We Won't Quit!

Finally! I have a moment to post something! It will be short (rare, I know lol) but I wanted to at least take a moment to assure everyone that reads this blog that Chris and I are STILL persevering with Piyo! Like I mentioned in my previous post, it's sometimes a struggle for me to keep going. However, I push forward no matter what!

Sweaty Selfie!

I'm so glad that I haven't given up and that Chris and I have been encouraging each other to push through it (even Chalene Johnson has liked our photos on Instagram!). We are seeing a difference in our strength and endurance levels. We look and feel better and are transforming and improving every day! We have been pushing through no matter how tired and busy we are!

Speaking of busy, that's another reason I haven't posted (well, not on this blog anyways). I've posted a couple things on my original blog. Please take a moment to read those posts if you haven't already because they're really important! If you ever wondered what I would look like without makeup or even without hair (I'm not kidding!) you'll want to read about how you can get me to shave my head!! You could even win your own copy of Piyo or Shakeology as well! Read the post for all the details!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I'll leave you with this amazing video that often plays out in my head when I'm working out (it's from the movie "Facing the Giants" which is a MUST SEE!). It encourages me to give my all, persevere, and to NEVER give up!! :No matter what, we won't quit; and that applies to everything in our lives! Anytime you feel like you can't go on, just think of this and "DON'T QUIT! DON'T QUIT!" Do your best...your VERY BEST!! KEEP GOING! DON'T GIVE UP! You can do it and God is right there supplying you with what you need to accomplish it! Be infused! God bless you!!

Beast Mode: How to Defeat "Gaston"

It's hard to believe that Chris and I are already on our third week of Piyo. We're nearly finished with our first month, but you can still workout right along with us at any time (in fact, Piyo is on sale this month!). It hasn't been easy, but we are feeling stronger and more flexible. It's so worth it and I highly recommend it! Chris says he already has more room around the waistline of his pants and frequently likes to flex his growing arm muscles. ;) I do not mind this at all lol! I'm so proud of him/us and very grateful to God for getting us through it!

There have been many days where I have felt so tired and sore that I have wanted to just skip a workout or abandon this workout program. I pretty much feel like this every time I start a new routine but I stick with it because I refuse to give up on myself. Yes, there are times where I barely get through it, but I say my prayers and push on through!

This may sound odd, but for quite some time, there is a particular scene that plays out in my mind every morning when I wake up (and a lot of times when I'm struggling to get through a workout). In case you didn't know, I struggle with chronic pain; the doctor thinks I likely have fibromyalgia. I usually feel terrible when my alarm goes off in the morning and I often battle with finding the will to get out of bed. That's when I hear the words of Gaston, from Beauty & the Beast, mocking me: "Get up! Get UP! What's the matter Beast?! Too kind and gentle to fight BACK?!" There I am; lying there trying to convince myself to start the day. I know that I have a "beast mode" deep inside, but it would just be so much easier to lie there and give up. However, while I am a kind and gentle person, I am not a sissy that is going to just stay lying down and refuse to get up and fight for myself. Like the Beast, I always find my reason for living again and rise up strong; taking my enemy (Satan) aback. I find my "beast mode" by praying for God's strength and motivation. I remember that He is my reason for living and that He has given me responsibilities that I must fulfill for my family, my job, and everyone I encounter each day. Unless I am ridiculously sick, I get my booty out of bed and "Gaston" has to shut up for one more day lol. Satan is relentless, but my God is stronger! Jesus is the only reason I keep getting out of bed (or get up off the floor when I have done one too many reps). Beast mode.....HEAR ME ROAR!!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope this encourages you to engage your inner beast and that these fairy tale parallels can help you relate in a way that is beneficial to you (this isn't the first time God has brought Beauty & the Beast to my mind)! Ask yourself, "What is my focus? What makes me rise up courageously and ferociously to accomplish what I need to do?" Share your thoughts and comments about these questions in the comment section below this post! :) I encourage you to pursue your passion and purpose ! Ask God to reveal it to you if you don't already know. Rely on Him to be your strength and motivation and you too will defeat "Gaston" every day no matter how much he taunts you or tries to lead the charge chanting "kill the Beast"! No one can kill that Beast inside you because if God is for you, no one can be against you! ;) God bless you!

Why You Don't Have to Be a Loner

Chris & I before doing our 1st workout!

Anyone that truly knows me knows that I am a people person. I tend to be social and extroverted more often than not. When it comes to working out, however, I tend to be a loner. It's strange, but for the most part I have always enjoyed working out by myself. I feel like I can focus and perform better when I'm alone. It doesn't work for everyone, but I'm the type that stays pretty driven once I set my mind to something.

I often try to remind myself to take my own advice when it comes to having support or workout buddies. It definitely has its advantages because I do tend to push myself even more when there are other people around (the competitive side of me, I suppose lol). Yet, I'll admit to having mixed feelings when Chris surprised me with the declaration that he wanted to workout with me. What if I got too distracted? What if we got in each others' way? Would this work and would he be in in for the long haul with me?

Performance Sampler Pack

I'm proud to report that thus far, things have been going very well! We are currently on our third day of the Piyo program. It fits easily into our busy schedule (most of the workouts are only 20-30 minutes). It's very doable and we are already feeling some degree of soreness; which confirms the changes that are happening in our bodies. We've even sampled the new performance supplements together (which have great taste as well as benefits).

With each workout we complete, I become more and more grateful that he's by my side. It has boosted my motivation to workout even more and progressing together has been an encouragement to me. It makes me look forward to seeing how much easier the workouts will become as we get stronger and more flexible. I can't wait to see our end results!

Of all the verses that could possibly come to mind, it was this one that came to the forefront as I was composing this:

The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." - Genesis 2:18 

A hot husband is definitely distracting! ;)

I feel as if Chris is as much a help to me as I hope I am for him. I can't IMAGINE doing this without him now! God has always known that fellowship and companionship is essential; that it's not good to be alone. I'm glad that He gave us to each other because we're better TOGETHER! Having my husband by my side is such a blessing and a gift! It's a very real demonstration of love and commitment; not just to fitness, but to me/us. It says to me: "You matter. I matter. We matter. Let's be the best we can be...together!" We will not quit! In everything that we do, we will do it well and give it our all for the glory of God! Love always perseveres!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope that if you're reading this, you will realize how important it is not to be a loner. EVERYONE (even the most introverted of people) need some degree of support! My stats on here and on Facebook show me that there ARE people reading and paying attention, but for some reason I barely hear a peep out of anyone (my new Instagram is off to a promising start, though, so feel free to follow me there as well!). As always, I want to encourage and remind you that you are NOT alone! I'm here, and I promise you there is a whole team here, but maybe everyone is waiting on someone else to share first. I've always hoped that this blog (and Facebook group) could be the kind of place where people could speak, share, and find encouragement. I remember the good old days of myspace blogging where there was lots of comment interaction and fellowship on blog posts; like a big chat party! I love blogging communities like that! Do you? If so, let's get this chat party started! Don't be shy! Comment below! Be infused! God bless you! 

It's Time to Get Back!

First day back to school!

The beginning of the year is always so full of hope and optimism as resolutions are made (and often broken fairly quickly). Much like January, August is like a fresh start. It's the month where everything seems to get "back" on track and you're ready to finish strong in the last half of the year. The kids go back to school (yes, thank goodness!) and the standard routine kind of goes back to normal as we get ready for Fall. I don't know about you, but I like football season and watching the premieres of my favorite shows (who else is excited for "Once Upon A Time," "The Big Bang Theory," "The Flash," and "Arrow"?! Oh, and "Heroes Reborn"!!!).

It's also the perfect time to refocus and get back into the fitness groove now that Summer is winding down. You might have already read that my husband and I have declared that we're getting "back" to working out. We have ordered Piyo and it's on its way! Soon, we'll be getting "back" to the weight and fitness level that we need to be! I am super thrilled that we're going to be doing it together! Accountability makes a big difference!

How about you? Would you like to do Piyo with us? "Like" Infusion 413 on Facebook and request to join the motivation group! Having a support group where you can encourage (and be encouraged) is a vital key to success! Even if Piyo isn't your program of choice, you can still join! I can help you choose a program that you'll enjoy. Team Beachbody guarantees your satisfaction; you can send it back for a refund if you don't like it! :) There are so many to choose from! This month, their NEWEST program (Cize) is on special! It will likely be my next program after I'm done with Piyo because I LOVE Shaun T! His programs have always been fun and given me great results! I can't wait to treat myself to dancing it up once we finish Piyo!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Please, feel free to comment and/or contact me! I'm looking forward to getting in better shape and hope you will follow our progress (and be inspired to achieve your own!). Maybe I'll even do ChaLean Extreme again once I get my endurance built up (or maybe even have the guts to try the new program from Autumn Calabrese and Sagi Kalev called "The Master's Hammer & Chisel - coming soon....be the FIRST to know when it's available!). Be infused! God bless you!

My Husband And I Are "Doing It!"

Yeah, it was like THAT lol!

My husband just told me something incredibly shocking today! He said: "I wanna do it with you." No, it's not what you think (c'mon, you really think I would share that on my blog lol?!). He was actually referring to the idea of doing a Team Beachbody workout program with me! Yeah, see........SHOCKING!! :)

It's not that Chris isn't a fan of exercise. It's just that we have both been low on the time and motivation to do much of anything aside from keeping up with our normal day-to-day routine of work and family obligations. However, we've realized that just like any other priority, you have to MAKE time for it! Our health and well-being IS a priority and it's essential that we work on being in a better state of health; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. These post-nuptial pounds gained MUST GO!

The Team Beachbody motto is: "Decide. Commit. Succeed." We are currently in the "Decide" phase where we're making a plan of action and choosing a program to commit to! Our program of choice: Piyo! I've been eager to try it ever since it was released but just haven't done it yet. I'm so excited that my husband wants to "do it" with me lol! I hope he knows what he's getting into with me as a coach because I'm going to hold him to his word! If it's anything I know and admire about my man, it's that he's just as committed and determined as I am when making a serious decision to do something! He's amazing!

As we prepare to embark on this new aspect of our journey together, a few verses come to mind:

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? - Galatians 5:7


Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. - 1 Corinthians 9:24.  

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. - Hebrews 12:1. 

Anyone who knows me or has read my blogs for a while knows that I have been "racing" a long time. My health and weight have been a battle for many years. There have been many things that have "cut in on me" and kept me from continuing to "race in such a way as to get the prize." I could give you an entire list of whats and whys, but there really is no excuse. It all boils down to whether or not I made the right decisions or not. Not being consistent with my workouts, failing to eat the way I should, and not staying closely plugged in with my ultimate coach (God) will always ensure that I'm sitting on the sidelines instead of racing towards the finish line. It's unacceptable!

Everyone that is reading this right now is going to make up our "cloud of witnesses"! In the months to come, you will read updates on our progress as we persevere on this journey. We'll be working hard to throw off  all the hindrances and entanglements that keep us from reaching our goal! Prayer and accountability make it even more certain that we will get there because we'll be "doing it" together!

How about you? Are you happy with your health? Are you still running a good race and in a way to get the prize? Or, have you run into snares and potholes along the way? It's never too late to recommit! Leave a comment and share your roadblocks! We've all had them and become discouraged! You don't have to let it keep you down! I've started and restarted so many times I can't keep track; but I keep trying! :) Cheer us on and we'll cheer you on too!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope that this post will inspire courage and a renewed desire to make every aspect of your health a fresh priority! We will keep you updated on what we're doing! If you'd like to join us, contact me so we can pray for/support you! Also, feel free to follow Infusion 413 on Facebook and request to join our motivation group! You NEVER have to do this alone! Like the Nike saying goes: "Just Do It!" Be infused! God bless you!

*Note* I was originally going to talk about the newest products and promotions, but God obviously led me in a different direction...which is great, right? ;) Just visit www.infusion413.com instead and click on "shop" to see what's new! Most notable is Shaun T's newly released program (Cize), the new "Fixate" cookbook (21 Day Fix Recipes! Yay!), boost powders for your Shakeology, and new performance formulas to get maximum results! Here are some links to a few short videos for more info (or feel free to contact me): Cize video, Shakeology Boost video, Performance Formulas video.

Spring Breaking Into Fitness!

Our kids have been gone since last weekend; they are on Spring break with our exes. I can't remember the last time Chris and I got to spend some quiet quality time together! We've even got to go on a few walks. It's so nice to be able to get some exercise together and enjoy the outdoors again now that it's getting nicer out!

I hope all of you are enjoying the nicer weather! Comment and let me know what your favorite outdoor activities are! Do you have a nice scenic neighborhood that makes taking walks a treat? How about outdoor sports? Is anyone out there starting to get warmed up for Summer activities?

If you're not an outdoor person (or are looking to get in shape for the outdoor sports) watch the videos below to check out the programs on special this month. If you've already done P90X or P90X2, then take it to the next level with P90X3. Or, maybe you'd really like to concentrate on some flexibility and do some Piyo. Whichever you choose, it will be a great start to improving your fitness or getting back into shape!

Grace and peace to you, my friends. I apologize that I don't have more time to blog, but as always, comment or message me if you have any questions or want to share something! Be infused! God bless you!

I TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU!

At this point in the year, I don't think it's uncommon to just stop and wonder where all the time went. Every year when it's about time for the holidays again, I think "is it that time again already? We just got done with that!" It just seems to get busier every year! Weren't the holidays so much simpler when we were kids and we just got to enjoy all the good stuff lol?!

The first week of November has already come and gone so quickly. Just a few more days and the month will already be half over. It's yet another one of those times where I'm like, "oh yeah, I forgot to mention this month's promos." The busier things get in my life, the less the Team Beachbody world seems to factor in for me (in more ways than one). I wish it weren't that way. I've been a coach for over four years and I'm not where I thought I'd be (again, in more ways than one). Though, as I always say, I'm not a quitter! I know I'm not the only one out there that is busy at this time of year, or with the regular stuff in life (as well as the unexpected surprises). I've never quite felt that I've had a long enough period of time to really get momentum and keep it going long-term. There have been far too many drastic life changes in my life in the time since I've started. I'm hopeful that things are finally stabilizing, but you never know lol. 

That's why I just want to encourage everyone out there to just keep enduring! Seriously! No matter what it is that you're doing, need to do, or are still AIMING to do, just be patient with yourself! No one does a perfect job at anything; and there's always the proper time and season. Even the best trainers and coaches have their slumps. No kidding! Sometimes, I see Shaun T on Facebook making the occasional post about how he's had moments of discouragement or days where he didn't "feel like it" either. We all get weary. The important thing is that we remember how to renew our strength and we do that by leaning on the Everlasting Arms! ;) Jesus is always there to INFUSE us with His strength! 

When I blog like this, I remember how much I miss blogging on a regular basis; and not particularly regarding the fitness stuff. Not that this blog doesn't matter to me (it does) but what has always mattered most was the spiritual aspect of things. I've always included in with the fitness stuff too, but even when all the fitness and Beachbody stuff goes on my back burner, my faith does not. So, it's more than likely that this blog (and my coaching in general) is just going to continue to be one of those facets of me that is going to be more in the background rather than the forefront (at least for a while). Right now, I'm still focused on continuing to adjust to all the new changes of the past few months (as well as getting through the holidays). So, my posts will be short and sweet for a while; unless they're on my other blog. My heart is with my family as well as the mission of my new job (which is focused on helping people in need and especially right now at Christmas). I hope you'll read my posts and support my efforts as I keep you updated on that! ;)

"I TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU!"
- from the movie "A Christmas Story"

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Watch the video below if you want to learn more about this month's Beachbody specials. It's Piyo (one of the programs I've ben "aiming to" do myself and haven't gotten around to). I hear nothing but good things about it; and I LOVE Chalene! I'll make my booty do it if yours does lol. If someone buys a Piyo Challenge Pack or a Piyo Kickstart and Shakeology Challenge Pack, I will too and I'll start gettin' r done again lol. And if Piyo isn't your thing, there's the Les Mills Combat, Pump, and Ultimate Reset Challenge Packs which are on special too. Actually, if I sell ANY challenge pack of any program this month, I'll do it lol! This is your chance to kind of coach your coach. ;) If not, well, I'll probably just keep putting it off until after the holidays. Can you MAKE ME workout?! ;) I'm curious and wondering if anyone will, but I'm betting that I'll probably be off the hook this time because no one will want to take the challenge with me and make me work my butt off (literally lol) before Christmas! Is someone going to prove me wrong? I TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU!!! ;) Be infused! God bless you! 

New Life and New Programs!!

I can't believe that my wedding is less than two weeks away now! I am in a state of awe and excitement (as well as the typical fatigue and scatterbrained-ness lol). So many new changes and adventures to begin!

Speaking of new, I wanted to make sure I took a moment to make sure everyone was aware of the fantastic new programs and savings available! I may be a little busy, but I just had to spare some time to share the big new releases with you!

The first thing I need to announce is that PIYO IS FINALLY HERE!! That's right! Chalene Johnson's new program has officially been released! As predicted, it's a HOT SELLER so if you want to get Piyo before it sells out (and at the special deals offered) you'll have to act FAST!! Order the base kit and get FREE bonus DVDs and FREE SHIPPING! Upgrade to the deluxe package and get a FREE YOGA MAT in addition to the bonus DVDs and FREE SHIPPING! And, there is also the challenge pack too! Watch the video below for more details!

There are also two more programs that have just been released; 21 Day Fix (in Spanish) and the all new 3 Day Refresh program. If you have ever wanted a short, easy-to-follow, and a big jump start to weight-loss, THIS IS IT!! Lose a few pounds in a few days and be on your way to better health! These are also on sale for a limited time so check it out and order before time runs out (or they sell out!). DON'T WAIT!

Also, there are only a few days left to take advantage of this month's deals (the Insanity and Shaun T Dance pack deals). Shop my store to get one of these programs while they're still available and on sale! :)

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I'll be back to my regular blogging as soon as I can! Once the transitioning/moving is finished, I'll be able to resume life as normal (if there is such a thing lol). As always, I'm still here for you no matter what! Contact me if you have any questions and join my team if you haven't already! It's FREE and I would love to be your coach! Be infused! God bless you!

 

A Break from Blogging

If you read my most recent post (The Chrisliss Story) you've no doubt noticed that I have a LOT going on right now! So, for a month or two, I probably won't be as consistent with my blogging schedule. I thank you for your patience and understanding as I go through a fresh new batch of changes and transitions. I have more on my "to do" list than I can even think to write down lol!

One thing that is ALWAYS on my list no matter what is being here for all of you!! That's one thing that I have and WILL be consistent with because I keep that high on my list regardless! :) If you EVER need help, have questions, or just want to talk and get some prayer/motivation, I am ALWAYS here for that! NEVER hesitate to reach out to me! I mean it, peeps! This isn't a job to me, it's my PASSION and I WANT to be here for you! That's why I'm a coach and I will not abandon my team!

Additionally, workout consistency is going to continue to be a priority as always too! I'm still doing really well (click here to read about how I'm losing weight again!) and am still eagerly anticipating the arrival of Piyo in the very near future! Remember to get on the notification list for that if you haven't already! It's going to be awesome!!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you're having a good week! Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive through their comments and prayers! Once again, if you want to know more about what's going on and how you can pray/support Chris, the kids, and I, click here to read! Thank you so much! We appreciate your help more than you know! Be infused! God bless you!

Why I'm Finally Losing More Weight

Drenched by rain and sweat
due to a refreshing Greenway run!

I mentioned a while back that I would be mixing up my workouts for a while. So far, so good! It's nice to have a break from a set schedule and just do whatever workout fits my mood for the day! One of the things I have been doing is walking and running outside; I even visited the Greenway (I used to blog about my special runs there, so I managed to post another entry!). Of course, I've also been doing a mix of my favorite Beachbody workouts too! My plan has been to get a MINIMUM of 45 minutes a day Monday - Friday, rest on Saturday, and do a stretch workout on Sunday (and drinking Shakeology every day too!). Thus far, it seems to be panning out quite nicely; and the scale has been moving down again!! I'm super happy about that! I'm looking and feeling better all the time!

It almost seems like VARIETY is sort of a weight-loss secret! We all know that once your body gets used to the SAME workouts, you plateau. You then have to up your intensity, change your workouts, or both. Because I'm varying things up pretty much EVERY DAY, I'm keeping my body guessing and the number on the scale falling!

I've also noticed that my heart rate monitor says that my percentage of fat burned is higher when my intensity is lower. I'm no expert as to why that is, but I've noticed over the years that working so hard that your heart is pounding doesn't always mean that you're burning the most fat. So, maybe the moderate range of exertion on some of these workout days (in addition to the high-intensity days) is what is making a difference for me! Music to my ears because I don't always want to work to the point of exhaustion lol.

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope everyone is enjoying the nicer weather and getting a chance to walk and run outside as well! Keep mixing it up! Stay in the air conditioning on the hotter days and do a favorite Beachbody workout; like Turbo Fire or P90X3 (the sale prices expire at the end of the month!). Or, maybe you're eagerly waiting to add Piyo to your workout routine (I know I am!). Don't forget to sign up to be the first to know so you can purchase it quickly before it sells out! Keep your routines fresh and your results will keep coming! Be infused! God bless you!

BIG NEWS: NEW Program AND Health Insurance for You and Your Family!

I have got GREAT NEWS to share! If you haven't heard already, Chalene Johnson (creator of Turbo Jam, Turbo Fire, and ChaLean Extreme) is about ready to release a NEW workout program called Piyo!! If you are a Chalene fan like I am, I know you'll be excited to see what she has in store for us! This program is cardio, strength, and flexibility all in one! It is inspired by a combination of yoga and pilates and aims to create lean muscle and burn a LOT of calories! The best part is, there are NO WEIGHTS or jumpy stuff; just your own body weight resistance! That's what I'm talking about!! I'm excited; how about you?! Undoubtedly, a LOT of people are going to be antsy to purchase this program! I fully expect to see it sell out as quickly as the 21 Day Fix did last month (it's available to order now, but popular demand is still causing shipment delays. Yeah, it's that hot of a seller!). Make sure you're the FIRST to know when PiYo is released so you can get your program before it sells out! Click here to be put on the notification list and to watch a short video preview of the program! It looks so awesome!

As if that weren't big enough news, Team Beachbody just announced that coaches and their families now have health insurance options! No kidding! So, if you were ever thinking about becoming a coach, here is an extra incentive! It's extremely fulfilling and rewarding to be a coach because you get to help others; the rest of it (the 25% discount on products/supplements, the commissions, bonuses, and now health insurance) is just icing on the cake! Click here to learn more about the health insurance option and then contact me about signing up as a coach! Why hesitate?! Coaching has countless benefits for you, your family, and those you will be inspiring! What are you waiting for?! This will change your life!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you're having a great week! I know I am! Today is my son's 11th birthday and we have a lot of celebrating to do (as you read this, I'm probably at Chuck E. Cheese. Yeah, pray for me lol!). I'm SO PROUD that God blessed me with him! He is an inspiration to me because he doesn't let his hearing impairment, autism, or anything stop him from continuing to learn, grow, and be the best he can be! I am honored to be his mother and can only hope that I can be the best Mommy I can be for him! Happy birthday, Casey! I love you SO MUCH! I hope you (and everyone else that's reading) will continue to BE INFUSED with the love and strength of Christ! God bless us all!