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!

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!

Giving Each Other a Push!

In a sermon I heard a while back, Pastor Larry Sprinkle happened to mention Jean Nidetch (who is the founder of Weight Watchers). He was talking about something she said in regards to being there to give others a little "push" to succeed. When looking online for the story, I found it here. She says that the reason she is able to help so many people is because it's like pushing a kid on a swing. When you give them a little nudge, that little boost helps them to carry on for themselves.

I couldn't agree more! When you have people to support you in your journey, you are way more likely to succeed! In fact, it is the final key that Dr. Phil mentions in his book: The Ultimate Weight Solution: The 7 Keys to Weight Loss Freedom. He emphasizes the fact that having a positive circle of support is absolutely essential. EVERYONE needs cheerleaders! They lift you up, inspire you, and motivate you to keep on going! Even I need people to support me too (and I'm a coach)! I have fellow coaches, teammates, as well as all of YOU to inspire me to keep going on in my own journey! I couldn't be more grateful! We all help each other succeed!

Dr. Phil also warns us to beware of those who are unintentionally (or maybe even purposely) trying to sabotage you. Stay away from those that are trying to bring you down, bully you, or fill you with discouraging or negative messages. Don't allow people to distract or dissuade you from your goals! Check out Dr. Phil's list of "do's" and "don't" of support as well as his social support audit for more!

Grace and peace to you, my friends!! Remember that I'm here to support you on your journey! That's why I'm a coach and that's why I continue to blog....for YOU! Also, get plugged in with other like-minded people who are on this same journey! Interact with the rest of Infusion 413 on Facebook and feel free to post on the message boards and add buddies on the Team Beachbody website! Let's continue to push each other to reach greater heights! Be infused! God bless you!

You Can Do It!

I'm sure a lot of you have seen "The Waterboy". There's a recurring character in it that is always saying, "You can do it!" As funny as it is, it's also one of those simple and encouraging things that we all should have in life; people cheering us on and reminding us that we can do it! I don't know about you, but I am extremely grateful for the "cheerleaders" in my life who always remind me that I can do it!

Tomorrow, I'll be talking about the last of Dr. Phil's 7 keys to weight-loss freedom which focuses on support. We ALL need support; no matter what we're trying to accomplish. We aren't meant to be loners in this life! Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to keep gathering together and to encourage one another. We need to keep lifting each other up and inspiring one another to keep going!!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! No matter what you have going on, remember that "you can do it!" I'm here to encourage you and be there for you! More than anything, though, GOD is there to supply you with the strength and everything you need to accomplish all things! Be infused! God bless you!!