Who doesn’t enjoy a new challenge, especially when it could have a positive impact on your lifestyle!?
The past 4 weeks have been committed to stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new! Tuesday was Day 22 of a brand new program. Like anyone else, I had my doubts about new workouts, a challenge group, and a different nutrition plan. My automatic thought was that I would give it 30 days, and if I didn’t like it or feel it was beneficial, then at least I tried something new!
After finishing college athletics in 2013, I no longer had anyone drilling me to workout 25 hours a week. I no longer had anyone telling me what I should and shouldn’t be eating. Heck, most of the time I was burning off so many calories that it didn’t really matter! Once you step out of that lifestyle and transition to the “real world,” boy do things change! While in graduate school I continued to push myself to maintain that lifestyle. I tried to eat healthier, started cooking, continued lifting with old teammates, started practicing yoga, and I even ran my first half marathon. With full time studies, clinical placements, and internships, I didn’t have the same amount of time to focus on workouts as I used to. Even now as my lifestyle is changing and I am living in another country, I still have maintained the habit of working out consistently.
So why was I looking for something new? I needed something different, a new challenge, and to feel like I was part of a team again. I was not happy with the results I was getting from my workouts and continued to struggle with my nutrition. It wasn’t until I took the step and reached out to a former Pitt athlete who is now a Beachbody Coach. I noticed Delaney’s motivational posts on Facebook, which focused on creating a healthier lifestyle for herself, sneak peaks into her workouts, and nutrition.
My intentions for reaching out to her were specifically to ask questions regarding her nutrition, meal plans, and portion control. Long story short, I participated in her next challenge group, no strings attached. I quickly signed up for the 30-day trial of Beachbody. The 21-day challenge didn’t go exactly as planned. I LOVED THE WORKOUTS and the portion control guide, but the challenge also came during my 10-day trip to Ireland. This was during St. Patrick’s Day, SOOOOO as you can assume, there was lots of beer consumed!
Since my initial introduction to Beachbody, I have been involved in the Countdown to Summer Challenge Group. I am following a 60-day program, which is called Hammer & Chisel. I am also trying to keep up with my yoga practice and running, but HEY, life happens and sometimes I only get my 40 minute H&C workout in each day! EVERYONE HAS AT LEAST 40 MINUTES A DAY TO DEVOTE TOWARDS BECOMING STRONGER AND HEALTHIER. #BLAHBLAHBLAH #GOWORKOUT!
Why do I love it? There a couple reason. First, most workouts I can do wherever and whenever from my phone or laptop. I’m currently attending a conference in Denver, Colorado, and I don’t have access to weights or a gym… Soooo bring on the Insanity, Body Strength Training, and Yoga Workouts. Second, I feel like I am part of a team again. Not only are daily posts geared towards meals and workouts, but we are also there for each other. We push each other when we are feeling sluggish or not motivated. We are there to support each other reach our personal development goals. We are there for each other when we have had a bad day of eating junk. Everyone is entitled to their cheat meals and sweet treats, but we work hard to push each other to create a healthier lifestyle. All of these girls I have met for the first time through this challenge group, but I am slowly getting to know all of them through our daily interactions and motivational messages.
I have a lot to thank Delaney and the rest of the girls for. They were the last push I needed to starting this blog! With anything, you aren’t going to get anywhere unless you take the chance, make a change, and embrace a new challenge.
You owe it to yourself to be the best you can be.
Beyond the Fjords 