular over skinny ANY day, what about you? If you are looking to get lean and want a sure way to get there ChaLEAN extreme is the real deal. I love it. If you know what to do in the weight room then go for it and lift! For me this program works better than doing weights on my own (which I have done in the past and did get stronger) but the difference is that I did the same few exercises and was missing so many key muscles.  This program has it mapped out for me I don't have to think I just have to hit play and lift those weights.

So what is my challenge for you? START WEIGHT TRAINING. Muscle burns fat, everyone wants less fat and muscle is beautiful.  Muscle looks good on everyone and makes you look and feel younger, not to mention look bangin' in a bathing suit.  So whether you prefer going to the weight room at the gym, doing ChaLEAN Extreme, P90X or BodyBeast, going to a CrossFit gym, or just doing massive amounts of pushups.. JUST DO IT!

Peace&Love
-Sarah

LIFE HAPPENS

It has been two weeks too long since I have blogged, sorry! I have been caught up with turning the big 23, July 4 celebrations, Polo Matches, and prepping for my big move! I have never strayed away from my workouts, mixing between ChaLEAN Extreme, Turbofire, Insanity, running, and yogalates, but my nutrition over the last 2 weeks is another story.  During the week I have still been pretty on track but my weekends have been a mess! I was not happy with this, but I know that I have the control and everyone falls of the band wagon a little bit sometimes.  I was in a celebration mode with holidays and birthdays and trying to see all my friends as much as possible before I leave, so I had fun and I am 100% OK WITH IT. If you fall off in your workouts or nutrition, it is not the end of the world because this is a LIFESTYLE, not a diet or a quick workout session.  This is a way of life for me. So what did I decide to do? I jumped back on, restarted ChaLEAN Extreme last week and ordered Insanity the Asylum.  I cannot wait to get it and add it to ChaLEAN.  I probably won't be able to finish the entire 30 days before I leave on my road trip but maybe I'll somehow be able to do it while traveling, now that would be TENACITY right there. 


The major point of this post is that LIFE HAPPENS PEOPLE. Sometimes you miss a workout, sometimes you eat a piece of cake, and sometimes you just want to give up. What do you do? you do NOT feel guilty, ashamed and give in to giving up, you start fresh with the next meal or the next day and you remember that it is a lifestyle, everyday is a chance to be healthy and happy so never think "well I already messed up my workout/eating this week so I'll just restart on Monday." NO!! Start TODAY, NOW, THIS MINUTE. Who doesn't procrastinate, if you say you I don't believe it. It happens to us all, but the only person that putting off being healthy and happy is going to directly hurt is you. So throw on a pair of sneakers, research some new yummy and clean meals, and live the lifestyle you want for yourself.  


For me, I want to be healthy, happy, fit, successful, and live with an abundance of fun and love.  I believe that I will find this through staying healthy and leading others to live their life that way too.  So do you need a jumpstart on your new lifestyle, something to move over a plateau, or you just WANT IN? Then lets do this! Join me and do a 30 day challenge, I would love for you to do the Insanity Asylum with me, but if there is another program you want or already have then lets do that, start with 30 days to create new habits and begin your own journey. 


Message me if YOU want to be held accountable and we can help each other.  I will be there to help you get a program, improve your nutrition, or solely to help you stay on track, while your helping me do the same!


www.SSstyles.com ---- ' call me beep me if you want to reach me ' (Kim Possible from the Disney Channel anyone?!)


Peace&love
--Sarah

Powder Blue Owned My Weekend, and I LOVED it!

As of Sunday I completed my first group fitness trainings in none other than Turbokick and PiYo Strength produced by Powder Blue Productions, Chalene Johnson and her husband Brett's own production company.  I <heart3 Chalene if it wasn't obnoxiously obvious in prior posts now you know. I enjoyed Turbokick before, but now I am a true lover and believer of Turbo and PiYo.  I had been taking Turbokick classes, but taking the trainings, connecting with other people and instructors that are just as passionate, AND learning everything about it brought my appreciation for it to a whole new level.  I was new to PiYo but fell just as in love with that.  


Do you not have any idea what I am talking about? well I'll break it down. Turbokick and PiYo Strength are two separate classes that are taught as group fitness classes at gyms and were created by Chalene Johnson and produced by her own company.  They are SEPARATE from BeachBody's home workouts of hers, TurboJam and Turbofire, but to be truthful they are all amazing and have many similarities.  Turbokick is a unique, super intense, fun kickboxing class fused with dance and ultimately used for people to burn massive amounts of calories in a party like setting.  PiYo Strength sounds like it is a pilates/yoga class, but it is SO much more.  It has strength work such as squats, push-ups, core work, lunges, etc. etc. as well as dance and even some gymnastics mixed in.  Both are upbeat and have the BEST music.  Music is absolutely essential for a good workout, this especially holds true for me and I LOVE the music that has been put together for these workouts.  The latest songs are always on there and they are so perfectly remixed and melted together to make everything flow.


I cannot wait to teach these classes, but first off I need to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!! I did not realize how much went into instructing, I need to learn the choreography, get the cueing down, and gain the confidence to get the class amped up.  I am beyond nervous for the first class, well once I get a job!! But I am also so excited to get started and share these amazing workouts with more people and spread the Powder Blue love!! So everyday I will be doing the same lessons over and over again until I got it down so that I could do it in my sleep and cue without even trying.  


These trainings bring me ONE step closer to reaching my goals.. becoming an APD (area promotions director) for Powder Blue/working for Chalene, having a career that involves my passions, bringing fitness and happiness to others, building my BeachBody business, and continuing to enjoy what I am doing! From here on out I refuse to ever work or do something that does not make me happy and that I do not feel like I am doing something for the greater good, what's the point? I want to be happy, money is not the end all be all, it is VERY important in terms of survival, but I want happiness and that is what I will get while bringing it to other people too.


Are you happy with your life? career? job? self?.. Think about it.


Peace&Love
-Sarah