March's Lions and Lambs; The Bad News and the Good News

It's only four days into the month of March and I'm sure we're all guessing as to whether it's a "lion" or a "lamb" kind of start (as the saying goes). If we're going by the weather alone, I suppose we're still seeing that lion. Around here, Winter is still alive and well (unfortunately). Warmer temperatures are starting to appear, but I guess anything above freezing feels like a heat wave!

The weather isn't the only downer of the month. In case you haven't heard, Les Mills Pump and Combat are being discontinued. :( Therefore, if either of those programs have ever sparked your interest, I suggest purchasing the program before the remaining quantities are sold out! As I've mentioned in the past, I greatly enjoyed Les Mills Combat and got GREAT results with it! I highly recommend it! It's fun, intense, and you'll feel pretty awesome wearing the gloves and throwing those punches!

Well, that's the extent of the bad news. Yep, that's all! I actually got a TON of good news for you! It involves Team Beachbody on demand, Turbo Fire, and Focus T25. Those two programs mentioned are the programs that are on sale this month. If you're itching for warmer weather and vacation, start getting in shape for it NOW. I have done both of these programs and they are personal favorites of mine! The workouts, the music, the trainers, the results....ALL OF IT is heart-pumping, weight-losing, AWESOMENESSl! 21 Day Fix Extreme (as well as the kickstart program), and the 3 Day Refresh are still on special as well. Click on any of these links or browse www.infusion413.com! You won't regret getting one of these programs (especially if you buy a challenge pack which is the program PLUS Shakeology). As always, if you are dissatisfied, return it for a refund (less s&h). No hassle! You've got nothing to lose except those winter pounds!

Now, for the other part of that good news....TEAM BEACHBODY ON DEMAND! If you are a complete workout junkie, THIS is the deal for you! Get the Club Challenge pack this month (which includes Shakeology) and choose from any workout from any program whenever you want and stream it from your TV, computer, or whatever! All your favorite workouts INSTANTLY! That's the perk of being in the Team Beachbody Club (as well as a 10% discount on all products you buy when you're a member). If you don't want to get the club challenge pack, you can always become a Team Beachbody Club member whenever you'd like and try it out. You'll never have to buy the programs or fiddle with DVDs again! Just pick a workout and go! Don't you just love technology?!

Grace and peace to you my friends! I hope that March will turn out to be a great month for you! With all these great deals, how could it not be?! Additionally, a SUPER Shakeology Sampler Pack is going to be released on the 16th. The current sampler pack available lets you sample all the Shakeology flavors minus the vegan ones. The SUPER sampler will INCLUDE the vegan flavors. That's good news if you've ever been curious or interested in trying the vegan flavors (or have contemplated a vegan diet). As always, if you have any questions or comments, leave them below or contact me! Be infused! God bless you!

August Update

It's been a month since Chris and I have been married. We often get asked the typical question of "how's married life?" Of course, we naturally say it's "wonderful" (because it is). In fact, compared to the previous marriages that we've both had (which were difficult and abusive) we are always amazed at just how wonderful and "normal" this marriage is and that we finally know what it's like to have a relationship that is centered around God's design/principles. It certainly is a blessing to have something real, genuine, and truly lasting! Sometimes, we are still stunned by our own love story lol. God is so good!

The fact that our faith has been our foundation is what continues to make our marriage and family stronger. If we didn't have that, we would have surely fallen apart a long time ago due to so much stress in the last 8 months. All the transitions have been tiring and tedious; plus we have had a lot of unexpected things happen as well (unexpected loss of a family member as well as a friend). These are some of the many things that have been weighing on us; most of which I cannot really list in a blog. It's because of this stuff that I have still been unable to get back into my blogging routine. I sure do long for the day where things are finally stabilized/normal and everything is more settled lol. Once everything is moved and my house is sold, that will probably make a lot of things better. I appreciate everyone's prayers about that!

Anyways, that's all I had to say on a personal note. The other thing I wanted to make sure to share was this month's promotions. The very popular and effective Focus T25 Challenge Pack is on sale once again (and for the last time this year!). This program is one of my personal favorites and is only 25 minutes a day! Yep, that's it! Combined with Shakeology, it's a sure fire way to achieve results and look/feel great! I should know because I did it! ;) The other program that is on sale is the 10 Minute Trainer Challenge pack. If 25 minutes a day is too much for you, how about just 10? Yes, 10!!! Surely you can do 10 minutes of working out each day! No problem! Watch the videos below to find out more! :)

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Thank you for understanding my scarceness in this time of transition. As always, I would like to reiterate the fact that while I may not have a lot of time for blogging, I will ALWAYS have time for YOU! Comment or email me with any questions you have or if you need help with anything. Coaching is and always will be something that I'm passionate about because I'm passionate about helping PEOPLE! I'm here for you! Be infused! God bless you!

Will You Be Ready for Summer?

As the weather warms up, we're all thinking "Yay! Shorts and tank top temperatures are coming!" Then, we dig out those fun clothes and realize to our dismay that our shirts are a little snug and those buttons don't button up very well. Now what?!

Well, if you're finding out that it's time to ditch the winter pounds that you've put on over the past few months, look no further than the April Summer Slimdown Challenge! If you don't know what I'm talking about, click on this link for the details and then contact me to let me know you are READY to sweat it all off so you won't be sweating it trying to cram yourself into your old clothes! Don't buy a new wardrobe just because your clothes don't fit (well, until you LOSE the weight after this challenge!). It's not too late! There's still time to order your challenge pack and be on your way to losing the pounds (and maybe even winning the prize of a 21 Day Fix program too!). It will be time and money well spent! Watch the videos below to learn more about the programs on special!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! On a side note, Team Beachbody has also decided to offer Tony Horton's Power 90 at a discount until April 28th. It's only $39.95 (regularly $59.85). If you have thought about doing something intense like P90X, but weren't sure if you were ready for the intensity, this might be the one for you! I've personally tried Power 90 and it is VERY doable; perfect for beginners who want great results but aren't ready for the more demanding programs yet. Be infused! God bless you!

April Summer Slimdown Challenge!

I'm sure there isn't a single person out there that isn't DELIGHTED to see more of the sun! It's starting to warm up out there! Is it possible that Spring really is here and that we've left Winter behind?! I sure hope so! The sooner we can enjoy the outdoors and warm weather, the better! It sure beats being cooped up inside!

It really has been a rough few months of bitter temperatures and an overabundance of snow. It's quite possible that the holiday/winter pounds accumulated a lot more this winter than in those past. If you're realizing that that's been the case for you, then you might want to keep reading! As you may already know, Team Beachbody offers a workout promotional every month. The challenge packs on sale for April are Brazil Butt Lift and (one of my faves) Focus T25!! Each challenge pack comes with the program PLUS Shakeology at a HUGE savings!

As if THAT weren't enough, I am offering an EXCLUSIVE incentive! Three of my other coach buddies and I have teamed up to create an April Summer Slimdown Challenge! We have a special Facebook challenge group for you to join once you order your challenge pack. April 21st will be the start date for everyone to begin the program. I'll get you added to the group once you've ordered your challenge pack and you'll be on your way to a better body with Shakeology and support from me (your coach!) and others in the group. You are NOT ALONE! And, you'll all be eligible to win the prize! Yes, A PRIZE!! The challenger that has the greatest percentage of weight-loss will win a 21 Day Fix program (a $59.85 value!). Yeah, that's the hot selling program that they can barely keep in stock! How cool is that?! You could have a fresh new program to do once you finish April's challenge! Additionally, EVERYONE gets a FREE t-shirt of their completed program when they submit their "before" and "after" photos to the Team Beachbody challenge (plus a chance to win prizes directly from Team Beachbody). Everyone wins! :)

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you all are ready to ditch the winter pounds and work on being fit and healthy (leaving winter and your "behind" behind lol)! Personally, I'm still "staying with the fight" with Les Mills Combat! It's going great! I'm eager to see how well you all do with one of these challenge packs (I got GREAT results with Focus T25). Don't wait too long to order! It all kicks off on April 21st! Contact me if you need any help or have any questions! Be infused! God bless you!

Getting Geared Up!

When it comes to working out, it's essential to have the basics in order to get moving. Workout clothes, supportive shoes, and a water bottle are absolute "must haves". Sometimes, you might even get some other extras like a music player to listen to while you run, a heart rate monitor to track time/calories burned/etc., or equipment of some kind. Whatever it is that you need, it all helps you attain your fitness goals!

This is why Team Beachbody has added several new choices to their men's/women's apparel line (including Shakeology, Focus T25, and P90X3 shirts!) as well as HUGE savings on their stability ball, stability ball/medicine ball combo, and the Tai Cheng Rumble Roller. Click on any of those links to view the product or visit www.infusion413.com and click on "shop" to browse the store for whatever you may need (including Shakeology shaker cups)!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Remember, you can always get a FREE T-SHIRT every time you complete a Team Beachbody program (and be entered to win cash and prizes too!). Simply sign-in to your account (sign up for FREE if you don't already have one) and click on the "Beachbody Challenge" tab at the
top to submit your "before" & "after" photos and they will mail you the corresponding t-shirt of the program you've completed! Yep, it's that easy! I got one for completing Focus T25! Once I complete Les Mills Combat, I'll get a shirt for that one too! All I have to do is "Stay with the fight" (as they say in the workouts). I'm really sore after these first few days of the program, but I'm going to keep pushing through! I got my Shakeology and my Results and Recovery Formula (and the amazing power of prayer) to get me through! I'll make it by the grace of God! ;) Be infused! God bless you!

Shaun T Makes a Visit to Oz!

It's time for a media Monday...on a Tuesday. Technical difficulties kept me from posting yesterday (I just might have spilled something on my lap top which caused it to go schizo on me). Anyways, I was really wanting to share a video clip from the Dr. Oz show yesterday. I am not an avid watcher of the show, but when Team Beachbody trainer, Shaun T, said he was going to be on it, I made sure to watch! Click on this link to watch/do a five minute fat blaster workout with Shaun T; which is based on his phenomenal program Focus T25 (which you've heard me rave about!).

Grace and peace to you, my friends! If you're ready to get focused and fit in just 25 minutes a day, click here! You won't regret it! Don't forget, I'm also looking for people to join my challenge group! Whether you want to do Les Mills Combat with me, or something else, I would love to add you to my team and to the group so we can all workout/support each other together! Just ask me how! Be infused! God bless you!

Deal, or Snow Deal?

We're a week into the new year now. Aside from the snow, how are things going? If you're snowed in, that certainly makes it easier to work out more; whether you're shoveling snow or passing the time by doing some Team Beachbody workouts!

Last week, I mentioned that they have extended their special deal on P90X3 challenge packs. Through this month, you can STILL get the program PLUS Shakeology at a special discounted price! Additionally, they have also decided to offer the same deal on Focus T25 as well!! You might remember that this is the hugely successful 25 minute a day program of Shaun T's (the one that I have tried for myself, enjoyed immensely, and saw WONDERFUL RESULTS with!). I can't recommend this program ENOUGH! It's TERRIFIC! Combined with Shakeology, it's a POWERHOUSE! If you want results, you'll get it! Whether you go for P90X3 or the Focus T25 challenge pack, you're sure to succeed! Don't forget to take "before" and "after" photos so you can get your FREE t-shirt! I love my Focus T25 shirt!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you take advantage of this deal! You won't be sorry (unless you don't take the deal). Snow or no snow, your order will get to your door! Be infused! God bless you!!

Give Yourself Ten Minutes!

Probably everyone's biggest workout excuse for why they don't exercise is that they don't have time. Yeah, it can be understandable if you don't have an hour or more to devote to some hard core exercising, but I think everyone can spare SOME amount of time! If you have just 25 minutes, you can get a LOT done and get great results with Focus T25 (I know I did!). Though, if you can't spare even 25 minutes, how about just TEN?! Yeah, that's right, TEN!!

I think we all have at LEAST ten minutes! Seriously, you could get up in the morning, do ten minutes, and then hit the shower and go to work. Or, you can do just ten minutes when you get home from work and then hit the shower and relax the rest of the night. That's doable, isn't it?

Check out this short video for the 10 minute trainer. It's a great program by Tony Horton; the maker of the P90X programs (and that special deal is STILL going on for P90X and P90X2, but only until the end of this month!!). It's PERFECT for anyone who really is crunched for time; especially stay-at-home Moms who have a hard time fitting in some "me time" (you can do this while the kids are napping!).

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Whether it's this program, or maybe something else, I hope you all can find at least a few minutes a day to start working out! The benefits are endless! You will feel better inside and out, boost your mood, and improve your health! You can do it! Be infused! God bless you!

The Challenge of Rest

We all know that there's great benefits to working out. Though, do we ever stop to consider that working out too much (or too hard) could be hurting our efforts? That's the subject of this article. It IS possible to overdo it on the exercise and in doing so, sabotage your efforts.

This article was a great reminder to me because, as you all know, I've been working out a lot harder than normal. Not only am I finishing up Focus T25 Gamma, but I've been doing a lot of work on my new house. I still have a lot of painting to do; plus there will be all that work of moving things into the house as well. Needless to say, I'm REALLY tired and sore!

I'm pushing forward with everything that I have to do, but I have already decided that once I finish this last week of Gamma, I'm going to take a break from doing any other programs until I get settled into my new home. More than likely, I'll just do some moderate walking and stretch workouts for a while since I'm already going to be doing a lot of moving and lifting otherwise. Though, I must say, I believe that Focus T25 has built up a LOT of endurance in me! I don't think I would have been able to do a lot of what I've been doing if I hadn't been doing this beforehand! In fact, I bought a coffee table at an antique store last Saturday (which has a heavy granite inset in the middle). A guy at the store carried it out for me and told me that the granite (that pops right out) was really heavy and that I should have help with it when I got home (heck, he was struggling with it, it seemed). So, I anticipated asking my Dad to help me carry it once I was ready to get it out. However, when I picked it up, I was like "I don't know what he's talking about. It really isn't that bad." I was pleasantly surprised, and impressed, with myself because I know it's because of the strength training I've been doing in Gamma that helped me have what it took to lift that granite. I felt super strong! :)

I am confident that I am both stronger and more able to get through what I need to get done. But, I also know that I need to rest, rebuild, and recuperate or I will burn out completely. We all need to be proud of what we have accomplished (and continue to challenger ourselves) but we also need to accept the challenge of rest as well. It's a component that we needn't overlook if we expect to succeed in the long run!!

Grace and peace to you, my friends!! I hope that you're all pressing forward in all that you're doing; remembering to allow God to infuse you with His peace and rest in addition to His strength too! Be infused! God bless you!!

My Focus T25 Workout Results!

There are so many perks to finishing a workout program. One of them is the fact that you can say that you did it and that you made it through! The other thing is being able to see the fruits of your labor! In my case, I just finished the basic Focus T25 program (which consists of the Alpha and Beta stages). It's a 10 week program; only 25 minutes a day Monday-Friday with Saturday being a rest day and a recommended stretch exercise workout on Sundays. I am proud to say that I have done remarkably well; considering that I did the modifications and the only real nutrition plan I had was Shakeology. I would have done even better if I had been counting calories and following some sort of meal plan, but I'm happy with what I've accomplished with  just the Shakeology and workouts alone! I have lost 11 pounds and several inches (which is about a pound a week and generally speaking, they say the safest to lose is 1-2 pounds a week so I am doing really well even without a rigid nutrition plan)!! I'm never quite sure if I measure just right, but I'm down 5 inches altogether in the thighs, waist, and hips. I've also lost nearly two inches around the chest. My bras, shirts, and pants all fit differently/better and I am THRILLED!! Therefore, I am going to continue on with Focus T25 by doing the next phase: GAMMA!! 

The Gamma phase is centered on strength. In these first few days, I'm already feeling stronger, tighter, and a little sore. It's great! I am looking forward to completing these next four weeks and then probably doing the hybrid schedule for four more weeks (which is a mixture of workouts from all three phases). So, by then, I hope to be able to have a REALLY nice "after" photo. I can definitely see a difference now, but I guess I just want to wait to post them until I've completely finished and have lost even MORE weight and look more toned. ;) 

I'm tellin' ya, people, this program is AMAZING!! I have done several Beachbody programs and out of all of them, I feel like this is probably one of the best ones! I have gotten GREAT results and the workouts (while intense) are doable and don't take that much time. I LOVE that!! I highly recommend this program!! I know that anyone that has (or is) doing it would agree!! If you've already finished the basic program, I also highly recommend continuing on with Gamma! I have really high expectations for this! I'm loving it! 

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Remember, you can do this!! Even if 25 minutes is too much of a commitment for you, you can at LEAST do 10 minutes....right? EVERYONE can do something! You just have to start SOMEWHERE! Let me help you pick a program that you'll love (and they all are guaranteed) and get you started on Shakeology as well! The proof is all right here in my own results; you don't have to be perfect to make progress! Be infused! God bless you!! 

Focused, Fired, and Beastly!

Wow! This day really got away from me! Usually, I have my blog posted a lot sooner, but I dropped the ball today! Therefore, for this workout Wednesday, I'm just going to simply remind you about the two workout programs that are on special this month. There's only 9 more days to take advantage of the challenge pack deal (which is the workout program PLUS Shakeology all for one great price!. Turbo Fire, Body Beast, and Focus T25 are the featured challenge packs!! Don't miss out!!! I have done Turbo Fire and I LOVE IT! I am also loving Focus T25 right now and am getting AMAZING results in combination with the Shakeology!! Seriously, peeps, you gotta try this!!

Grace and peace to you, my friends!! As always, if you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to contact me!! Be infused!! God bless you!

Focus + Change = Transformation!

Changes; I've been making a LOT of them lately. I can't begin to list them all, but there have been lots of shifts in my life; both big and small. For the most part, it has all occurred due to a deliberate change of focus. I've been bettering my life physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Physically, my fitness and nutrition has improved since drinking Shakeology consistently and doing the Focus T25 workouts. Mentally and emotionally, I have been purposely thinking and acting in a positive manner and concentrating on the good things of God's Word. I've been feeding my spirit with God's messages (which has also included listening to Christian music again) to fuel me and reshape my heart and mind; which has led to the better spiritual condition I've been in. I've also been actively searching for a new "church home" (I haven't been plugged into a church for quite a while).

As I reflect over the past couple months, I see how I've been transforming so much! More and more, I feel like I am becoming the person I am meant to be. These past three years have been the craziest and hardest three years of my life. It has been all the more difficult because I allowed my faith to dwindle and have gotten away from the kind of person that I used to be. Now, I feel like I'm truly rebuilding and beginning again. I have refocused on what's most important: God and Kingdom work!

Kingdom work. That's the thing that's been standing out in my mind and heart the most recently. I've thought about it all the more since visiting the church that my parents attend. They have had testimonies (particularly from the youth) where they state their name and that they're a "Kingdom worker." Every time I have heard one of those testimonies, it inspires and fires me up inside to be the kind of servant that we are all called to be (and the kind I always used to be). I am truly blessed by the kind of huge heart this church has for loving and serving others! There is such a sweet spirit of servanthood, ministry, and outreach to both the local and global community! Tonight, for example, they are having a community block party! What a great opportunity to serve and have fellowship with the community! I am going to take the kids!

I couldn't end this blog without talking a bit about the message at church today which was all about axing the excess in our lives. It fit just perfectly with all the changes I'm making in my life right now. It serves as an encouragement and affirmation from God that I am headed in the right direction. Pastor Sprinkle talked about focus and cutting out the excess in our lives that distract us from God. Whether it's having too much emphasis on our stuff, our activities, entertainment, or whatever else, we need to take a moment to shift our attention back to where it needs to be. That's something that I've learned in my workouts too as I've been doing Focus T25. Never before have I been so concentrated and focused on what I was doing. When you remember just how intentional you have to be in what you do, you get so much more out of it! I have been applying that not just in my workouts, but in all those areas of my life that I mentioned. I am AMAZED at just how more content, happy, and purpose filled I feel now! Focus + change = transformation!! It's awesome!

Grace and peace to you, my friends!! If you have been wanting change in any area of your life, you CAN achieve it if you really focus on it! Cut out distractions, commit to making changes (even small ones, which can ultimately result in big ones!) and really concentrate on what you're doing! Eliminate all the excessive things in your life that need to be cut out so you can devote more time to the most important things. Think about the limits and boundaries you need to have and redirect your time and energy to the things that matter most! As you can see, I have been pouring a lot of time and energy into Infusion 413 because I have a passion for helping people and sharing things from my life/heart that I feel God will use to minister to others. That is why I use my writing talent to blog, post statuses to encourage, and want to interact with people so they know that their coach cares about them! "My name is Melissa and I'm a Kingdom worker!" How about you? Be infused! God bless you!

Beauty or a BEAST?!

Well, August is almost half over already! Where has the time gone?! Kids are going back to school and everyone's routines are getting back to normal!

Speaking of routines, now is the time to get BACK into a workout routine (in case you were too "busy" this summer!). The holidays will soon be upon us and that's when a lot of people gain a few pounds! That doesn't have to be your fate! You can prevent that before it even happens by getting into healthy nutrition and fitness habits NOW so you won't be having to deal with a bunch of fresh new year's resolutions LATER!

I mentioned last week that right now, you can get everything you need in order to reach your nutrition and fitness goals with a Team Beachbody challenge pack! The ones that are on special for just a little bit longer are Turbo Fire, Body Beast, and Focus T25 (which is my current program and I'm getting GREAT results!). If you have been thinking about purchasing one of these packages (which includes Shakeology) what are you waiting for?! August is almost over and soon, the savings on these programs will be too!

You've heard me talk about Turbo Fire and Focus T25 (which are two of my all-time favorite programs and highly effective). However, you probably don't know much about Body Beast. That program is, well, a BEAST lol! If you are serious about bulking up and building up some muscle (particularly guys) then you'll definitely want this program! If you've already done some of the intense programs (like P90X) and want to take it to the next level, then this is for you! This is also ideal for skinnier guys who have a hard time gaining weight/muscle. Body builders will also LOVE this because it's an effective workout program you can do at home without having to go to the gym.  Also, don't forget to get your base shake, M.A.X. Creatine, Fuel Shot, and Super Suma if you want to maximize your results! These are specially formulated supplements that are designed specifically for Body Beast and will help you achieve your desired goals!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Whether you're a girl or a guy, there's a program for everyone! You can now be a beauty or a beast as a result of one of these amazing programs! Time is running out to take advantage of these prices! Don't let August pass you by and then wish you had taken advantage of your chance to save on the program that will transform your body and get you to where you need to be! You're worth it! Go for it!! Be infused! God bless you!

Fired Up for August!

Most of us know that August is one of the hottest months in the year (at least in Indiana where I live). Though, if you do live in Indiana, you're probably saying "not this year!" While it is true that this August has been rather mild, I have some news that is red hot!!

I am very excited to let you know that one of my favorite workouts is now on special for this month! Chalene Johnson's Turbo Fire challenge pack is on sale!! A challenge pack is where you get your fitness program AND your first month of Shakeology for a killer price!! If you buy the workouts and Shakeology separately, it would cost you a LOT more!! However, when you buy the challenge pack, you will save $70.00!! If you've been putting off getting a workout program and/or Shakeology because it was just too much, you can now have BOTH for a lot less!! This is the perfect opportunity to get everything you need and save a ton of money! As always, you have a 30 day money back guarantee (less s&h) if you're not completely satisfied. Their customer service is awesome; no hassle! They will go above and beyond to make sure you're happy (I know this from experience). 

Ladies, if you are like me, you will LOVE Turbo Fire (don't worry, guys use it and enjoy it too!). I'm a gal that LOVES great heart-pumping music and lots of fun moves and action! These workouts are FUN and effective (if you like Zumba, you'll love this!). Chalene Johnson is one of my favorite trainers! She is also the creator of Turbo Jam and ChaLEAN Extreme (I have done both of those programs as well). You won't be disappointed! 

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you will take advantage of this August offer for Turbo Fire! Body Beast is also on special this month! Additionally, they have decided to extend July's challenge pack deal on Focus T25 (which is the program I am currently doing and having SO MUCH SUCCESS with)! However, if none of these programs apply to you, they DO offer other challenge packs; some of them are around the same price (or less) as the ones featured this month (just to name a few: check out Turbo Jam, Body Gospel, or Shaun T's Dance pack that has Hip Hop Abs AND Rockin' Body!). Awesome, right?! Are you fired up?! Good! Be infused! God bless you!! 

"Why Can't I Lose Weight?"

The biggest question I think most people have when they feel they are trying their hardest to lose their excess weight (and are not seeing the loss on the scale) is: "WHY?!" Well, there could be a lot of reasons, why. Click on this link to see a short video where Team Beachbody trainer, Shaun T, answers that very question! Additionally, here's a list of 10 bad habits that could be hindering your weight-loss as well.

I know I have often asked myself the same question. Sometimes, the answer is simple and other times, it isn't. It's easy to figure out the whys if you know you ate too many (or too few) calories, had a few binges here and there, or didn't give your all in your workouts (or didn't workout much at all). However, when you are meeting your calorie goals, working your hardest, and seemingly doing everything "right", it's so hard to accept a number on the scale that hasn't gone down!

Don't be frustrated! Be patient with yourself! Keep doing your best and you WILL see the payoff! If you give up, you'll never see the rewards! It's important to remember that everyone's body is different and sometimes (especially when you're starting a new workout) your muscles can retain fluids as you're body is changing. So, you might even see GAINS from time to time. When you do, remember that it's likely muscle. Pay attention to your tape measure (and how your clothes fit) because that will reassure you when your scale can't! That's definitely been a big help to me because that's where I'm seeing it the most right now as I'm doing Focus T25! I did see a five pound loss the second week, but not so much since then. The TAPE MEASURE, however, is showing a LOT of differences and my clothes fit better! Praise God, I'll take it!! :)

Grace and peace to you, my friends!! Keep persevering no matter what! Don't be discouraged! Everyone has plateaus and stagnant times, but the breakthroughs DO come!! Be infused! God bless you!!

Do You Have Just 25 Minutes?

It's Workout Wednesday! That means, it's time to put the spotlight on a fitness program!

The first one that I would like to mention is the one that I'm doing right now: Focus T25. This is a brand new program that just recently came out and everyone I know that's doing it (including myself) is LOVING IT!

Focus T25 was created by Shaun T; the same amazing trainer that created Hip Hop Abs, Rockin' Body, and Insanity. He packed an intense 60 minutes worth of work into only 25 minutes a day, five days a week!! Yeah, seriously!! I can personally vouch for the fact that it's intense, but short! Just 25 minutes and you're DONE for the day! I'm already feeling stronger and building up endurance. I'm looking leaner, my clothes are fitting better, and I have lost weight AND inches!! I'd say it's worth it (and I'm not even half way through the program yet!). Focus T25 and Shakeology is giving me results like I have never had before (even with following some of the modifications)!! I can only imagine what my "after" photos are going to look like...even more so if I more than likely get the Gamma DVDs to extend the program!!

Check out this video to see a little more about Focus T25! Then, check out the links in this post to view the programs, sign up for a FREE Team Beachbody account, and to order the products and get started!!

Grace and peace to you, my friends!! Be infused!! God bless you!!

Don't Be Shy! Modify!!

When thinking about the "tip" that I wanted to talk about for the first "tips and tools" Tuesday, I already had something at the forefront of my mind. It may not seem like a big deal, but if you really thing about it, it is! Maybe it's because I tend to be an "all or nothing" black/white type of person, so this is something I have to remind myself of often. That thing is "modification." 

Modification can be an uncomfortable concept because modifying means you're changing something. Change isn't always something that most enjoy, but with the right mindset, it can be a great thing! For me, however, I don't always like that word when it comes to my workouts or my nutrition. Doing different workout moves, adjusting recipes, or anything that isn't "exactly" like what the program says or what someone else is doing tends to bother me! I can't begin to tell you how many times I used to get frustrated with a workout because I couldn't do it like the people in the video. Sometimes, it was because I hadn't learned the moves yet. Other times, it was because I hadn't built up the endurance to keep up or I physically couldn't/shouldn't do what they were doing. In my mind, I had to do everything "right" or I didn't want to do it at all! I figured that messing up or doing it a different way would be a wasted effort and I wouldn't be able to get the results I wanted. This isn't true! 

I have learned over the years that, like one of my teachers used to say, "you've got to adjust and adapt." Everyone is an individual, so modification is NECESSARY to personalize things for yourself! It took me a long time to discover what works for me because everyone tells you what machine you should buy or what workout program to do or what foods to eat. All of these are helpful things that should be taken into consideration, but then adjusted to fit your needs so that you can adapt accordingly. I had to find out the hard way that machines and gadgets are NOT my style. I had an ab rocker, ab roller, elliptical, gazelle, and all sorts of stuff like that before I realized that I am not an equipment person. I get bored and annoyed; working out becomes a chore! Then, I would eventually give up! However, once I figured out that I really liked Team Beachbody DVD workout programs, I had a LOT more success! Great trainers, who create motivating and structured routines that keep you moving along, are what keep me from dreading and avoiding working out! 

Never feel bad if a workout program isn't for you, or if you HAVE to modify some moves. Tailor everything to your needs and what your body can do. Try your hardest and push yourself to do more, but don't go beyond what you KNOW you should. For me, that's keeping an eye on my back, neck, and feet. If there are "jumping" moves, I do the modifications. Sometimes, it still nags at me in the back of my mind and I get upset that I can't do what they're doing. But, I remind myself that my best IS good enough and that as long as I'm giving my all with what I've got (and keeping my heart rate up, which is the main idea) I'm going to do well! Even now, I'm doing Focus T25 and I have to modify a lot of the moves, but I'm having GREAT success anyways because I'm making everything count that I CAN do!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Be encouraged! :) Whatever you're trying to accomplish, you CAN do it! Do your best and allow God to keep infusing you with the strength to make it through it! Contact me for help in choosing what program will be best for YOU and your needs! God bless you!