Insanity Max:30

One of the most influential men in my life is back at it! Sure, I get excited when new programs are released, but when it comes to Shaun T, it gets brought to a whole new level. I started my fitness journey in the summer of 2013 with Insanity, then moved on to Focus 25. Insanity taught me that I could do things I never thought possible. It pushed me past my limits and allowed me to see that even an overweight, miserable girl could achieve amazing results. It's that exact reason why I feel like a little kid at Christmas for his new program.

Enter Insanity Max:30

Shaun T's newest addition will take you out of your comfort zone like it did with Insanity, but instead of sweating your eyes out for 40-60 minutes, he's packed all of that intensity into 30 minutes. As a new mom, finding time to work out isn't easy, but I make the time. So the notion of being able to complete a high intensity workout in only 30 minutes in music to my ears! Another fabulous thing about this program is that it requires NOTHING. That's right, your body is all you need to achieve maximum results. No weights. No pull up bar. Nada!

Now that I've sparked your attention, let's discuss the nitty gritty.

Insanity Max:30 is a 60 day program. It's broken down into two phases, month one and month two. In typical Shaun T workouts, he wants you to keep up momentum and don't stop. For anyone that's completed T25, there are no breaks. The same would be true for this short workout, too. Right? Nope! Shaun T's goal is to get you to MAX OUT! The idea is to go as hard as you can for as long as you can, then, when you need to take a quick break, that's your MAX OUT point. You are encouraged to write down your MAX OUT times and try to beat them as the weeks progress. Even Shaun T said he can't go the entire workout without MAXING OUT. How cool is that?! What a great way to push our endurance and ability to the limits. LOVE!!

While it is a crazy program, it can be done by almost anyone thanks to the modifier. Unlike the modifier in T25, this one can be seen 100% of the time. There is an option to split the screen so you can always have the modifier up. How cool is that?! So even if you haven't exercised since high school, if you are mentally ready for the insanity... it's ready and waiting for you!

On to the fun stuff...what are the workouts like?

Cardio Challenge: crazy cardio with 4.5 minute intervals and 30 seconds to rest

Tabata Power: strength training Tabata-style "20 seconds on, 10 seconds off"

Sweat Intervals: even more ridiculous cardio

Tabata Strength: Tabata-style strength workout with no rest

Friday Right: Round 1: pure craziness. No really... INSANE

Max Out Cardio: gotta love more cardio in month 2! This time with 5.5 minute intervals

Max Out Power: Tabata-style intervals "45 seconds on, 15 seconds off" with lots of plyo

Max Out Sweat: twice the sweat in half the time

Max Out Strength: arms, shoulders, chest, and core "45 seconds on, 15 seconds off"

Friday Fight: Round 2: even harder than Round 1

Pulse: low impact combo of stretching and small "pulsing" movements for active recovery

Ab Attack:10: 10 minute routine

Max Out:15: 15 minutes of insane cardio

Max Out Abs: alternate between seated and standing for 15 minutes of core work

360 Abs: 360-degree attack on the abs and core... on the floor, in plank, and more!

The program is to be completed 5 days a week. No double days, either! So when we say 30 minutes, it's really just 30 minutes!

Pulse is meant to be used as an optional Saturday workout for that active recovery.

There's also a COACH EXCLUSIVE dvd called "Sweat Fest." You can only get this if you order through a coach. It's a fun, sweaty workout if you're looking to mix things up!

Now it's time to talk food!

Shaun T is really encouraging portion control when completing Max30. He discusses how planning your meals will allow you to eat healthy foods more often. Tracking what you consume will help you know what to eat and when, decreasing the chance of giving in to temptations because you're not prepared. Color-coded, portion controlled containers are available in the deluxe kit. These containers will help you reach your goals even faster!

What options are available?

There are a few different ways to get your hands on this new gem.

*Challenge Pack* 

This includes the base kit + 30 days of Shakeology.

*Base Kit*

12 workouts on 10 DVDS (Cardio Challenge, Tabata Power, Sweat Intervals, Tabata Strength, Friday Fight: Rounds 1+2), Max Out Cardio, Max Out Power, Max Out Sweat, Max Out Strength, Pulse, Ab Attack:10)

Sweat Fest (if purchased from a coach)

Nutrition Guide

Wall Calendar

Cooking Guide

*Deluxe Kit*

everything included in Base Kit

3 deluxe workouts (Max Out:15, Max Out Abs, 360 Abs)

Core Comfort Mat

Portion Controlled Food Containers

Shakeology Shaker Cup

Body Fat Calipers

Sounds great, but what's the cost?

Super stoked at how available they made this program!! The challenge pack will typically be $205, however they are reducing it to $180 as an introductory price for the month of December. The Base Kit is $119.85, and the Deluxe Kit is $239.70.

That means, if you purchase the challenge pack, you are getting 30 days worth of meals and a 60 day program for only $180! A month of Shakeology is typically $129, so by purchasing them together you are saving $69!!! 

If it still seems like a lot, let's break it down. Say we keep Shakeology at it's regular price and just consider Max30 is on sale. That means you will get 30 nutrient-dense meals for about $4.30 per meal. I don't know about you, but I sure can't make a meal as healthy as Shakeology for that cheap from home! So that leaves us with the new program for about $51. That's 60 days worth of hardcore training by one of the BEST personal trainers in the world for about $0.85 PER DAY! Is your gym membership going to be that inexpensive? Plus, you don't even have to leave your house, fight traffic, hassle with parking... you know the drill!

I WANT IT! Now what?

Fabulous! You can do this program right along with me, and we can keep one another accountable! How would we go about doing this? By joining in one of my amazingly awesome accountability groups! The groups are all done through closed Facebook groups, so only those participating can see what's going on. It's a safe place to share your struggles, fears, triumphs, and goals. No judgment and negative thinking allowed! Each day I will give you tips and tricks with ways to stay on track. Plus, there's lots of motivation to keep pushing yourself to be the healthiest you yet!

So if you're ready to join my accountability group, here is the direct link to purchase the Insanity Max:30 challenge pack.

http://teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/BCPIM205?referringRepId=291007

If you're not ready for the accountability group, let me know, and we can discuss how to keep you on track without the group. My goal as your coach is to provide you with a support system that works best for YOU! If that means joining a group, fabulous! If you're the type that would rather me just check in with you periodically to make sure you're keeping your focus, I'm ok with that, too!

For those of you that aren't quite ready for Max30 but are interested in learning more about Beachbody programs and would like for me to be your coach, please sign up for a free account by clicking this link! 

https://www.teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/free?referringRepId=291007

Tony Horton's NEW P90!

It's about time Beachbody launched a new program! I bet it's safe to say that most people have heard about P90X, as well as P90X2 and P90X3. What are the odds those who own any of the programs thought they were SUPER intense? Back in the day, I tried to do P90X. Key word being tried. Not only could I not do half of the moves, but the 60-90 minute exercises just weren't my cup of tea. The great results P90X can produce were seen, but it was also noted how many people needed something to get them to the point where they could actually complete it!

Insert P90

Tony Horton's new P90 program is made for people who want to work on improving their fitness levels but aren't quite ready for the intensity of P90X. This program was created to teach the basics - proper form and building strength.

P90 was made for those of us who want to lose weight without extreme work-outs, people who want to build muscle/lean out, individuals who "lost it" along the way and want to get back on track, and anyone who might need to spice up their normal routine by trying something new!

But just because it teaches the basics doesn't mean you won't get amazing results! By committing to 25 minutes a day for 90 days, you can achieve great results! You won't be straining your body, as it is not high intensity, just basic work-outs and cardio.

Along with the great work-outs, you will also be getting Tony's nutrition guide. We all know abs are made in the kitchen! As tough as it may be to get control of, nutrition is a key part to weight loss and getting that body you've always wanted. Tony makes it easy by combing those great exercising with an easy to follow nutrition plan. 

Now I know I have you all excited for this great new program, but it isn't available quite yet! Beachbody will be releasing P90 through your coach next week! To create the best experience possible, as your coach, I will be available to you for support, motivation, and accountability to achieve great results with P90, as well as many other programs! Starting October 6, I will be offering an accountability group to ensure that you stick with the program you purchased so you succeed at your health and fitness goals!

So if you don't already have a coach, I encourage you to create a free account! It's simple! Just click the link below.

Create a FREE account with ME as your coach!

New Addition and Maternity Leave

At 4:30am on Tuesday, July 29, 2014, my water officially broke. Finally!! Nearly 40 long weeks later, we have action!! I labored at home for several hours, leaving us with the hour drive to the hospital. That was fun... Long story short, by 9:18pm, our family had increased by one!

In active labor at this point.

Meet Miss Hillary Jane! She entered the world screaming, but calmed down long enough for an adorable photo. She weighed 7lbs 10oz and was 20 1/4in long. I will be honest in saying we were totally expecting a boy, so she was a HUGE surprise!

Miss Hillary Jane

 Now our world is filled with pink, purple, and all things girly! 

Sleeping during tummy time

I am loving my maternity leave and being able to watch her grow a little bit every day. It's so crazy to see the changes she makes from one day to the next. At 7 weeks old, she is getting to the point where she wants to smile and interact more. So what do we do while Dad is at work? Watch the 21 Day Fix infomercial! Girlfriend loved learning a bit about what Mom does (see that smile?!).

Lazy Sunday with my love

Initially, Mike and I were super nervous about my nine week maternity leave. We have always used my income from Beachbody to pay off debt. Our steady paychecks from working traditional jobs pay for day living/bills, so it's nice to have supplemental income to chip away at those loans at a faster rate. 

Well, lucky for us, I am able to work from home while watching our little princess. I continue to run challenge/accountability groups, while helping others reach their health and fitness goals. Having this once supplemental income be enough to subsidize my paychecks takes a huge weight off of our shoulders. We are continuing with our usual bills, as well as medical bill incurred while hospitalized. All from the comfort of my own home, while loving on a newborn. I am BEYOND lucky for this opportunity!

Maternity Paychecks

Now I don't show this to brag, as there are many coaches earning far more than me. I'm displaying this so you can see what is possible. What would you do with an extra $200 a week? What about more? Would you choose to stay home with your kids? Travel? Pay off debt? I am able to enjoy my maternity leave thanks to Beachbody. Then, once that is over, I will continue to pay off debt. 

Even greater than this, I am helping people change their lives! With each of these paychecks, it shows the individuals who are choosing to live a healthy lifestyle. They are eating well, exercising, and enjoying life. (Seriously... they tell me they this!) 

If you have a passion for health and fitness and want to change lives, Beachbody is the company for you! Take control and be your own boss! I promise, you won't regret it!!

Apply here to be a coach on my team!

20 Weeks and Counting!

A lot has changed since my last post! First off, I'm getting bigger! The tiny human can officially be felt externally when it kicks. It also REALLY likes to punch/kick my bladder. We've had some serious discussions about how Mommy doesn't appreciate those particular movements. Secondly, I visited a neurologist who said I no longer need to do heparin injections. The neurologist did a complete exam (along with some bloodwork), stating that if he didn't know my history, he never would have guessed that I had a stroke 3 years ago. Score! He also noted that I do not need a scheduled c-section due to increased risk for having another stroke. This little lady is super pumped! 

20 Week Belly

So now I get to "enjoy" the rest of my pregnancy. Today was my 20 week appointment, which means I had my anatomy scan ultrasound. Mike and I decided to wait until d-day to learn the gender of the baby, but it was still fun seeing it on the screen! My tiny human is already pretty stubborn. It refused to slip over so the ultrasound tech could get a good view of the spine. At one point, the tech pushed the probe on my belly to get it to move… and we watched the little stinker use both legs to forcefully kick where she was poking. "Bug off, lady!" is totally what it was saying! I can already see our stubborn personalities colliding one day… 

The doctor did mention that everything looks great. The tiny human is weighing in at 11oz, and is in the 61% grouping for size. Average is 50%, so it's a little bigger than average. With parents like Mike and me, I wouldn't expect any less! There's no way this kid is going to be small! Since everything with the tiny human (and me) looks so good, along with the neurologist taking me off heparin/stating I don't need a scheduled c-section, I officially got moved from a high-risk pregnancy status to low-risk! I even watched him mark it on the paper!! Super fabulous news :)

Tiny Human

My growing belly is still leading to some body image issues. I know, I know… it's suppose to be growing (especially with it being 11 oz!!). Now that I'm starting to look a little more pregnant it's getting better, but I still hate wearing anything other than my scrubs or sweatpants. Plus, maternity pants just aren't that comfortable! 

I've also started discovering how difficult it's getting to move around while working. Bending and twisting in to weird positions to restrain animals isn't as fun as it was a few months ago! I also get out of breath walking from one side of the clinic to the other. It's nuts!

Toes!

Since I've noticed some problems with my breathing, I've started exercising more. While I do have to modify some, I'm amazed at how well I can usually keep up! Thirty minutes a day is totally doable, especially when my cravings tend to get the best of me regarding my diet. I'm also trying to encourage others to join in with me. As a Beachbody coach, I'm always trying to get others on track with their health and fitness, but this month is a little different.

One of my fellow coaches was recently diagnosed with stage four Hodgkins Lymphoma. She is an awesome coach, mom, teacher, and overall person, so I'm going to do anything I can to help. That's why, for the month of March, I am helping raise money to help contribute to her charity of choice (the Mario Lemieux Foundation). Whenever someone signs up with to participate in one of my challenge groups with the purchase of a challenge pack (an exercise program + 30days worth of Shakeology), I am donating some of my commission in her honor. 

A couple other coaches and myself are hosting a challenge group that starts March 24th. I'm really excited about this group, as I want to get TONS of people involved so I have more to donate in her honor! So you might be wondering what exactly a challenge group entails. Well, it's a 60 day group that takes place from the comfort of your own home. You will be added to a closed Facebook group (meaning only the folks in the group can see what you post) where you are given daily assignments that will keep you motivated and on track during the challenge. We focus on balancing daily life, fitness, nutrition… all while making it as fun as possible! I love these groups because they give you a place to go for support, motivation, and accountability.  If you're interested in learning more about joining the March 24th group, please e-mail me at k.pivowar@gmail.com  

Great cause for a great gal!

Earn Money While Getting Fit

I am not sure I know a single person right now that wouldn't mind earning a little extra money, especially with the holidays approaching faster than we'd like! We are always watching our budget and trying to figure out how to plan for the holidays without leaving anyone out. Mike and I try not to push the limits, but we love to get gifts for our family! In 2012 (our first year as a married couple), we chose to not purchase gifts for one another so we could use that money on our family. Thanks to lots of hard work, that won't be the case in 2013! This year, we are going to be able to to afford gifts not only for our family but also for one another!

By focusing on helping others and keeping them motivated and accountable during the most tempting holidays (Halloween candy, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, as well as New Years Eve festivities), I am going to be able to help increase our monthly income.

I want to help a small group of exceptionally motivated and driven individuals to do the same. I am taking part in a system that is helping me earn at LEAST $900 towards the holidays this ear! This extra income is made possible through Beachbody Coaching.

This isn't something you will be signed up for and left to figure out on your own. With the help of me and my personal coach, we will help you learn everything (seriously EVERYTHING) you need to know about coaching. By no means do you have to be a health nut or a fitness guru, but you do need to work hard to be a product of the product. This means you are going to be joining in a challenge group along with the individuals you invite. You will need to do a Beachbody workout on a regular basis (I workout 5-6 days a week for less than 30 minutes) and replace at least one meal a day with Shakeology. Leading by example is the best way to get others involved! Another requirement is to be passionate about helping others to succeed! It is so fun to watch people become better versions of themselves :)

If you think you fit this bill, I will include you in a group starting October 14th, where you will receive guidance on a one-on-one basis, as well as in a closed Facebook group. If you are a go-getter that is motivated and determined to succeed, I want you to be a part of my team! Teaching health and fitness tips is a gift that will continue long past the holiday season. Plus, you will be able to continue to grow your business long after the holidays are over. 

The selection process is starting now, and I am only accepting a small group of individuals to join me on this adventure. My coach (who taught me all she knows!) leads the #2 team in the ENTIRE Beachbody company, so she knows what she is talking about! Please send me an e-mail or a message on Facebook to apply :)

k.pivowar@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/simplymotivated

Monday morning I pushed through feeling terrible to get my T25 in, but ended up leaving work around 11am due to feeling so bad. It definitely made me happy I did my work-out prior to getting my day going, otherwise it wouldn't have gotten done. However, yesterday morning it just wasn't going to happen. I suffered through work (my poor colleagues) by only taking on the small dogs and cats. Big shout out to the awesome staff for putting up with me and picking up my slack! I love them! I kept up with eating well, trying to keep things as bland as possible. Lunch was Italian chicken I had baked on Monday night, and Mike steamed fresh broccoli. It kept my energy levels up... all things considered. 

After work, I basically just sat around, being a bump on a log. Sometimes that happens, though. You just have to roll with the punches and take what life throws at you. You're never going to feel in tip top shape 100% of the time. The key is to compensate when you get yourself back on track. For example, since I missed my Tuesday work-out, I'll make up for it Friday, which is my usual rest day. Nothing lost (except inches and pounds)!

Mike and I working together for a yummy lunch.

My typical Wednesday isn't very typical. I work from 1-7pm, so it leaves my mornings free to catch up on housework. And when I say say housework, I mean I sleep until 10am, exercise, take a quick shower, then head off to work. What can I say? You all read my post on how much I love my bed... Today was only slightly different, considering I got out of bed at 9am, made my way to the couch, and slept until 11:45am with all four cats strategically place on/next to me. I really think part of my feeling so horrible was that I needed to catch up on sleep. I also didn't eat anything until 12:30pm (yummy Shakeology), which helped my stomach settle a bit. My caloric needs weren't met today since I started eating so late in the day, which I don't recommend, so tomorrow I'll get back on track! Sleep and fasting were apparently the cures for my nausea and hot/cold flashes. Who knew?

After work, I finished making dinner (chicken and carrots), then plopped my happy butt down for some more R & R. I was somewhat productive and did two days worth of dishes (bless my husband for putting up with me) and knocked out T25 Alpha Total Body. I was dying during the plank work, having to go into downward dog multiple times. I'm chalking that up to still being weak from 1)not feeling well and 2)not eating enough today. 

Love this thought, since I always look gnarly after T25!

Tomorrow is my day off, so I'll kick some butt with Alpha Speed 1.0 and Core Focus. Double days are kind of awesome because it's so cool to see that "Calories Burned" go up past 500. Makes me feel so accomplished! I am also going to take my "Before" photos & measurement for a Fit For Fall Challenge group I will be participating in. Granted, I did all of this four weeks ago when I started T25, but I'm marking my progress and doing things the official way for the group. I'm pretty excited to have a group of individuals in one place who are all working towards the same goals to help keep me on track!