This program came to me at just the right time and at the worst time.
I loved the idea of a new challenge! I needed something to break through a little bit of a plateau that I was having, both physically and mentally. I loved the idea of a new workout and an updated meal plan. I loved the trainer, Chris Downing! I was so excited to be doing the challenge with a group of other busy moms!
The catch is that I was going to be traveling 14 out of the 21 days!!! Not the ideal circumstances!
So…I decided to commit to the workouts- all 21 days. I will be modifying with equipment for the Strength workouts, but other than that I felt that I could follow the schedule and complete the 3 weeks.
The meal plan was a whole other story! So, I decided to do my best and forget the rest!
Finally, I will be doing a second round of this program when I get back and I will rock the meal plan to get the best results!
Week 1 went pretty good! I was home for the first 4 days and did my best on days 5, 6 and 7.
Days 1, 3, and 5- Speed: 25
This 25 minute agility style workout is fun, challenging and over before you know it. Each move is 1 minute and Chris gives excellent instructions as well as a modification for each move.
Days 2, 4 and 6- Strength: 25
I loved, loved, loved this workout. 15 moves, each one for 1 minute. It was a great mix of basic moves with a few new ones. I was able to modify and use my bands on day 6 when I was in our hotel room.
Day 4 and 6- Shift Core
Ouch! This was a challenging, but really fun 12 minute core burner. There were some…interesting…new moves and my obliques were definitely sore the next day.
Day 7- Shift Mobility
I enjoyed this great stretch and loved how humble Chris is admitting that flexibility is not is strong suit. It did’t hurt that I got to do this workout on the deck of our beach house!
As far as the meal plan, I did pretty good considering. I could probably follow this plan pretty well while on the road, but I honestly didn’t want to. Vacation is my time to relax just a bit with my nutrition. I like to try a few new dishes when we eat out and I like to enjoy a cocktail or beer from time to time. #truthbomb
As much as I love these workouts I think my favorite part is Chris and his motivation! He has a Shop Rule with each new workout. I added a few of my favorite fitness rules to create 21 rules that I try to live by.
Day 1: TRY BEFORE YOU MODIFY
Hopefully you all know my feelings on modifying!
If not let me tell you… NEVER feel bad if you have to modify. It doesn’t mean you’re weak or not ready for a workout! Everyone has to modify at one time or another. If a workout is easy for you it’s time to find something harder! And chances are you’ll have to modify that harder workout. That’s just how it works!
All I ask is that you try first!
Try at least 1 push-up in your toes.
Run it out before you step it out.
You’ll never know your own limits if you don’t push yourself enough to find them.
Try, then proudly modify the hell out if it!!
So often we try to lift heavier than we should or get in more reps than necessary. Instead we need to slow it down and be realistic.
You’re not going to get stronger if you hurt yourself and unable workout! #duh
Start slow. Learn the form and routine and then gradually pick up the pace.
Since this was the first time I did this workout and I had no idea what to expect, I started with my 5s and 10s and took it slow.
Don’t worry about what everyone else is up to.
Get it right for YOU! That’s the only way you’ll be able to get stronger!
I personally have not found very many workouts I don’t love doing, but that wasn’t always the case.
I think when you start out you MUST find something you are going to look forward to doing or you will find every excuse in the book not to do it.
Once you create a habit you may find you actually enjoy working out! That’s what happened to me.
If what you’re doing isn’t fun, try something new.
If what you’ve always done isn’t exciting anymore, try something new.
Find something you enjoy doing and then just do it!
Besides the obvious, you know, not passing out, it’s so important to breathe through the hard stuff.
When your abs are burning and you don’t think you can do those last 10 seconds, breathe through it!
When you don’t think you can do another burpee, breathe through it!
When you don’t think you can finish that last rep, breathe through it!
When you’re stressed to the max, breathe through it!!
Let your breath bring life back to you when you think you have nothing left!!
Get a friend, spouse, co-worker, your kid or a coach (like ME!) to help you!
Get in a group (like the one I’m in right now!) and get inspired by the other people in there.
Some days I tell myself that it’s ok, I’m tired, yesterday was a long day, I’ll start again tomorrow, I’ll have to move that coffee table, blah, blah, blah.
Then I remembered the amazing ladies (and gentleman) in my group. They push past their excuses and push play everyday so I can too!!
If I were doing this on my own there would be plenty of times I’d skip and give up on myself. My tribe of#fitmoms have saved me and kept me honest for a little over 3 years now!!
Day 6- TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
One of my first suggestions to my challengers is to find other ways to track your progress besides the scale!!!
The scale can be a real #*tch!
Instead look at how you feel, how do your clothes fit, measurements and pictures can tell a different story than the scale does.
Simply tracking the fact that you showed up 2,3,4,5 or 6 days in a row is something to celebrate!!
Tracking your progress will help when you get frustrated or hit a plateau. It shows you just how far you’ve come!!
Finally journaling your food is important, too. This can help you see which foods make you feel kinda blah. We are all unique when it comes to our nutritional needs. A good way to see what foods fuel you best is to track what you’re eating for a few days. It can be very eye opening.
Day 7- LOVE YOURSELF
Easier said than done!
It’s easy to love an old version of yourself, back when you were “skinny”.
It’s easy to love a future version of yourself, the way you envision you’ll be/look.
Now how about loving yourself just as you are today! Flaws and all! Not just the good parts, but ALL parts.
Repeat after me and again every morning:
I am beautiful
I am strong
I am capable
I am enough
Because you are!!!
I am looking forward to what week 2 has in store for me and my challengers! You can follow more of my journey on Facebook or Instagram. I will share some of my favorite meals, how I am modifying on the road and some of my favorite meals and and recipes.
Want to join me when I do my next round???
Here’s to week 2!!!
wendylivingclean.com 