Les Mills Combat Week 3

Okay Week 3 - in the beginning I wanted to kill you and now that the week is over I love you again!!

This week was tough for me.  I was tired, my house was a mess, and I really did not feel like getting out of bed at 5am.  It was so cold this week, my nice warm bed felt so much better than getting on my workout clothes and heading downstairs.  I could not imagine what my dedication would be like if I had to leave my house to workout.  I am guessing I would not be in the great shape I am now!!!!  Thankfully I found the strength inside me everyday to get myself out of bed and get my workout in and done.  I did miss Friday but I made up for it on Sunday.  

It still drives me crazy that I battle with myself in the morning.  Every time after I am done my workout I feel a thousand times better than when I don't workout in the morning.  I think clearer, I am nicer, I have more patience, I am more productive, I look better, and seriously I could just continue on and on with all the positives my day is filled with when I get my workout in and done first thing in the morning.  Anyone else have this constant struggle with themselves?  You have the Angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other - Good vs. Evil?  

My goal this week is to get out of bed every day on my first alarm (yes I set more than one alarm - ask my husband he will tell you all about it!) 

Okay, okay enough about my battle of getting up in the morning.  Lets talk about the Fight Les Mills Combats threw at me this week.  

Overall Les Mills Combat is still continuing to challenge me on a daily basis.  I am getting more comfortable with the kicks and punches.  It is all about repetition as Dan and Rach tell me on my DVDs.  I also feel my technique is getting better so that means I am getting better and stronger!!  

Here is what was on the schedule this week:

Monday - Combat 60 Extreme Cardio Fighter

Tuesday - Power Hiit 1 and Inner Warrior Stretch and Strengthen

Wednesday - Combat 60 Extreme Cardio Fighter

Thursday - Power Hiit 1 and Inner Warrior Stretch and Strengthen

Friday - Combat 30 Kick Start and Core Attack

Saturday - Combat 45 Power Kata

Sunday - Rest

Monday - Combat 60  Extreme Cardio Fighter

This was my first day of this program.  I was a bit intimidated by the length of this particular program.  Midway through I was starting to feel fatigued because the trainers really kick some butt in this workout.  The workout includes more interval training, new combinations and holy wow KICKS!!!!

If we are going down, we are going down swinging. That's how we roll in Les Mills Combat - Dan Cohen, Les Mills Combat

and then when you thought it could not get any harder it ends with push ups and crunches. My body was screaming!!

Tuesday and Thursday - 

Power Hiit 1 and Inner Warrior Stretch and Strengthen

So you have seen my reviews before regarding Power Hiit 1 and Inner Warrior Stretch and Strengthen.  Power Hiit 1 continues to challenge me.  I still struggle to keep up with the crew on the burpee segments but I am getting better. I keep repeating to myself Enough is never Enough (as Dan and Rach say) and it really gets me moving and pushing harder.  I will be able to keep up by the end of my Combat journey - guaranteed!!!!

Another guarantee - Burpee Jump Squat I will own you when I am finished!!!!

Wednesday - Combat 60 Extreme Cardio Fighter

This day I found Combat 60 Extreme Cardio fighter even more challenging. Oh my, it kicked my ass!! I was feeling fatigued even before I was half way through this time.  We are talking nonstop punches and kicks! I was kicking all over the place so after this one I really need to watch the kicking tutorial again because I was feeling so fatigued I am sure my form was not at its best. With that being said even though I was feeling fatigued you see the trainers moving along and they look fantastic. I want to look fantastic too darn it - so I pushed a little more and finished with the Oh my Goodness PUSH UPS and CRUNCHES at the end again.  Somehow I forgot about these from Mondays session of Combat 60.   

Friday - Combat 30 Kick Start and Core Attack  (swapped today with Sunday)

Friday I did not do any workout, I used it as my rest day.  Instead I swapped Friday's workout with my originally planned rest day of Sunday.  

Combat 30 is by far one of my favorite programs. It is short, sweet, and just the perfect intensity.  There should be no one that cannot squeeze in at least 30 minutes and this workout is the perfect one to squeeze in.  You get an incredible mix of arms, legs, and abs.   

Core attack is also another favorite program because I have really been trying to focus on my own personal technique to really work my abs.  Well this program does just that for me.  It makes me focus on my technique to really feel the abs working.  It then ends with back work which just feels so wonderful and who knew it is great for strengthening your abs!!!!

Saturday - Combat 45 Power Kata

Power Kata was not my favorite the first time around.  This time however I really enjoyed the workout and that just proves you really need to give certain programs a few tries before you can say yes or no.  It all depends on your mood that day, how your body is feeling, etc.  It really is a challenging workout and one of the trainers says during the program, "Stronger on the Outside, stronger on the inside." This is so true!! By gaining strength in my body I really have been able to become that much of a stronger person. I am letting go of the past and moving on quicker and easier.  

So another week in the bag and ready for another week to begin - Week 4 Here I Come!! 

Tomorrow, Monday I am starting of with another dose of Combat 60 Extreme Cardio Fighter!  My goal is to kill it!!!! 

I have my plan in place for the week, I know what I have to do each day, I know what workout needs to be done, and I know what I am eating.  Exercise is important to the healthy life routine but what you eat is even more important.  Do you know what you are eating this week? If I don't have my meal plan done and ready to go for each week I am more likely to make unhealthy decisions.  I make life easier by preparing for the week ahead. I make my meal plan on Sundays, go grocery shopping either Sunday or Monday and then it is all about prepping the food so it is easy to grab and go.  I stay at home with my kids but it is still a challenge to sometimes put meals together even when I am home.  This way if I prep ahead of time it is that much easier, plus it is also convenient for my husband to just grab and go while he is running out the door in the morning.   Here is my meal plan for the week - care to share yours?

If you need help getting started with your own fitness routine or would like more information regarding what I do and how I stay on track or maybe even want to chat about Les Mills Combat - CONTACT ME. I would love to chat and help you get started to living a healthier, happier life.  

Maybe you would even be interested in joining one of my personal challenge groups where a small group of people are all working together to help one another reach their health and fitness goals. 

Here's to another fabulous week - Stay with the Fight my friends.

~Alyson

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Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet Potatoes never entered our home until I started Eating Clean. Now I am always looking for new recipes that involve Sweet Potatoes - Clean Eating recipes of course.  

Here is one of my latest and I have got to say, I am in love!!!!

It took every ounce of willpower (and the help of my husband) to keep myself from eating the whole pan of these delicious Fries...Yes FRIES!!!! Who knew you could eat healthy and still eat FRIES!!!! Well these are not your typical deep fried soaked with oil type of fries.  These are EVEN BETTER!!!!  They are so delicious you will not even miss the ketchup!!

If you are not a fan of Sweet Potatoes or you have not really eaten much of them before, you have got to try this recipe.  It is soooo goood!

BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch long slices, then 1/4 inch wide strips
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, wax paper, or tin foil
3. In a large bowl toss sweet potatoes with olive oil and then add spices and mix until all pieces are coated
4.  Spread sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, being sure not to overcrowd
5. Bake until sweet potatoes are tender and golden brown, turning occasionally, about 20 minutes

Serves 4

New to clean eating? New to healthy eating?  Join me in my new 30 day shakeology and clean eating challenge group.  I teach you all you need to know about healthy eating the clean eating way and I provide you with support, motivation, and help you reach your healthy lifestyle goals (i.e. lose weight, gain energy, improve regularity, decrease blood pressure, etc.) 

MESSAGE ME for more information regarding my 30 day group or if you are interested in working one on one with me.  

Get fit, Get Happier, and Get Healthy

~Alyson

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Want to Lose Weight and Learn about Healthy Eating?

Whether you have been told you need to lose weight by your doctor or you feel you need to lose weight the key to losing weight and keeping it off is simple - Eat Healthy!!!!  

To help lose weight, you should also add in at least 20 minutes of exercise 6 days a week.  If you are looking for a way to start your journey slowly, one step at a time,  I have the answer for you.  

All you have to do is Keep Reading...

Eating healthy is not just something you do until you lose the weight it is a life long journey.  Once you start eating more healthy you will want to do more and more because of the way it makes you feel.  You figure out how you can have natural energy just by fueling your body with the right foods.  You figure out how you can be happier (not only because you lost weight) again by fueling your body with the right foods.You figure out you LOOK, feel, and are healthier by fueling your body with the right foods. 

So how does one eat healthier? 
Do you know? 

Here is your chance to learn how to eat healthier - 

I will be holding a 30 day Shakeology and Clean Eating Group.  

Do you have 30 days to CHANGE your health, increase your ENERGY, improve DIGESTION, and curb your CRAVINGS?   That is all I ask for is 30 days to let me help you learn about Healthy Eating.  Part of my approach to eating healthy is replacing one meal a day with Shakeology.  What is Shakeology? 

Simply put, it is the healthiest meal of the day.  Shakeology is my life saver!! I am a busy mom who feels like I am being pulled in all types of directions.  My Shakeology is my one meal a day that I don't have to prepare or think about.  I just shake and go - it is really that easy and the most nutritious thing I put into my body the entire day!!!!

In order to be a member of this group you must COMMIT to drinking Shakeology at least once a day for the 30 days of the challenge.  I will be there with you every step of the way. In addition to drinking Shakeology you also have to COMMIT to having an open mind and be ready for CHANGE.  I will share with you all that I have learned about eating Healthier.  There are dozens of useful approaches to eating healthier, however the one I have adopted and find the easiest to fit into my life and makes me feel the best is - Clean Eating.  

What is Clean Eating? Well that and a whole bunch more will be discussed in our group!  

In addition to the 30 Day Shakeology and Clean Eating group I am offering optional participation in a 3 day Shakeology Cleanse.  I have now completed the shakeology cleanse two times and both times I have reaped the rewards.  I am now looking to do it again (recommended to complete the cleanse once every quarter) and want to extend an invitation to those individuals who want a Jump Start to their healthy living journey.  To read more about the Shakeology 3 day Cleanse - CLICK HERE.  

Now you may have already decided you want to be apart of this adventure but I have even more to share with you.  There will be a prize at the end of the 30 Day Challenge for one person in the group.  This person will have actively participated in the group, completed all assignments, and went above and beyond any other challenger.  If by chance there is a tie at the end then we will have then have to look at the tie breaker - Who had the most significant transformation!  The prize,  I guarantee will help you continue your New Healthy lifestyle.  I call this particular prize my Healthy Eating Bible!! 

Now is the time to make the change - COMMIT today and tomorrow you will wake up with a new found feeling!  You will be PROUD of yourself for deciding to take this challenge and join my group. 

This is what you need to do:
1.  Create a FREE Membership on TeamBeachbody.com by using THIS LINK.  

Once you have signed up for your membership I will be YOUR COACH.  Your journey begins with me by your side!!  I am a hands on coach with an open door policy.  It is all about getting fit and healthy the RIGHT way with the RIGHT support.  
2.  Order your Shakeology Home Direct  HERE 
and give me your COMMITMENT to drink Shakeology once a day throughout the 30 days of the challenge.  If you want the BEST price, ask me how you can save 25% off your Shakeology order and any future purchase from BeachBody.  
3.  DECIDE Yes or No if you want to participate in the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse. 

of course, any questions you have please CONTACT ME.  




You can do this, You have the power to make the decision, Make the decision for CHANGE!!!!  
I have given you the opportunity, it is in your hands...all you have to do now is TAKE IT!!!!                                                                    






Oh and Shakeology has a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee so there is NO excuse not to take part in this challenge.

Looking forward to starting the journey with you!

~Alyson

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Busy Life, Healthy Way Challenge Group

These days is seems harder and harder to get DONE what we need to get DONE, right?!?!  Our to do lists are ever growing and we are constantly being asked to do more and yet we find ourselves saying YES even though we don't know how in the world we will be able to do it.  Anyone with me?  

On top of it all, you know you should be taking care of yourself but really WHO HAS TIME to do that?  By the time you get home from work or have time after the kids are to bed the last thing you want to do is exercise, STILL WITH ME??  

Oh, eating healthy - HA, who has time to do that? and who can afford to buy all that fresh food at all those expensive markets?  

LISTEN TO ME AND HEAR ME...

THESE ARE ALL EXCUSES YOU ARE TELLING YOURSELF!! 

THIS IS YOUR OUT FOR NOT TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF!!

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news people, but we all can find the time to take better care of ourselves.  

Okay so you agree with me that I am right and you are making excuses for not finding the time to take care of yourself.  Well what are you going to do about it?  Do you have any idea where to start?  Yes we all know we should exercise for at least 20 minutes a day and eat healthy but how when life is already so busy, how do you find the time to do this?  

Believe it or not, I too was in this same situation almost a year ago exactly!! I knew what I had to do but didn't know how to do it.  

Luckily I was able to find someone who did know what to do and had done it herself. She was my inspiration and she was able to lay the path for me to a healthier and MUCH happier lifestyle.  Yes, I still struggle with managing everything I need to get done but even that I am getting better at. Having my health on my side and at its peak performance I am able to manage a much tougher schedule and I get a ton more done than I use to.  

Here is what you have to do - TRUST ME!! 

Allow me to show you the path that I was fortunate to learn.

Allow me to share with you the tips and tricks that allow me to eat healthy and stay on a budget.

Allow me to share with you and help you learn how to incorporate exercise into your already booked day.

Allow me to be your COACH!!

Trying to do it by yourself and all at once can set you up for failure.  I am here to set you up for success.  

Join me and CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!!!

I am putting together a group of people who already lead busy lives BUT want to make positive changes to their lives.  

The people I am looking for want to incorporate exercise, healthy eating, and better time management into their lives. 

 The people I am looking for can be male, female, working, stay at home, students, etc.  

All I need from these people is their COMMITMENT to be ALL IN and be ready to make changes that will drastically change their future.

Today 

I am announcing the Kick off of my 

latest and greatest challenge group!!!!

Okay what is this challenge group all about?  

First this is a small private group of individuals who will all give me their commitment to be an active participant int he group.  The group will be of like minded people who want to lose weight, get in shape, have  more ENERGY, and eat healthier.  I will create a private facebook group for us all to be a part of.  We will be doing this together as a team.  We will be there for each other to support, motivate, and inspire!  I will share with you how you can lose weight, gain muscle, tone your body, meal planning tips, sample meal plans, help you build your very own meal plan, fitness tips and tricks, free coaching by ME, how to shop for healthy foods (and on a budget), how to increase your energy, time management tips, and the list goes on and on.  I am also very  open to suggestions on what topics YOU as a challenger want to be covered.  We all have our own personal obstacles to overcome so voice them to me and we can talk about them individually or as a group - its your call!!  I check in with you on a daily basis in the group.  When you have the daily support, it makes a huge difference in the outcome.  It then becomes a ripple effect of positivity!  You feel better about yourself, you look better, you have more energy, and you start to notice what a difference all of these positive changes are having on your LIFE!!!!  

This is not about working out all day or starving yourself.  This is a program that is proven to get you results that helps teach you about a healthy lifestyle for LASTING results.  I want you to succeed and not give up or bounce back.  

What you need to do is this:
1.  Create a FREE MEMBERSHIP at TeamBeachbody.com 
CLICK HERE FOR FREE MEMBERSHIP


2.  Choose a Beachbody at home Fitness program
I will help you choose which program would work best for YOU if you don't know which one to choose.

3.  Drink SHAKEOLOGY daily
You will be eating 5-6 smaller meals with the healthier eating plans I share with you. Shakeology would replace one of these meals daily.   

4.  Give me your Commitment to stay with us for the 12 weeks of the Challenge. 
You want to lose weight. You want to tone up. You want to finally be happy with the number on the scale.  You can get those things in 90 days but you have to commit!!!!

If you want to save some cash, the best option is for you to order a challenge pack.  This is an a la carte package - it includes the following:
1. One complete BeachBody Workout Program (Insanity, P90x, TurboFire, 10 Minute Trainer, etc).  
2.  Shakeology Home Direct for one month
3. VIP Club Membership which gives you 10% of all products as well as an AWESOME meal planner and diet guide!
4. Me, as your personal one on one coach for FREE!!
Note: You also sometimes get a free workout DVD along with the purchase of a challenge pack so that would be another bonus!!!!

These Challenge Packs are the #1 way to help you lose the weight you want to FINALLY get rid of, get  your healthy eating habits started right, and SAVE MONEY $$

 ORDER YOUR CHALLENGE PACK NOW

What do you have to lose Besides a few pounds that is?  What do you have to gain?  Hmm, lets see - a slimmer and more toned body, natural energy, regularity, self confidence, and the pure joy of success!!!!

Now is the time to take the first step and decide you want to make the change NOW!!!!

Message me to sign up for this incredible life changing event!!!!

alysonhorcher@gmail.com

Here's to you and  healthier more fit life

xoxo, 

Alyson