Happy Motivation Monday!!

Today, we are talking about one of my favorite people ever...my husband, Dave!! Even with a busy schedule as a rock star and guitar teacher (and all the temptations that come with being in constant social situations) he still managed to kick ass doing The Masters Hammer and Chisel and see some major progress in just 8 weeks!

Tell Us About Yourself!

I have been a professional musician for 20+ years. Currently I play bass and sing in a band called The Innocence. We specialize in weddings and corporate parties but also like to play our favorite local clubs. I have been married for almost one year and am the proud father of 2 puppies, 3 kitties, and a fish.

What was the biggest inspiration to finally make a change in your life?

I have always wanted to be healthy. I have tried different methods of exercise before, but I would plateau quickly and not see the results that I thought I should have with as much work as I was doing. I recently ran every day for 8 weeks and lost a ton of weight, but along with it I lost all of my muscle tone and became a noodle. So with this plan the nutrition seemed more structured and took out all the guess work and having 2 trainers caught my interest right off the bat. I had tried Beachbody products before and enjoyed them so I knew this was probably good!

How did you keep yourself motivated?

From the first day in my basement I was DRENCHED in sweat and proud of myself for completing a very tough workout. I was at my lowest as far as my physical strength and endurance, but I made it through the workout and tried the next day and the next and continually made it through. If I can't walk downstairs and push play I have bigger issues than just being out of shape.

Did you have any setbacks along the way?

Not this time! The workouts are so unique and different everyday that I didn't get caught in a monotonous workout plan. The program does a good job of mixing the trainers so you don't get tired of one person. Traveling and playing on the road made it difficult for me to stay 100% on the nutrition plan, but being able to visually think of the portion cups helped. Also, using the 21 Day Fix app to log my food held me accountable.

How did following the nutrition plan,drinking Shakeology and using the Beachbody Performance life contribute to your success?

It was a quintessential part of my success. In the past when I was "winging it" on nutrition I would "bonk" at the gym and run out of gas really quickly. My metabolism was slower and my results were little to none. I just didn't know what I was doing. This eating plan kept me satisfied through the day, revved my metabolism and I have eaten more veggies and healthy foods than I ever have in my life.

Shakeology makes a great meal replacement for when I am on the go, a great snack for in between meals. and a great recovery drink after a workout. I would never be able to replicate the nutrition in Shakeology on my own. The taste is great, too. I drank it consistently (1 and sometimes 2) a day for 60 days and have never been tired of it. I actually crave it and look forward to it. It finishes clean, no chalky taste, fills me up and satisfies my sweet craving.

I also used the Beachbody Performance line. Beachbody Energize (a pre-workout) has all the benefits of caffeine without the jitters and the crashing. It helps me focus when I workout and since the workouts are only an average of 30-35 minutes it gives me plenty of energy to get me through a workout. The chocolate Recover post workout shake is fantastic. It is an instant source of protein that tastes just like a chocolate shake from Wendy's. I blend mine with ice cubes so it is nice and cold after a hot workout. The vanilla Recharge night time shake is perfect for leg heavy days. I will drink it within 1 hour of bedtime so I am not sore in the morning. It has worked every time.

What was your favorite Hammer and Chisel Workout?

Hammer Plyo with Sagi. I like the jumping and the unique combo of pull ups and chin ups with jumping. It is only 2 rounds and 26 minutes but I am anilated by the end.

What is the most surprising thing you have learned about yourself during this journey?

That I didn't dread doing it! Also, when I had a chance to go get fast food I consciously decided I wasn't going to let Ronald McDonald ruin my success that I already had achieved in my basement. From that point it has been easier to say no to unhealthy foods because I am working my ass off in the basement. Not to say I won't eat a burger, but I am more conscious of my choices now.

What advice would you give someone who needs motivation and encouragement to get healthier?

Get a Beachbody coach immediately and follow the nutrition plan as close as you can. Your coach will motivate and help you get a workout plan and eating plan together. Lose the excuses and press play.

Where can someone find you if they need an awesome band for their wedding?

www.TheInnocenceLive.com

Be the Next Success Story

Join others for the next 8 weeks for an inspiring and motivating fitness challenge to start your 2016 off right! Get ready to discover a side of you that you never knew existed, and a strength to drive you to all your goals and dreams. Plus, a chance to win prizes...who doesn't love prizes?!

The New Year, New You Challenge!!

This is your official, kick-ass start to 2016. Let's go through what you need to know...

You are going to be too hot to handle when you are through the challenge. You will feel refreshed, energized, confident, and fulfilled because you are going to take care of YOU! You are the most important person to care for...you must take care of you so you can take care of others. Remember that! It is going to be an intense 21 or 60 days (depending on the challenge you choose). You are going to fall in love with your new lifestyle. There are going to be times you don't want to finish what you started...but you have to remember WHY you are here! We all have our days, remember that! Then remember that you have a team of other dedicated people behind you to help you through. We are here to lift each other up, motivate each other through the challenges and celebrate successes. When was the last time you had that kind of support through your New Year's resolution? We are a TEAM!

I need your commitment right now. Your body is the one thing you have your whole life, and you only get one. It depends on you to treat it right!

You will work harder than you ever have. You will fully commit yourself, you will discover a contagious happiness that others will notice and you will get in the best shape of your life. I am ready for you...are you ready for you?

As a member of the challenge you receive daily motivation, exclusive tips, and 1:1 coaching from yours truly as often as you need. Let's empower each other!

How does the challenge work?

First, we find a program that is perfect for YOU! We are all different, with specific goals, time constraints and workouts we enjoy. With Beachbody's extensive line of home workout DVDs, I will help pair you with your soul-mate workout so you look forward to moving every single day!

With your DVDs you will also receive a 30 day supply of Shakeology. A nutrient dense, superfood shake. By providing your body with a healthy does of nutrition it helps curb cravings (bye bye nagging sweet tooth!) but also can be a quick meal on the go (because I know we are all super busy people!) Read more about Shakeology here.

Each Beachbody program comes with a tailored nutrition plan to give you the best results while continuing to fuel your body. Don't worry, I will help you figure all of this out when we choose your program!

Once we have you paired up, you are placed in a secret and private Facebook community with others on the same journey as you. They become your new friends and family through your fitness journey. In the Facebook group you will receive your daily motivation, tips, recipes and additional daily challenges to help make this FUN!

How do I check in for accountability?

I ask that you commit to checking in with the Facebook group DAILY. This is the accountability part, the reason you want to join a group--right? Don't worry, it is judgement free :) Occasionally I may throw out a challenge to have you post something on your personal Facebook page, Instagram or Twitter. You never know who YOU will inspire! Shouldn't we all aim to inspire someone everyday?

What do my daily workouts look like?

That depends on the program you choose! We have programs that focus on weight training like Hammer and Chisel, we have dance based DVDs for those who like to groove like Cize, and we have good all around programs like the super popular 21 Day Fix. The program you choose determines what your daily workout will look like. Each program comes with a calendar you will follow. No guess work needed!

Today

1. Get in touch with me so we can chat about your goals and what is right for you. Send me an email at brittanylerbakken@gmail.com. I am offering 2 Challenge groups in January. A 60 Day group for those wanting to try the BRAND NEW Hammer and Chisel (we have couples doing this one together!) starting Thursday, January 7th. And a 21 Day group for all other programs starting Monday, January 4th.

Deadline to order your program is coming QUICK! Don't wait!

2. Goal setting...duh! Get out a journal and write down all your goals for 2016. Where do you want to be at the end of the challenge? How do you want to feel? What do you want to see when you look in the mirror? What will you accomplish? What is standing in your way? How can you overcome it? Can you fully commit to the challenge? Map out how you will make changes over the next 3-8 weeks. Do you have known downfalls? Food choices? Weekend events? Pressing snooze? Write down all you can think of and then make a plan to overcome them!

3. List 5 things you LOVE about your body. It works SO hard for you everyday! Your legs to get you where you are going, your arms to hug your loved ones, etc. Write them all down and share your top 5 in the comments or on social media!

4. Get organized. Set yourself up for success. For me that means scheduling a workout like an appointment in my calendar, making a menu and meal prepping food so I always have healthy choices, and setting out workout outfits along with my daily work outfits. Make it as EASY as you can on yourself and you will be less likely to miss!

5. Take a before photo. Whether you want to lose weight, gain muscle, or tone up, taking progress photos is by far the BEST way to measure this progress. That stupid scale can give you anxiety. Ditch it! SEE the difference through photos. Look for a post on how to take your best before photos later this week!

6. Team up! Ask a friend or 2 to join you! The more the merrier and you are more likely to stick with it when you have people personal friends in your corner with you.

7. Share love, always! Compliment a friend each day and tell them what you love about them <3

8. Work on your self talk. We can be SO critical of each other and ourselves. We need to change the way we speak to ourselves! Speak to your own body the way you would speak to your best friend. Most likely that is with grace, love, compassion, and full of uplifting words. Not harsh, critical, or demeaning words. When you catch yourself saying something negative about yourself, immediately say one fantastic thing about yourself!

Links to check out...

My fitness shop: Check out the programs we offer and see if any strike your attention. Email me with questions and your goals and I can help with making sure the programs align!

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Challenge Group: You can check out even more info about a challenge group!

Facebook: For more tips and motivation! Plus, you can chat with others interested in Health and Fitness!

Instagram: Where I post many of my real time check ins with food choices, workouts, and a day-in-the-life of a Beachbody Coach! (it is a pretty sweet gig!)