I’m trying something new, friends. Over the past year, my fitness routine has taken a back seat. I’ve been so far back that I should probably say that I’ve been riding in the trunk. Yes- I did a pretty decent job of running a few miles for a few days a week throughout the summer when I was not teaching school. Truth be told, I was just too exhausted to even try to find a way to fit in any kind of exercise. I was doing good just to get through the day considering I woke up tired. Now that I have the severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea diagnosis and that incredible CPAP providing the necessary oxygen for true sleep, I have energy! AGAIN! FINALLY!
I started back on the treadmill. I did some Yoga with Adriene. (Check her out online- she’s awesome!) While I truly enjoy both of those, it was time to try something new. I wanted to kickstart my workouts in a new way. Like many of you, I had heard of Beachbody for years. I knew people who served as coaches and those who did the old school videos. It just never seemed like something for me. There’s a Beachbody coach who I’m friends with via Facebook- you know, one of those people you may not even recognize in person, but you see their posts and feel like friends. Anyway, after she messaged me about joining a Boot Camp with a group of women online, I gave it some serious thought and jumped on board.
This was my first week of Transform 20 with Shaun T and my new Facebook friends. It is a 6-week program that requires a 20-minute workout using a step for 6-days a week. If you don’t know anything about Shaun T- and, I didn’t either- he’s the guy behind the Insanity program. He is motivating and energizing. I love that he makes sure to tell his followers that he’s not a “fitness bully” or a “nutrition bully.” He’s there to steer you in the right direction, but you have to do the work. Those 20-minutes are definitely work, but they’re also a ton of fun! I’ve already learned a couple things about myself- my arm strength sucks and I don’t have the graceful form of Shaun T on that step! But- you know what? I’m doing it! I’m also looking forward to it every day.
While I LOVE the workouts, the nutrition piece of the whole Beachbody thing isn’t my favorite part. Sure- my diet needed some tweaking. I’m drinking the Shakeology for breakfast. In case you’re wondering, chocolate is yummy. Vanilla tastes good with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Strawberry- well, I’m just hoping to use that flavor in my assortment pack quickly by adding anything that might make it taste less like medicine.
However, I am not someone who can stick to a severe diet plan in my real life. While the program suggested several possible meal plans, I chose one that I could adjust to work with my lifestyle. I’m not about depriving myself or going to some extreme. Not my style. Healthy- absolutely. Just not going to say no to that ice cream cone with my family or that pizza from time to time. For me, it’s about balance rather than limits.
The accountability part through our online group is fun but does require effort. We post pictures and ask questions. We offer motivation and virtual high fives. Do I need this part? Probably not. I am pretty self-motivated. I’ve always enjoyed the idea of exercise being my time to refocus and center myself in the chaos of life. I don’t have this need to post about my workouts or have affirmation that I’m doing a good job. I know if I gave it my all or not. Having said that, it was also part of trying something new and the other ladies are super sweet.
I look forward to seeing how I feel at the end of the 6-weeks. Am I glad I gave this a try? You bet. It’s good to shake things up once in a while.
sharing the stairs 