Les Mills Combat First two Weeks 1.7.13-1.20.13

Hello LES MILLS COMBAT!!!!!

After two weeks of this program I am in LOVE!! I don't know if my favorite workout program (Chalean Extreme) will get replaced yet or not by this one but all I can say is IT IS GOING TO BE CLOSE!!!!  What I love about this program is the mix of martial arts inspired circuits.  HUH, who knew I would find another interest - Martial Arts!! This area I know very little about but after my first week of Combat I was interested in finding out more.

For now, I am going to stick with my BeachBody Fitness Programs and finish out my commitment of 60 day to Les Mills Combat.


I am following the Ultimate Warrior Hybrid Workout Calendar.  You have three different options to choose from when starting the program, this one I just mentioned, the standard Les Mills Combat 60 day calendar, or the Supreme 60 day calendar.  

Here is what my schedule was suppose to be for Week1:
Monday, Day 1:  Combat 30 Kick Start
Tuesday, Day 2: Power HIIT 1 and Inner Warrior Stretch and Strengthen
Wednesday, Day 3: Combat 30 Kick Start and Core Attack  
Thursday, Day 4: Shock Plyo HIIT 2 and Inner Warrior Stretch and Strengthen
Friday, Day 5: Combat 45 Power Kata
Saturday, Day 6: Warrior 2: Lower Body Lean Out
Sunday: Rest Day

so I mentioned this is what my week was suppose to look like however I messed up the schedule in the beginning of the week and then on Friday I got really sick so I switched Friday as my rest day and Sunday I worked out.  

My actual schedule:

Monday, Day 1:  Combat 30 Kick Start
Tuesday, Day 2: Power HIIT 1 
Wednesday, Day 3: Combat 45 Power Kata
Thursday, Day 4: Shock Plyo HIIT 2 and Inner Warrior Stretch and Strengthen
Friday, Day 5: Rest Day  
Saturday, Day 6: Warrior 2: Lower Body Lean Out and Inner Warrior Stretch and Strengthen
Sunday: Combat 30 Kick Start and Core Attack  

Now so I don't mess up again, I have auto-scheduled my workout program into my teambeachbody.com Wowy SuperGym profile.  So each day all I need to do is log into the supergym and it tells ME what I need to do that day. At 5am I am not always functioning properly, so I am very pleased with the auto-scheduling feature that teambeachbody makes available.

Here is my review:

Combat 30 Kick Start - 

Oh boy, my first program and wow did they give it to me!!!! Squats, punches, and holy kicks!! My legs felt like jelly as did my arms!! Feel the Burn Baby!!!!

My one suggestion is when starting the program you may want to do the workouts without the music option.  I tried it and I couldn't hear the instructors.  Luckily it is a DVD so I was able to stop and restart and choose no music and Voila I could hear everything load and clear!! You can also still hear the music it is just that is it not so loud.  

 Tomorrow you might feel.. SORE. You know what that is??? CHANGE. That is so true we are pushing and changing our bodies and that is a good thing. - Dan Cohen, Les Mills Combat Trainer

Power HIIT 1 - 

The inchworm was one of my favorite moves, the Power Press nearly killed me (I was using 8 pound dumbbells), and then there were the Burpees.  

My goal is to one day be able to keep up with the instructors when they are doing the Burpee circuit.  I am always behind. I pause the DVD just so I can finish my reps!!!!

So for this workout you need barbells or dumbbells.  You can also do the workout without any weights but it will be far more intense if you use weights - so GET WEIGHTS!!!!

What is HIIT?  It is High Intensity Interval Training.  You workout hard and fast and it pays off throughout the day by burning calories continuously.  Some term it as the "after burn" and wow on these HIIT days I am starving!!

You bought this workout to work hard. You knew it would be a challenge so now do the work. Again anything good in life is not easy. You have to work hard. You bought the workout so make the most of it! - Dan Cohen

Combat 45 Power Kata - 

I see the Light alright, HOLY KICKS!!!! 

The combinations in this one take some time to get but luckily again you can pause, rewind, and do it again if need be.  Love that convenience with the At Home Workout Programs!!!!  So we got punches, kicks, and knees and a whole lot of sweat!! 

Shock Plyo HIIT 2 and Inner Warrior Stretch and Strengthen

Wow, after this workout I could not feel my legs!!! This workout was a lot of fun but oh my do you work!!  One of the key components of this program is that the instructors are always switching things up so you don't get bored.  They give you just enough time to catch your breath and then they hit you with MORE!!!! 

Jumping, squats, lunges, push ups, plank, and oh my favorite - BURPEES!!!!

The Inner Warrior Stretch and Strengthen was also on the schedule for today. This is your just as the title states - Stretching.  You are barefoot and you really get to take the time to re-energize your body.  You can literally feel your body lengthening and becoming stronger in this workout.

Lower Body Lean Out and Inner Warrior Stretch and Strengthen
Again another day when I could not feel my legs, butt, or anything in my lower body following this workout.  I can usually walk up my steps at home no problem, however after this day I had to take it a little slower than normal.  Don't get me wrong I am not complaining one bit!! I love this workout!!!!

Combat 30 Kick Start and Core Attack  

Combat 30 I already told you about from Day 1 so nothing new as far as what to expect.  I am sure you know the more you do something the easier it is suppose to get, right?? Well let me tell you first hand, this workout did not get any easier today.  If anything it was harder because my body is so stinkin sore from the previous week.  Regardless I pushed PLAY, worked through my muscle soreness, and got in a killer workout.  

and then there came Core Attack - this was all floor work and oh my does it work the abs!!!! It was the evening following this workout and I wasn't sure if I was having stomach pains or if I was feeling the effects of this workout.  I had those same pains and more the next day and it was all in my core area.  Although this was the first program in the schedule to directly target your Core, Les Mills Combat in each and every one of its days is working your core. If I don't have a rock hard midsection by the end of this program I will be shocked.  Oh that is right there is more to working your core in order to get that six pack.  

Week 2:

Monday, Day 1:  Combat 60 Extreme Cardio Fighter
Tuesday, Day 2: Power HIIT 1 and Inner Warrior Stretch and Strengthen
Wednesday, Day 3: Combat 30 Kick Start and Core Attack  
Thursday, Day 4: Power HIIT 1 and Inner Warrior Stretch and Strengthen
Friday, Day 5: Combat 45 Power Kata
Saturday, Day 6: Warrior 1 Upper Body Blow Out 
Sunday: Rest Day

The only new programs this week were as follows:

Combat 60 Extreme Cardio Fighter
Some of the same moves from Combat 30 and Combat 45 pop up in this one. It does have some of its own combinations too.  Don't worry, Dan and Rach will make your body hurt after this one is over and done!!  It is one of the longer workouts but it is not a full 60 minutes.  I was worried I would not get the full workout in but thankfully I did.  

Warrior 1 Upper Body Blow Out 

My arms were screaming!! I was screaming for a water break!! I started with 8 pound weights and I had to go down to my 3 pounders.  I could NOT lift my arms anymore with the 8 pounders.  Even though this workout is called upper body blow out you still get some lower body and abs mixed in.  Again, one of the things that I love about this program is you are using so many muscles at the same time and you don't even realize it.  

Overall I am very impressed with this Program and I have to add I love Dan and Rachael's accents.  I could listen to them all day long!! I also love that it is a man and woman who are the normal leads for this program.  It is like a sharing of POWER!!  

Always remember, Enough is NEVER Enough...Les Mills Combat Power HIIT 1

Today I started Week 3 and I am still loving this program!! Be sure to check back from my reviews for the next few weeks.  

If you are interested in learning more about this program, MESSAGE ME!  

Become a member for free of the best accountability team out there - teambeachbody!! CLICK HERE for your free membership and this will make me your Coach!!   We can get fit and healthy together!!!!

If you want to order this program go HERE or better yet save money, get healthier, and pair the program with Shakeology, The Healthiest Meal of the day - go HERE.

~Alyson
alysonhorcher@gmail.com
beachbodycoach.com/alysonh

Sore Muscles???? Rest Day or Workout????

So I have been working out intensely for almost a year now and I still experience muscle soreness!! Last week I started a new program - Les Mills Combat and I am in pain all over!! There are areas of my body I have never been sore before.  I usually can walk up our stairs at home no problem but tonight as I was marching up the stairs with my kids I was in pain!! I have been doing punches, kicks, jabs, burpees, etc. and wow does my body feel the difference in this workout as opposed to my previous workouts.  It just goes to show you that when you switch up your workouts you still work your muscles in a different way!  So....instead of taking a rest day when your muscles are sore and using that as your excuse not to workout - get up and GET IT DONE!!!! You need to work the soreness out!!!!

I did some research about working out and muscle soreness since so many of my customers experience it when they start my challenge groups.  I figured it would be well worth sharing.  We all get sore from working out from time to time so why not know how best to handle the discomfort!!!!

It is common for beginners to experience muscle soreness that lasts for a week or two, just as seasoned fitness buffs will be sore after a tough workout.  YES, you should keep working out even though you are sore!  
There is more to it, so keep reading....

THE ONLY WAY TO AVOID MUSCLE SORENESS 

IS TO NOT WORKOUT AT ALL!!!!

Not working out? Well that certainly won't get you that body you envision!!

Muscle Soreness has two primary causes:
1. The soreness you experience happens during your workout ('the burn") and should subside within a couple of hours.  This is caused by lactic acid production.  When you are training and your muscles are not getting enough oxygen (anaerobic glycolysis), lactic acid builds up.  You can break down lactic acid by continuing to move and by doing light aerobic exercise, such as walking, after you workout.  This is why the cool down of all exercise programs is so very important, especially for beginners.  The longer you cool down, the faster that lactic acid will leave the muscles (typically within an hour).

2.  The type of muscle soreness you are experiencing, up to a day or two (and sometimes even three) after your workout is known as DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness).  DOMS is caused by microscopic tears inside the muscles  resulting from weight-training or fully exhausting the muscles during cardio.  This is normal.  Beginners will probably be more sore and usually for longer.  If you really worked as hard as you should have during your strength training session, you should be somewhat sore for the next day or two as well.  

Ahh, REST...this is the point where you need to rest your muscles you worked for 1-2 days after a workout.  Take at least one day off between strength training sessions, and if you are still very sore, take 2 days off.  (This means form lifting, not from all exercise such as cardio).  If you don't let your muscles recover and repair, they will continue to break down and you will actually get weaker.  

To help prevent soreness in the future, and alleviate some of it now, 

be sure to do the following:

1.  Warm up for 5-10 minutes and cool down for at least 5 minutes.

2.  Stretch after a warm up, during your workout, and after you are done.  Only stretch when your muscles are already warm!

3. Stay Active!! The more your muscles move, the faster they will recover from exercise and soreness.  If you choose to rest completely instead of "active recovery" with light exercise, you will most likely be sore longer.  

Now what to eat to help prevent muscle soreness or the intensity of muscle soreness...

There are some great post workout drinks and foods that you can consume to help reduce the post muscle soreness and help your body to recover faster. 

The most important meal you eat is the one you have directly after your workout.  Approximately an hour after your workout, there is a window of opportunity when your muscles are literally starving for nutrients.  This is called the "Golden Hour" and the meal you eat at this time is the most important for building muscle and replenishing energy sources.

First your body needs a fresh supply of amino acids.  Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are used by your body for making muscles, hormones, neurotransmitter, bones, and all sorts of other important things.  Exercise depletes critical amino acids such as glutamine, valine, isoleucine, and leucine.  The way to replenish your body's supply is with protein - meat, chicken, eggs, fish, or whey protein powder.

Second you need carbohydrates.  Exercise draws upon your body's storage of glycogen, which is the storage form of sugar.  Glycogen waits in the liver and the muscles for a signal that sugar is needed.  Your body can hold about 1800 calories of sugar as glycogen, which is plenty to fuel any workout short of a marathon, but athletes do best when their glycogen stores are full.  So, unless you are on a carb-restricted diet, some slow burning carbs after working out is a good idea.  Try to stick with oatmeal, brown rice, grains like quinoa and amaranth, and all fruits and vegetables. 

Your muscles need protein for repair and growth, and your body needs some carbs to replenish its glycogen stores.  Remember, right before exercise you have to consider the time it takes to digest food, so you need to go light.   Post workout is the ideal time to have a full meal.  

What are the best meals or combination of foods to have post workouts?




Shakeology is a great post workout meal.  It has a perfect combination of protein and carbs along with all the essential amino acids and nutrients you body needs to recover from the workout you just did. You also don't have to ponder what you will have to eat or worse make a bad food choice. Instead have a shake and you get all you need quick and easy.  It is so refreshing and delicious!!!!


Chicken and Mixed Vegetables
Four ounces of skinless, boneless chicken breast contains almost 35 grams of high quality protein as well as small amounts of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron; 255 mg of phosphorus; 287 mg of heart-healthy potassium; and 75 percent of the recommended dietary intake for niacin, a B Vitamin that's important in energy metabolism.  One large (6-ounce) chicken breast is even more loaded: It contains more potassium than there is in a medium banana, plus a whopping 53 grams of protein.  
The fat in boneless, skinless chicken is most monounsaturated. Only 1.1 grams of the 4 grams of fat in 4 ounces of chicken is saturated fat.  The vegetables provide carbs and fiber. 

Breakfast Anytime: Egg Omelet with Avocado
In our house our kids love having breakfast for dinner!! Thank goodness because eggs are just about the best source of protein on the planet.  Mix with as many vegetables you like for a perfect meal.  Serve with avocado for a nice dose of fiber and monounsaturated fat.

At the Gym: Whey Protein  Shake
Whey protein powder I think is the best protein powder available.  You can mix whey powder with frozen berries and water, or with peanut butter, oatmeal, sliced apple, or just plain 'ole water. The whey provides the protein and the rest depending on what you add can provide the carbs, fiber, or fat. 

The Three S's" Salmon, Spinach, and Sweet Potato
Here's the ideal balanced meal.  Wild salmon for protein and omega 3s, spinach for the cornucopia of vitamins and minerals (including superstar of eye nutrition, lutein), and a sweet potato for slow-burning carbohydrates.  It's an almost perfect meal. You can add a little flaxseed oil to the sweet potato or even sprinkle it with almonds.  Be careful of your portion size though - these options are all brimming with health but they are also high-calorie items.

Bodybuilder's Delight: Tuna, Brown Rice, and Vegetables
You cannot go to a hard core gym without seeing a bodybuilder eating this classic from a Tupperware container.  A single can of light tuna canned in water and drained provides an astonishing 42 grams of high quality protein for under 200 calories.  That same can has more than 100 percent of the daily value of niacin, 29 percent of the daily value of vitamin B6 and 82 percent of the daily value for vitamin B12.  Tuna is a superb source of the vitally important cancer-protective trace mineral selenium.  Add some brown rice for fiber and carbs, and load up with vegetables and you are good to go.

You cannot go wrong with any of these, or variations thereof.  They'll load up your body with energy needed to refuel and the protein needed to rebuild and repair muscle. Couple them with hard, intense and frequent workouts, and you will be on the way to the body of your dreams.

~Alyson
Independent BeachBody Coach
beachbodycoach.com/alysonh
myshakeology.com/alysonh
alysonhorcher@gmail.com