My 1 year Anniversary!

1 year ago today I started my blog.

1 year ago today I started my fitness journey.

1 year ago today I started Coaching others with their health & fitness.

When I began my journey I wanted to work on myself, get healthier, exercise more, have more energy.

And along with that, encourage others to do the same.

I wanted to help my family. I wanted to be an example.

I also wanted to help to bring in extra income to help out with sudden expenses, pay down debt, be more financially secure. And also take my family on vacations.

Well I am so happy to say that I have done all of these things.

Through hard work and dedication I have been able to have more energy to do it all.
 To take care of my family as a Stay at Home/Working Mom.  With the support of my family.  And all the while doing this only a couple hours in the morning, and while my little guy napped and girls off to school!

I started out drinking Shakeology and exercising to Turbo Fire, and then 21 day fix program.

More about my transformation here

I have also been able to earn some money each month to pay for my Shakeology, plus more.

When I started my goal was to pay for it, and then it progressed.

My first paycheck was $60, it was getting my parents started on their journey.  They both have lost a combined total of 80 lbs. Amazing!

In my first month of Coaching I made $146.88, this helped me to pay for my Shakeology & workout program- my Turbo Fire Challenge pack which helped me to lose my stubborn 10 lbs.

By Month 6 I had made $2,850.26.

And now a year into this I have made $4,707.16 total to date.

My goal was to make $5,000 by the end of 2015, I am almost there!

I have been able to pay for our Disneyland Vacation back in February, Brady's Alaska trip in August, as well as pay for car expenses and help pay down debt. It has felt so great to be able to contribute and have some play money too. We have been able to not feel so strapped like before.

Disclaimer:
Beachbody® does not guarantee any level of success or income from the Beachbody Coach Business Opportunity. Each Coach's income depends on his or her own efforts, diligence, and skill. See our Statement of Independent Coach Earnings for the most recent information on our Coaches' actual incomes.


I can't believe I have been coaching for 1 year today! 

What a fun, rewarding job I have. And to be part of a Team where I have learned so much! I have learned how to set goals, dream big, and help others to be healthy & fit.

I have never been so active in all my life thanks to Coaching and Beachbody programs. And the biggest thing I have noticed are my energy levels. I can get up early- which didn't happen before. And I don't have that afternoon slump where I just want to take a nap!

I run Challenge groups each month. They are fun, motivating and what my participants don't know is that they are inspiring to me when I see and read and hear what successes they have. It keeps me going!

I now not only help myself to stay active, eat healthier, drink more water.  But I have been able to help other Mom's/Dad's to get into shape from home and help those that want to work from home and do what I do, earning extra income, paying for their Shakeology and getting Fit both physically and financially.

I am thankful for this journey. I am thankful for this past year and what I have learned. I can't wait to help more Women/Men. It has been amazing! I am looking for those that want to earn extra income, want to be healthier. I am looking for those that are Ready and dedicated. And I will show you what I have learned! Come join me! It will change your life, just like it has changed mine!

Thanks for checking in,

Melissa

70 superfoods in Shakeology & why I drink it everyday!

I have been drinking the meal replacement 

Shakeology

for almost 1 full year.

And I can't even begin to tell you how this has been the 

best I have ever felt!

I can't wait to be pregnant again with drinking this.

It will be SO NICE to have a pregnancy where I feel better than I ever did.

I crave sugar A LOT during all 3 of my pregnancies, so

I am excited to not crave it as much because I will have my Shakeology!

I want to share with you today about some of the ingredients in Shakeology and why I chose this over other meal replacements.

EVERY SINGLE Ingredient is good for you.  

They are superfoods from all over the world that help aid in some many benefits for your Body!

• I love know that I get in a serving of Veggies everyday from the scoop. It has Spinach, Kale, Moringa, Chlorella, and more. These phytonutrients help support health & vitality.
• Protein- It has 16 grams in each scoop. Helps to build lean muscle and reduce cravings. Your choice of Whey or just Vegan. The ingredients are chia, flax, Quinoa, Pea. In Vegan you have oat and rice.
• Fruit/Antioxidant- Camu-Camu, Goji Berry, Vitamins A,C,E- help fight free radical damage and support a healthy immune system.
• Adaptogen Blend- Ginkgo, Maca & more, help your body to react and respond to the effects of stress.
• Digestive Enzyme- Pre & Probiotic- Yacon Root, Amylase, Cellulase- Help nutrient absorption and support regularity and healthy digestion.

I drink it every morning, and occasionally for lunch if I felt like something else for breakfast. It is part of my everyday meal plan. It starts my day off right so I feel the benefits of this drink throughout the day!

My kids love the shake and I share with them! Especially my little guy- I love his shakeO mustache!

 I drink Shakeology every day because it is yummy, it gives me the nutrients I need in a day, when it isn't always easy to get in good whole food. Especially on busy days and when something comes up or I am faced with not so healthy foods. It gives me energy to keep going through my day as a Busy Mom and not lack in the afternoon when I used to need a nap with my little guy. I get stuff done! It also helps keep me regular. Ha! That's all we will say about that! And it keeps me from craving lots of junk food/sugar. I have eaten less sugar this past year. It feels great!

I get my Shakeology paid for, learn how you can too! Or how you can get it at a discount!

Thanks for checking in,

Melissa

Coaching Webinar

I was on my first ever Webinar sharing all about coaching last night.

It was awesome! I shared my story of how I got into coaching and how it has kept me accountable to my own health & fitness goals as well as inspire and support others in theirs!

Here is the link f you would like to watch it and learn how you can get fit and earn extra money!

It's pretty awesome!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHSFIMvZ3KU 

Have a great day!

Thanks for checking in,

Melissa

My 21 day fix Extreme Results

This workout program is not for the birds. It is tough! But I enjoyed pushing myself, and doing modifications when I needed to.  The 21 day Fix Extreme workout program is a way to push yourself a little harder in your workouts when you are already working out a couple of times a week and used to exercise.  It is also for those that want to tone and shape their body. Workouts are only 30 minutes too which is awesome!

So my goal was to workout 5 days a week, but I averaged 3-4 days a week and just finished my last day of the 21 day program yesterday!  It worked my upper body, lower body, worked my abs, got my heart rate up with cardio, and I did some pilates and yoga for recovery days. Cuz I sure needed them!

My eating healthy wasn't on point, but I did do my best to plan my meals and snacks. 

I love this program and am happy with my results.

Here were my inches lost in just 21 days!

Arms: total of 1 1/2 inches

Stomach: almost 2 inches

Hips: 2 1/4 inches lost

Thighs: almost 2 inches total

I was most excited about my stomach area, I felt more toned in 21 days of working on my core.

My muscles leaned out and most important- I FEEL STRONGER! And I love the change in my arms too! My shirt I wore didn't feel so tight after the 21 days.

I will definetely be doing this program again soon because it really pushed me to work hard!

Join me in my accountability group to keep yourself motivated and healthy!  I know it sure helps me!

Thanks for checking in,

Melissa

 

My Coach- Janell Youngberg's Success Story

I am very excited to share with you a Success Story from my Personal Coach.

I have know Janell for a long time. She was my Young Women's leader growing up.
We reconnected through facebook just this past year and I started seeing her posts about coaching. I wondered what she was doing as a Personal Trainer and decided to ask her about it.

Here is her story in her own words:

"Being a mom is the best job I could ever have and I truly love it! However, as a wife, a mom of 3 busy kids, I felt that I was meant to help and impact more people on this Earth but didn't know how. Don't get me wrong, I was fulfilled being a mother and as my kids went to school I didn't want to get a job because I wanted to be available to attend their games, their field trips, and be involved in their lives. However, I was getting tired of just going through the daily motions of laundry, cooking, cleaning, rinse and repeat.

Even though my husband has never asked or required me to work, I am very independent and I felt his stress of providing for our family. I also was tired of feeling strapped to a budget, not feeling like I could go buy clothes, or let my kids participate in certain things they wanted, or sometimes I just wanted to give more without being tied to our budget.
I have always felt that I was meant to help and impact more people on this Earth but didn't know how. About 5 years ago, I decided to try online personal training and I hired business coaches and spent thousands of dollars, time, energy, and tons of effort with little success and very little income. There were times that I felt taking time for myself or having big dreams was selfish and I felt defeated. As a personal trainer, I have always felt driven to help others get healthy and fit but it consumed my life designing programs, meal plans, & workout routines and I knew it was not healthy for my family.
I did not lose hope and knew inside that if I kept my family and faith my 1st priority that I would be blessed to find a way to make it all work. In June 2014, I met my coach Shannon Golladay and I decided to join Beachbody. I knew I couldn't ever promote something I didn't believe in, so I first tried their programs and Shakeology and I became a huge believer!

I have always been passionate about health and fitness and fairly fit; however, I've never had ab muscles (that I could see), biceps, or really much muscle definition anywhere on my body, even with all the hard work and I had some cellulite I couldn't get rid of. After having 3 kids, I seriously didn't believe I ever could and just figured it was genetics.
I have always worked out hard and thought I needed to spend hours for great results. The only results I kept getting was injuries and still didn't get the results I really wanted. As a personal trainer I also felt unconfident because I didn't think I had the perfect body, which affected my career.
I am not sharing this to brag, but wanted to tell you what I have experienced in my own health and fitness journey because of Beachbody programs, Shakeology, and becoming a coach. I now spend LESS time working out, I actually have biceps, very little to no cellulite, and the bigger miracle is that I am starting to see my abs for the 1st time ever!
I also started reading personal development, because as a Beachbody coach I was encouraged to do so on a daily basis to work on my mindset. I now feel more confident, and not just because of the physical changes, but mostly because of the mental ones. In the past, I was the shy girl that never wanted to be in pictures (because I wasn't cute enough), and now I am living out loud with purpose to help others and I love it! I love that Beachbody offered me the whole package with workouts, nutrition, and coaching to help me stay on track and get real results!
I am really excited to help others experience the same results like I have or like one of my clients that has lost 70 pounds in 7 months. Your health and fitness journey is your own and it is not about comparing yourself to others, but about becoming YOUR very best SELF!

Now 1 year later, I am a 1 star Diamond, and I get to focus my work time on what I love most, coaching others. In a nut shell, I offer support, motivation, and accountability to help others get results physically and financially! Since then, I have increased my income enough to ease the financial burden on my husband and help pay for extra expenses like cheer, unexpected medical expenses, saving for a family trip to Kauai, HI next summer, and I no longer feel so financially strapped. I am happier and more present for my family and I am fulfilling my dreams in the process. It has been a huge blessing in our lives, in so many aspects, and I am now paying it forward to help others."

I love Janell's story about how she can work less and on her own time, helping others through social media, on the phone and text, having them use Beachbody programs that also help to get results, and she doesn't have to be away from her family.

Thanks for checking in,

Melissa

It takes 21 days and I am on it!

Many of you that have been following my story of my Health & Fitness journey

know that I was able to crush through my plateau and loose 10 pounds within 2 1/2 months.

This was not easy as many of you know it is hard to get past a plateau.

But I was determined to make a change and get results.

More of my story here

Well now I want you to be part of my next journey of loosing my last couple of pounds, shaping and toning my body- but most importantly getting back to some healthy habits because quite frankly, I have been slipping this summer.

I am going to be using the workout 21 day Fix Extreme to help me with this,

along with drinking Shakeology every day which will help me to have the energy I need

as a busy Mom of 3.  It's my healthiest meal of the day and one meal I don't have to worry

about cooking. It fast and convenient to have in the morning and a great way to start my day.

So here is my pictures of me on Day 1 right before I started my workout.

Can't wait to share with you where I will be in 21 days of doing the workouts! I plan to work out 5 days a week. So I will be done with the workouts on Sept. 9 and I will show my progress photos on Monday September 14!

I mentor other women to get started on their fitness journey and earn money while doing it.

Coaching has been a great way for me to bring in extra income, not living paycheck to paycheck anymore and taking my family on vacations which is very important to me to spend time with them!

If you are interested in learning more about what I do contact me.

Thanks for checking in,

Melissa

Tips on Getting Motivated with Your Health & Fitness

How do you find the motivation to exercise when you just don’t feel like it?  We all have those days where the motivation is just not there. It is really important to keep motivated to reach your goals everyday and the way to do that is to know WHY it is important to you. 

I have a couple other ways to stay motivated below. One very important one is to find an accountability partner. Find someone that you can workout with that will hold you to your goals. 

Another thing I do is to log my workouts- I write down in my planner what workout I did. This way I can look back and see how many times I exercised the last week. I also read books for motivation,  and I reward myself when I reach a goal. It is so important to surround yourself with positive people who are supporting your goal. I like to read blogs from others who are trying to eat clean and lose weight.

So here are some ways to stay motivated below:

1. How you feel after a workout. I always feel great after a good workout. It’s a high. And I let that motivate me the next time:  I am always pumped for the rest of the day and proud that I did something great for myself and setting that example for my family.

2. Time for you. While many people make time to take care of others (kids, spouse, other family, co-workers, boss), they don’t often make time to take care of themselves. Instead, make your “YOU” time a priority, and don’t miss that exercise appointment. 

3. Having fun. Exercise should be fun. If it isn’t, try a different kind of activity that you enjoy. As long as you’re moving, it’s good for you. Don’t feel pressured into doing a certain type of exercise, do what’s right for you and most importantly do what you will stick with. You have to LOVE your workout routine, otherwise it feels like a chore. Exercise shouldn’t feel like a chore it should feel like a reward. And change up your routine so you don't get bored.

4. How you’re going to look. Imagine a healthier, fitter you. Now let that visualization drive you. Another suggestion is to create a dream/inspiration board. Cut out pictures that are motivating to you and put on a poster board and keep in a place that you will be reminded of every day!

5. Blogs. I enjoy reading blogs about people who are into running, or losing weight. It can show the ups and downs they go through, and you can learn from their experiences and create your own experiences. You can even create your own blog to show your journey if you wish.

6. Success stories. I find the success stories of others incredibly inspirational.

7. Rewards. If you reach a goal- give yourself a reward.  Do it often in the beginning. Don’t make it food! I bought myself a new outfit and allowed myself to purchase another exercise program!

8. Fitting into new clothes. Or even just having some of your clothes not as tight is a great start!

9. Being attractive. That’s always a good motivator, as I’m sure we all know.

10. Adrenaline rush. I get a rush when I exercise. Ride that rush to complete the workout.

11. Stress relief. Wound up after a long day at the office? Get out and work off that stress. It makes a world of difference. I know its hard to get yourself to that point but that’s where your accountability partner comes into play. Keep each other in check even when you have a long day!

12. A workout partner. The  support groups on facebook have been the best way for me to accountable.

13. A coach or trainer. Worth the money, just for the motivation. How about FREE, I am a Beachbody Coach and I help motivate people to reach their health and fitness goals. I can also help you with meal planning and staying accountable to your workout plan. 

  

14. Your before picture. You often don’t realize how far you’ve come. Take pictures. I have taken pictures and I hide them on my computer so no one can find them. I always take pictures in a sports bra and shorts and then some with form fitting clothes on. That way you can eventually share some pictures!

 

15. A 5K race or triathlon. Just sign up for one, and you’ll be motivated to train.

16. The dread of feeling “yuck” from not exercising. I hate how I feel after not exercising. So I remind myself of that when I feel tired.

17. Living long enough to see your grandkids … and play with them.

18. Your measurment. It’s not motivating to weigh yourself every day, as your weight fluctuates. But if you weigh yourself once a week, you’ll be motivated to have it keep going down, instead of up. Combine the scale with the measuring tape, and measure your waist.

19. Reaching a goal. Set a goal for weight, or your waist measurement, or a number of days to work out, or a number of miles to run this week. Setting and tracking a goal helps motivate you to complete that goal. Make it easily achievable.

20. Posting it on your facebook page, blog, or other social site. Tell people you’re going to lose weight or exercise daily, and report to them. You’ll make it happen. This is a great way to be motivated and accountable.

21. Motivational quotes. I like to print them out or put them on my computer desktop. You can always take what I’ve posted, print it out or re-post it!

 

22. Others commenting on how good you look. When someone notices the changes in your body, it feels good. And it makes you want to work out more.

23. An upcoming day at the beach, wedding, or a reunion

Other motivational group that I Coach:

 Health and Fitness Community on facebook

Having a plan is very important, and your plan will change at times. Know your goals. Know WHY your health and fitness is important to you. And let that drive you to where you want to feel good and happy.

What are your motivations? Let me know in the comments

Thanks for checking in,

Melissa

{Success Story} Busy SAHM of 2 little ones Lost all her baby weight

I want to share with you an amazing success story from a really great friend of mine. Kaili and I went to high school together and have reconnected through Coaching. Her story is so inspirational and she is a wonderful person. Here is her story in her own words:

I am a busy mom of two kids ages 1 & 3, I stay home and take care of our family household.  My husband likes to call me the CEO of the Hill house :)

I was very active growing up. I was a Cheerleader throughout high school, ran track, and I paddled (canoe race) when I lived in Hawaii, I never had trouble with my weight.

Then I went to college and gained my Freshman 15 plus some! I really started to notice that my bad eating habits were catching up to me.  I got married at 25 and I had my first baby at 27.  I gained 45 lbs.  I went from 130’s to 196 the day my son was born.

For 2 years after my son was born I struggled with my weight.   I was in a very dark and depressed place in my life.  The one person in the world who I counted on for so much in my life passed away one month after I had my son, my Dad.  I had no idea how I was going to survive it, he was EVERYTHING to me, I was a complete daddy’s girl.  

My depression was so bad, it was combined with post partum and the passing of my dad.  My hormones, weight and life was spinning out of control.  I went to the doctor to see if there was something I could do to feel better.  They took a blood sample and found out I had Hypothyroidism.  It was very off and causing a lot of my depression, crazy moods and inability to lose weight.

After I was able to get my hormones balanced I started to notice some weight loss, but it was still very difficult.  I was up late one night and saw an infomercial on a home workout called Brazil Butt Lift and I had to have it! I wanted my body back and a Brazil Butt of course! Lol, so I ordered it.

I didn't know how to lose weight since I never had to before. I wanted to find a way to get in shape that wasn't a quick fix. I wanted a lifestyle change. I was able to get back down to 140lbs which was awesome!

Then, I had my second baby and I gained it all back plus some.  I was 206 lbs when I had my daughter.  I struggled with post partum depression again and it developed into more depression for 2 years after.  I felt like I had lost who I was, I stayed home day in and day out and never wanted to go anywhere.  I cried everyday feeling overwhelmed with the kids, housework and poopy diapers.  I never really wanted to go out or do anything. I really felt worthless and I was desperate to find a deeper purpose for my life.

I knew that if I could work on my diet and exercise more I would feel better.  I started small with taking walks around the block.  I was completely out of breathe just doing that.  Then, I decided to do crunches while I watched tv, squats while I was doing laundry and other housework.  I eventually started finding workout videos online to do and I got stronger and started losing weight again.  I made a decision to just keep going and not focus on my weight, just focus on being healthy.

Then I found another home workout that was even better than Brazil Butt Lift and worked for my mom schedule (only 30 minute workouts), a simple nutrition plan and a support system to really help me stay accountable.

I felt awesome, and wanted to help others. So I started coaching women (and a few men), and other moms just like me to lose weight, get fit, gain confidence and create a lifestyle change. I started coaching in Feb. 2015, and I've been doing that ever since!  I have never had a job more fulfilling than this! It has been life changing!

Why I decided to be a Health & Fitness Coach with Beachbody

My Story!

I gained the infamous Freshman 15 after high school, tried to lose it before I got married and that didn’t happen, and since then was never able to lose the weight. I was always hitting a plateau.  I am a mother of 3 kids, my last child was 10 lbs! I hit 170 lbs! I don't know if I am done having children yet- maybe 1 more, but I was sick of always being at a certain weight- I would lose the weight from my babies slowly after having them, but I would eventually hit a plateau! And wasn’t able to reach my goal weight so many times I tried. I would give in to my excuses of being too busy with kids and would put half of myself into going to the gym, working out and sometimes would push myself, but then fall back into my excuses. And then it would be weeks before I would go to the gym again. Vicious cycle. I was sick of hitting a plateau after a year of having my child and not getting any results. 

But then I realized if I wanted to feel and look different, I had to do something different! So I knew my body would need a change and I needed to UP MY GAME! I wanted to lose more, but it wasn’t happening- I realized if I wanted different results, I needed to change something different. 

I have always loved being healthy and exercising, but as a MOM- sometimes wouldn't take care of myself first. I decided to become a coach through an old friend- we reconnected and I saw all her posts and decided to ask her about it! I pretty much knew before we talked- I was in! 

I had tried P90X before with my husband, was a group fitness instructor teaching TURBO KICK before kids and I was ready to make a change! I signed up almost 3 months ago and am LOVING IT! I love helping women to be healthy and to put themselves first! I started wanting to work on myself and my results first, but decided to jump in and help others as well! It has been a great way to keep myself accountable and motivated! And I have made so many new friends and reconnected with old ones along the way!

I am HAPPY to say, since starting into Coaching, and a HUGE believer in Shakeology helping my progress- I have gotten past my plateau and am at a weight I haven’t been in since high school! Most importantly I feel great and I feel like I can do just about anything I set my mind to! I love helping others to get past the mental block of “I can’t do it” And helping them reach their goals as well!

Here is my before picture when I started my Beachbody Journey in November 2014. I was ready to make a change and loose the rest of my weight and get over a plateau I have been desperately wanting to get past for a LONG time!

After picture- 10 lbs lost using Turbo Fire workouts and drinking Shakeology each morning for a meal replacement. But most importantly for me is the energy I have gained and confidence!

Stay tuned for my after picture when I am finished with my 21 day FIX journey to lose the rest of my weight and my focus of getting more in shape and toned!

I love helping others to be healthy & fit! I also love  providing support and motivation to other by giving tips, healthy meal plans, but just as important, a program that will help them to get results and get the accountability they need to succeed in their health & fitness goals.

Thanks for checking in,

Melissa