Look like a beauty, train like a BEAST.

HECK YES. I have been excited about this post for umm well.... a month or so now!!!!! I am almost in week 5 of the whole program, and in the second phase.

 I have seen quite a bit of definition in my back especially. I am just waiting or the definition in my arms to come thru.... and I am thinking it's going to happen any day now!!!

The workouts were almost EXACTLY what I do in a normal gym setting, and I felt right at home. I absolutely loved the build phase, but by the last week, I was getting ready for a change. Did you know that muscle confusion is key when it comes to getting results?? My body adapts SO QUICKLY. The workouts were 50 min, and were two body parts a day, which I love, and am used to doing, so these workouts went by so fast for me, and were the best part of my day.

The first few weeks I was literately sore every single day, for weeks at a time. I could definitely feel the changes that were taking place from the inside out. I have found myself ALWAYS HUNGRY, and am snacking all day, and downing my protein as much as I can. This is honestly my biggest struggle in this program is eating ENOUGH food. So if know me, and see that I am ALWAYS eating... now you know why!!!

But lets get down to the facts guys gals... Why YOU should be lifting weights:

1. You will lose 40 percent more fat. FORTY!!! This is because if you stick to just cardio alone, you can lose muscle, and muscle aids in burning fat and calories even at rest! So adding weight lifting to your week can help against muscle loss!!!
2. Did I mention you will burn more calories even with your butt parked on the couch?! This is because after you workout, your muscles need energy to repair their fibers. Researchers have found that When people do a total body workout with 3 big muscle moves, their metabolism was raised for 39 hours afterwards??!! (Hence why I have been so dang hungry everyday!) 
3. Your diet will improve. Exercise helps your brain stick to a diet plan, and your body actually CRAVES good food to help support what you just put it through!!
4. You handle stress better. I know this has been so apparent in my life. I am a much happier, and less stressed person because of the amount of Endorphines pumping thru my veins!!! 
5. Your bones will be stronger. There's a study out there that states that 16 weeks of resistance training increased hip bone density and elevated blood levels of Osteocalcin, a marker of bone growth, by 19 percent.
6. Your heart will be healthier. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that people that did three total body workouts a week for two months decreased their diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) by an average of eight points. Thats enough to reduce your risk of of a stroke by 40% and the chance of a heart attack by 15%.
7. You'll be way more productive. Researchers found that workers were 15% more productive on days that they exercised then on days that they didn't! 
8. You'll live longer. Total body strength is linked to lower risks of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer!

The more I do my homework and read about all the benefits of lifting weights, the more meaningful it is to me, rather than to just look strong! I am SO THANKFUL for my body. I am so grateful to have a strong, capable body that allows me to work it so hard so that I may be able to better my body, inside and out!!!

Do more of what makes you HAPPY! This is my life, forever and always! 

This was within 2 weeks! 2 freaking weeks and I was already seeing definition!

Week 3 baby! and the last week of the 'Build' Phase!

That was the last picture I took in phase one.. the build phase, and I am so proud of all the definition I gained in my back, and traps. I just feel STRONG. 

SOOOOO....... ALL IN ALL...... Would I recommend Body Beast? YES YES YES. To guys, Heck yeah. To girls.... DEFINITELY!!! To all the girls out there: DON'T BE AFRAID TO LIFT HEAVY!!!!!!

xoxoxox

Hi, I am Jessica,

and I am a QUITTER.

Well, as of a month ago, I used to be a quitter. I can't even tell you how many Beachbody programs I have bounced back and forth between, all with good intentions, but ZERO drive. This started when I was younger with Beachbody. I did Turbo Jam, never stuck to a schedule or routine, but I did the workouts consistently for a few weeks, then would fall off the earth for a few more, and get back at it. Then I looked into Turbo Fire. Same thing. Chalene Extreme, did it for a few weeks, then fell off again. Brazil Butt Lift? Yep. got it. P90x, about 3 weeks. Insanity, tried it. T25, own it.  21 day fix.. got the nutrition down, the workouts.. not "hard enough" for me with all the lifting I was used to in the gym.....

Are you catching my drift here???????

EMBARRASSING.

But guess what? I had a SERIOUS eye opening experience when I was in a Coach training group on facebook, and it got to the part of why I need a transformation. It was like a hard slap in the face (you know, the kind you need sometimes) of why on earth I can not stick to a dang program!!!!!!

Before I answer that, here's a little back ground on me:
 For about 3 years, I have had this dream of becoming a bodybuilding.com athlete and spokesmodel. I have used their site for years and years researching programs, techniques, and I have spent ALOT of time in a gym setting. I know all about what supplements to take when, what workouts to do, and how to do them. I know ALOT in this little brain about lifting weights, and the science behind it. I also have my personal training supplies to study and take my exam. I have always had the dream of being the type of girl that many look up to, and to be able to inspire many. If you haven't figured it out, I LOVE lifting weights, and became very advanced.

When I finished 21 day fix, I had lost some fat, and my abs started to pop through. I was doing some workouts at work in our gym (Besides pilates, the workouts weren't that difficult for me..I needed more), and I was seeing some amazing results... because mostly of the clean eating i was doing allllll dayyyyyy lonnngggggg, and drinking my SHAKEOLOGY every single day.

Then.............

My knee was re-injured, putting me into a serious slump. no more hard cardio, no more long hikes, just therapy exercises. But guess what? I work in Physical Therapy, I know what I need to do. I need to PRACTICE WHAT I PREACH, and not get discouraged. Our bodies are important, so we need to take care of them!!!

I listened to the videos, and recordings in the coach training, and realized.... I NEED TO PRACTICE WHAT I PREACH. Would I want people I care about to bounce around program to program? NO. I need to get my act together. So I did.

I am WEEK 3 into body beast.... and I am OBSESSED. These are the workouts I did in the gym. These are the RESULTS I know I can get. This is my program. This is my time.

I'm tired of being a quitter, because frankly, that's not who I am, or how I was raised. I am publicly PROMISING MYSELF to never quit again, if I choose this way of life, I CHOOSE IT FOREVER. 

WHAT WILL YOU PROMISE YOURSELF??

My most important progress thus far... and it isn't physical.

If you're finding me off Facebook, you've probably seen my transformation pics. You've probably seen how far I've come PHYSICALLY, but if you've lived a day in my shoes, you'd see the REAL progress I've made. The progress you can't see on the outside. I have this AMAZING friend, and actually she's like a sister to me, and we actually met through our upline coach, and my coach told me that I need this girl as a success partner. I was actually potentially paired up with another coach.. but it just didn't feel "right". Kind of like when you pick your husband.. you want THE BEST partner for you out there. One that challenges you to be better, one that can be your BEST FRIEND, one that you can rely on. Well, I've got TWO of them!! We are the trio made in heaven I swear!!! When I met the two of them.... I knew there was a reason I waited for that right partnership.. it was because I was waiting to meet them. SOOOOOO cheesy I know... whatever :)..... So Kate.. which I consider a sister.. her and I decided to do the BODY BEAST program TOGETHER because well.... her and I are sooooo much alike. I have struggled with inconsistency, quitting, and making excuses. I had a hard time finding MY PROGRAM that I would make MY PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM... so when she said she needed and wanted an accountability partner... HECK YES!!! We talk every day, and holds me to it when I just don't want to do it!! She keeps me motivated, and so excited to share how I did that day. I hope I am the same for her!! There is nothing I love more than being able to have that type of friendship with someone... it really is one of a kind!!

Since starting the program... (THIS IS WEEK 3) Here is what has changed in my lifestyle:

1. I quit caffeine, COLD TURKEY.
2. I don't eat out every day
3. I have been CONSISTENT in my workout program, and haven't missed A DAY.

Wanna know what these 3 things have done for me?????

I haven't taken my anxiety/anti depressant medication in 3  and a half weeks. Now some of you may think... psssh. whats's the big deal?? Well let me tell you. Relying on a pill to make sure you don't panic that day, or become overly sad for no reason... it's pretty dang liberating to know that I CAN DO THIS. When I am staying consistent with all those 3 above...  I actually have totally FORGOTTEN because I just feel so good. It was today that I realized I haven't touched my pill case. 

SO this is my greatest progress thus far. and I am totally pleased with this. 

This to me, is WHY this is a LIFESTYLE and not just a phase. THIS is what keeps me motivated and going every single morning! 

If you can relate to having to battle anxiety and depression, you are not alone!!! If you ever need a friend, you've got a friend in me!!!! (Toy story flashback!) 

XOX

Home made Chocolate Protein Bars AKA amazingness

Wanna hear a story?? **Proud moment**

My 13 year old sister in-law got home from her first day of school, and she was hungrrrrrayyy. Dinner was still a bit away, and I started pulling out the "brownies" from the fridge from setting up so I could try these pups and get a review typed up.... This was my chance. My moment. To get a real, 100% non-biased opinion of my protein bars.... after hearing that she was hungry, I asked her if she wanted one, and she said, "well, I haven't eaten much so I don't want to eat something super bad for me and get a headache...."  and my response went something like... "well... these actually are pretty good for you..." So she decided to have a go. YES!!!! I watched her like a freaking creeper would, and she LOVED THEM!! and even asked for a second one.... WINNING!! One thing I've learned... if its any sort of "healthy treat", has the word protein in it... most people cringe and turn away, spit it out, or try and be nice until you walk away.... but I nailed it on this one.... I got one picky, critical, teenager to like, and want seconds of my protein brownie bars.... SO YOU KNOW THEY'RE GOOD.

 Thank you ChocolateCoveredKatie!!!!!!

HOLLLLAHHHH WHAAAAAAT!?!?

I am STOKED about this. I decided last week that I was going to experiment when I got home from vacay, and TODAY WAS THEEEE DAY. I love love love experimenting with healthy treats... because guess what??? I am a freaking sweet tooth addict. So when I can spare myself just a little... I'M ALL OVER THAT! I got this recipe from www.chocolatecoveredkatie.com, and her site is AMAZING!!! Pretty much my favorite blog a of late... ;)

This recipe was super easy to make, and didn't take me long at all.

Head over to My favorite treat blog for more amazningness... here's whatcha need to know for these pups....

Fudge Brownie Chocolate Protein Bars

Adapted from Black Bean Brownies

• 1 1/2 cups black beans (1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed very well) (250g after draining)
• 3 tbsp dutch or regular cocoa powder (15g)
• 7 tbsp chocolate protein powder (I used Nutribiotic) (45g)
• scant 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or agave or honey (Honey is not for strict vegans.) (75g)
• pinch pure stevia, or 2 tbsp sugar of choice
• 3 1/2 tbsp coconut or vegetable oil (35g)
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup to 2/3 cup chocolate chips (Not optional; omit at your own risk.)

Homemade Chocolate Protein Bars: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Combine all ingredients except chips in a high-quality food processor, and blend until absolutely and completely smooth. (A blender works if you absolutely must, but the texture and taste will be much better in a food processor.) Stir in the chocolate chips. Pour into a greased 8×8 square pan. Optional: sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the top. Cook the homemade chocolate protein bars 16 minutes. They will still look underdone when you take them from the oven, but this is okay. Let cool, then pat down with a pancake spatula. Refrigerate overnight. The bars will have firmed up and are now ready to cut and eat. Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Makes about 10 bars.

ENJOY FRIENDS!!! I know I will ;)

XOX

Total, 100% honesty with myself.

I am going to do something a little different this time around... I am going to post as if this was my journal. I have a few things I need to confront MYSELF about.... my "come to Jesus talk" with myself (as we would say growing up)... I've got a few things that need to be fixed, and the only way to accomplish that is by a little  alot of reflection, some sacrifice, and serious hard work and dedication. Enough is enough, no more. Tough love is sometimes the best love.. Breathe in..... breathe out.... lets go.

Dear Self,

Today you stooped back into some very very bad habits. It's time to confront yourself. Remember about two years ago when you literately ate ANYTHING you wanted, and how much sugar and sweets you ate? Remember how sad you were? You ate those things not because you were hungry but because you liked the way you felt after. Those 4 cupcakes were good today, but were they really that good? Remember how well you did once at cutting out sugar, and HOW GOOD YOU FELT when you did so?? Yeah yeah yeah, blame it on the fact that you have genetically inherited a gnarly sweet tooth.. you don't take responsibility that you really want that treat more than you want your dreams and goals... that's pretty sad. You know how to eat things in moderation, because YOU'VE DONE IT! You know what to do. But why don't you do it? What is holding you back? Honestly. What are you afraid of? Why do you make excuses? You can't live life in fear anymore. I know deep down, you're afraid of failing yourself, afraid of success. But why? don't you know that you're worth it? Surely you must, otherwise you would have never started in the first place. I don't want to be that unhappy again, and I CAN DO THIS. Sugar is an addiction, and I am addicted. Remember the time (two weeks ago actually) that you quit caffeine COLD TURKEY that you relied on so much? and was so tied down to that you didn't know if you could go a day without it?? YEAH.. YOU DID THAT. You did it then, you can do it again. You've already proved that to yourself. Take a look back at your life... you CAN do hard things. YOU CAN. You owe it to yourself Jessica, to follow through. To achieve your goals. You ARE worth it. You are better than your excuses, and you know that. Either you want it or you don't. So this week, do yourself a favor, and do this. No more sugar. Work hard this week. YOU DESERVE IT!!!!!!! You know WHO you are, and WHAT you are capable of, so make it happen!!!

Sincerely, Self

I am honestly sick and tired of being sick and tired. Today I realized how much better I could be doing. I know I can do it, but honestly lately, I have had ZERO drive. I've fallen out of a few habits, and I need to stop. or start? hahah! Guess what though? The beauty about life is that whenever you DECIDE that enough is enough, YOU are responsible for that change. This week, I am going sugar free. I know I can do it, yes it is going to be hard, but I can do hard things. I will be on vacation, but that is NO EXCUSE. remember, no excuses? So here we go.

This is my goal for this 'READY SET SUNDAY' for my goal setting.

"The Heavens just opened up!!"

Alright guys.... curiosity killed the cat today. Or the heavens just opened up... you pick ;)

Two things:

1. It FREAKING MAKES MY DAY when my shakeology comes a day early. I mean SERIOUSLY.
2. I am ALWAYS on the hunt for new healthy TREATS!!!! <----did you know I've been cursed with a wicked sweet tooth???

So here's how my mind was working today...... I kept thinking to myself: .....man.... I am hungry for something delisssshhhh right now... ugh.... wish my Shakeology was coming today... sigh....I need to get on and find some recipes I can make..... Nla for her always has some AWESOME recipes on their website ( Go check it out btw...)...mmm those look good... and easy...... coconut butter??.... I know what coconut oil is... but what's coconut butter??..... maybe I should ask my coaches group.......who is here??..... is that my Shakeology?!?!?!?.......

BAM!!!

I got my Shakeology, and also found out about the coolest thing I've come across yet....COCONUT BUTTER!!!!

Did you know there is a difference between coconut butter and coconut oil?? I figured so, but I was, and sort of still uneducated about the whole coconut this and that.....

"Think peanut butter vs. peanut oil. One is thick and smooth, while the other is liquid (at room temperature). Coconut butter includes the meat of the coconut, while coconut oil does not."

I also just found my newwwwww favorite blog for healthy(er) treats.... yipppppppeeeeeee!!!! If you haven't been over to chocolatecoveredkatie.com you probably should get over there right now.. or after you read this ;)

I did find out however, how to MAKE your own coconut butter... isn't this UHMAZING!!! I think it is!!! SO I think maybe today, or this weekend, I will experiment with this, and make some bomb diggity treats..... ****STAY TUNED-Check back Sunday for review ;)****  but from the amazing website, this is how I learned how I can MAKE my very OWN coconut butter... check this out:

Homemade Coconut Butter

• Shredded, unsweetened coconut (full-fat)
• Oh wait, there aren’t any other ingredients!

I took a bag of shredded coconut (Let’s Do Organic brand) and simply blended it in my Vita-Mix for about 3-5 minutes. (Note: If you use a food processor, blend for 10-ish minutes.) That’s all there is to it! Chocoholics can also make Homemade Chocolate Butter.

Side note: Depending on where you live–and the temperature/altitude–you might have trouble with this recipe. It works perfectly for me (and many of the commenters). Coconut butter is very tempermental and reacts oddly in different climates. I wish this would work for everyone, but a few people have left comments saying they’ve encountered trouble. So please know before trying that there’s a chance this recipe might not work for you. Also, if it refuses to turn to butter for you, it might be worth a shot to add some coconut oil to the blender… sometimes that fixes things right up!

I can't wait to get baking!!!!!!! 

Happy Thursday everyone!!!! 

My chaotic, wonderful, beautiful mess.

Well... It's been a while!!! 

I wanted to share with you my crazy life the past few weeks, and why I've been a little MIA. :)

We are officially moved into our new place, where my husbands wonderful family were kind enough to take us in for a while we get a few things paid off. I am absolutely in love with living here. I have never felt so relaxed in my entire life, and I know this is where I want to be, and where I belong. Let me paint a picture for you... The house sits on 20 acres. They have 3 MASSIVE gardens where everything you can think of grows. We have 2 dogs, 2 grown cats, and 4 kittens. Life out here is slow. Kids run wild outside, and there is so much room to run and be free. I love this lifestyle. 

This past week I also decided to quit some of the supplements I was using. Last Monday night I noticed some pain in my kidneys, and right then and there, I decided enough was enough. I quit COLD TURKEY. and let me tell you...... for those who have not had an addiction to caffeine and stimulants... you REALLY feel like you are dying. I didn't realize how much I was really relying on those stimulants and caffeine to get my by every single day. It was rough, but I have been 6 days with absolutely ZERO caffeine. I honestly am so proud of myself. There is a night and day difference to how I feel... I AM FINALLY feeling like my normal self...calm, chill, go with the flow... my anxiety has completely stopped, and I feel so calm and okay again. I definitely made the right choice. This past week, I have LITERATELY slept every chance I got, and I am so glad I made time for me to jut get better. 

The only thing I am taking everyday is my Shakeology, and I just feel so much better inside when I give my body something SO GOOD. I am getting natural energy, and it still helps curb my monster appetite ;) 

My goals this week are to listen to my body, but to get myself a good workout in again. I will stay consistent with my blog, and get a post up on Thursday... (stay tuned its gonna be good!) and to keep my body energized and fed well!

I hope everyone has an excellent week!!!!

XOX

What's YOUR story??

Things are about to get RRRREAL personal for me, and that's okay. Take me back a year ago, and I would NEVER share some of the things I am about to share. It's time to share MY STORY, and some things that are near to my heart.

I want to talk about something that in today's world, is hush hush, and you don't want to EVER admit to anyone. Something that could mark you as "crazy" or even "abnormal"........

My name is Jessica, and I have battled Anxiety and Depression for most of my life.

I want to share my story.

For those that have not had to deal with this illness, it's hard to explain. For me, it runs in my family, and for a long long time, I thought that was how life just was. I thought that this was my life. I didn't know any different. I always had irrational fears, irrational sadness.... but I knew my life was GOOD. I have battled with not eating, to eating way too much, trying to find a solution to make me feel better.

I played basketball and softball all growing up, and was actually really good. I loved the practices, and sweating my butt off. I loved how I felt after, and I realized after a while, that exercising made that constant worry go away. I started to believe that I have found the secret that worked for me. In high school, I always had a weightlifting class in my schedule, because that was the part of my day that I could forget everything in my life I worried about, and just feel better. I started working out with the wrestling team one year, and those were the toughest workouts I ever have done.....and I loved it.

After high school, my mom introduced me to Turbo Jam, a workout program made my Chalene Johnson, and Beachbody.... I started doing those DVDs... morning and night... every single day. I was in the best shape of my life, and why??? Not to get ripped, not to be skinny, but because I NEEDED IT. It was the one thing that helped me battle my illness. I felt better when I did it, and my anxiety attacks happened less and less, and I was truly HAPPY. I was eating how I should, and I had found my happiness.

FAST FORWARD A FEW YEARS.......

I found myself in some really dysfunctional relationships.. the kind that aren't good for you, and not where you were meant to be. I started slipping back into my old ways...my old sadness. Things happened that made my irrational fears, come to life, and really did happen. I gained 48 pounds in about a 10 month period. I was able to make my way home to the United States, and was able to file for divorce. That was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. In the midst of my hardest time in life.... I never once lacked the courage to do what needed to be done for my ultimate happiness in life.

Two weeks into living back at home, I lost close to 10 pounds. It was because I was happy, and had the support to start working out again.. because for my mental health, I NEEDED it. I realized again how I felt all those years ago... I was less depressed, less anxious, and felt like I had a grip on my crazy crazy life. I started a job at Dillards, where I met some of my very best friends. We all signed up at Gold's gym, and we worked out together every single morning.

This is the first picture I took of myself after beginning to workout consistently... my caption says something like, "another 10 lbs down in 30 days"

These two are the angels in disguise that have been with me every step of the hardest point in my life.. that kept me motivated, and were there for me when I needed someone the most.

I remember this morning like it was yesterday.... I woke up thinking that I didn't have the strength to do this.. that I didn't have it in me to keep going.... right after this picture I went to the gym with these two..^^ and guess what... I did it. 

I started making good decisions..... and it SHOWED!! 

I have become utterly and completely addicted to how good this life makes me feel!!!!!

On the outside, it may look like I am a girl OBSESSED with wanting to be in shape, get ripped.. you name it... but deep down, I do this because I need this. I do it because this my anti depressant medication, this is my anxiety killer, this is what makes me the happy person I have LEARNED HOW to become. This is WHY I live this lifestyle. I still have my days where I feel like life is just unbearable.. but guess what... they are FAR LESS then what they used to be. Now instead of feeling that way two or three times a day, every single day, it hits me maybe once a month now... which is incredible from where I have come. 

This is my WHY, and what makes me, me, and WHY I do the things I do. 

If there are any of you out there that struggle with anxiety and depression, just know you have a friend. I know what you are going through, I have been there, and still am. This is something I work at every single day, and it IS possible to get in control, and over come. If anyone ever needs advice, a shoulder to lean on, or just a friend, you can find me on FB at facebook.com/jessbeck2014, or on Instagram @jessica_fit_life.

XOX

PiYo... What's this all about?!

When I tell people what program I am moving onto next, I hear mostly every time, "Oh yeah! I've heard about that!!" But have you REALLY heard about it?! I've heard a few rumors that this program is close to the sell out point.. which is CRAZY!!! So... you know I had to get my birthday present a month early... after all.. I could't let that happen to me!

SO WHY AM I (and everyone else in the Beachbody community) SO PUMPED OVER PIYO?!

If you head back a few posts about why I LOVE Beachbody... It was this woman ^^^^ Chalene Johnson that got me HOOKED on the game, and HOOKED on Beachbody. I fell in love with her spunk, her motivation, and the types of workouts I was getting because of her... and how AMAZING I felt because of her passion as well. I am P R O U D to say that I am the owner of EVERY-DANG-SINGLE one of her programs, and love each of them equally!! (My heart will forever lie with Turbo Jam I have to admit..) 

WHO IS PIYO MEANT FOR?!

PiYo is for anyone who wants to increase flexibility, balance, lengthen and lean muscle.. and who doesn't want or maybe CAN'T do weights, or intense jumping movements. This a LOW IMPACT, HIGH INTENSITY workout... which means S E R I O U S sweat sesh without the crazy jumps and intense moves. Pretty much if you mix Pilates and Yoga together..... =PiYo

Did you know???

*by definition* Pilates can improve core strength and stability, improve posture and balance, improve flexibility, and aide in the prevention and treatment of back pain.

Because I have worked in Physical Therapy for quite some time now.. I have learned the IMPORTANCE of core strength to help protect our backs... which is an absolutely incredible, and essential part of our bodies... and when back pain arises, I have seen where it can be debilitating for some people. PROTECT YOU BACKS PEEPS! ....and not only does strengthening your core protect your back.... you can't complain about those abs! ;)

Yoga can help improve balance, flexibility, range of motion, and strength.... which means you are LESS LIKELY to injure yourself doing other types of physical exercise, even daily tasks. Yoga is a big stress reliever, and also helps with anxiety. Because Yoga can help manage stress, conditions like depression, high blood pressure, anxiety and insomnia can be improved as well. 

So mashing up the two sounds pretty dang good when you break it down like this!!!!!!

SO WHY AGAIN AM I SO EXCITED??

If I could take you back to conversations with my upline coach, and even my husband.. they would look like this.. "Because of my knee I can't do any of the workouts on such and such program.." or "I can only do upper body and abs on that program.." and I felt like not one of my workout programs fit to where I was at TODAY. Any movement like running, eliptical, jumping, squats, stairs, (you get the idea) would absolutely send my knee into a tail spin and I would be back to day one of LOW IMPACT type exercises... and to be honest with you, there was a time where I was really depressed about it. How am I going to get the workout that I NEED. I was to where I was doing the Pilates Fix dvd on the 21 Day fix program, and that was the ONE SINGLE total body workout that didn't hurt my knee. When I watched the launch promo for PiYo... I literately almost started to cry..(weird I know..) because I felt like my prayers had been answered, and the fact that I LOVE the woman that made the program herself, made it that much more exciting for me. I CAN'T do high impact crazy workouts like I used to.. but that's okay because PiYo is something I CAN do! Not to mention the way I feel after pilates makes me feel like I can conquer the world! ;)

WHAT DO I GET WITH PIYO??

8 Workouts, and each range from 25-45 minutes.. 6 times a week.

• Align: The Fundamentals (40 min.): This workout breaks down the most important and effective moves in the program to help you perfect your form and get the best results possible.
• Define: Lower Body (25 min.): Get your sleekest and leanest legs ever as you lengthen and strengthen your entire lower body—from your glutes and hamstrings to your calves.
• Define: Upper Body (35 min.): Use this incredibly effective workout to start chiseling away at your upper body to help shape your arms, carve out your triceps, and define sexy shoulders.
• Sweat (35 min.): A traditional PiYo workout that incorporates effective dynamic conditioning, fast-paced cardio yoga-flows, and bodyweight resistance strength training to help sculpt your entire body.
• Core (30 min.): This ab-centric workout hits your powerhouse from every angle to build a strong core, flat, sculpted abs and obliques, as well as a strong and sexy back.
• Strength Intervals (25 min.): Twenty-five minutes is all you need of this nonstop body-carving, calorie-incinerating workout that uses no weights, no equipment, and gives you no bulk!
• Drench (45 min.): This endurance workout maximizes fat burning while it works every muscle in your body. It will not only leave you drenched—it will kick-start your metabolism as you scorch away the fat.
• Sculpt (30 min.): This workout uses varying tempos to keep your muscles under tension for different periods of time. This generates muscular endurance and metabolic changes that will totally transform your figure.

Tools for Success:

Quick Start Guide. Everything you need to know to get started including valuable insider tips to get your best results possible! Plus, discover how each powerful workout is strategically designed to transform your body.

PiYo 60-Day Workout Calendar. Chalene arranged the workouts to make sure you are progressing each week as you build up your strength, flexibility, and stamina.

And 4 FREEEE gifts.. When you order through a coach like me :) :)

Get Lean Eating Plan. A simplified approach to clean and lean eating designed to fit your lifestyle and your taste buds! Learn how to eat a variety of delicious, nutritious foods that keep you properly fueled, satiated, and nourished—and help you define your best body.

Buns (25 min.): Focused on the glutes, this workout is designed to lift, redefine, and tighten the entire backside of your body for the perfect tight and round butt.

Tape Measure. Track your progress as you melt the fat away faster than you ever imagined.

24/7 Online Support. Get motivated anytime of day with access to proven fitness, nutrition, and motivation tips. You'll even get exclusive invitations to live video chats with Chalene Johnson. You'll find unlimited peer support here, and you can even join a PiYo Challenge Group. <<<<WHICH IS BEING HELD JULY 7TH!!!!! Request me on FB for more details! :)

HOW MUCH DOES PIYO COST??

PiYo retails at $59.85 (program only) and until July 31, shipping is FREE. 

OR

You can save $20 and still get FREE shipping, by choosing the Challenge Pack that includes the PiYo base kit, 30 day supply of shakeology on Home Direct (any flavor your choice) free shipping, and me as your coach, as well as access to our challenge groups. (July 7th! mark your calendars!)

HOW CAN I GET IT?!

If you want to purchase PiYo now, and get in on the next challenge group..(on Facebook) or just want the program or challenge pack in general.......

1.Get me here :)

I am so excited to get this in a few short days, and in a few months I am going to have AMAZING results AND I can't wait to share them with you... wouldn't it be fun in we did it TOGETHER?!!

XOX

Motivation???

I AM MY OWN MOTIVATION.

My transformation link has been UPDAAAATEDDDD!!^^^^^^

Fact: I have always been terrified of posting progress pics of myself, but I find my motivation comes on S T R O N G E S T when I am looking through my OWN progress pictures, and to see how far I have truly come, and I think... holy crap!!! If I can come this far, why stop now????? I can't stop. I won't stop.

XOX

Sometimes It takes a week away from the daily grind.......

.....to be able to see what you REALLY want out of life.

My life, is GOOD. But is it my dream life? My ABSOLUTELY amazing life that I designed for myself?

ALMOST.

I was in Bear Lake Utah for a week with my wonderful husband, and his wonderful family. My wonderful family, and I had a few things happen that R E A L L Y opened my eyes.

Have you ever just known that people may have posted something, or text you RIIIIIGHT when you needed to hear it?? This happened to me T W I C E this week, and maybe it was because I was in the relaxed and open state of mind to be able to realize..... "Hey, this is seriously my life right now..."

First came through from my friend Kathleen Tesori, which has been a fitness idol of mine for a very very long time:

And there is my very good friend, and my coach, and one of my BIGGEST motivators in the Beachbody bizzz, Abby Marie. This girl helps me more than she even realizes!!!..... and her message, hit me H A R D. The kind of hard that you read, and you swear she is talking to you, and has been in your freaking shoes too. 

These two nailed my life straight on the head.... and honestly, I still battle my demons of whether I am capable of being successful, or even deserve it. I KNOW what kind of life I want for myself, but I need to realize that I DO deserve it, and I CAN do hard things. 

Note to Self: I will KEEP telling you that you are important, deserving, loving, intelligent, worthy, compassionate, beautiful, creative, inspiring, brave, true, strong, and able until you FINALLY realize it for yourself.

I do struggle with giving up the things that hold me back, and honestly, I know I am better than those fears..... and I KNOW I am stronger than all those fears I hold inside. I AM tired of being someone I KNOW isn't my BEST. 

It's time to LET IT GO.(cue the frozen theme song now....I can hear my nieces now... heheh) Time to LET GO of all the insecurities, all the excuses, all the fears, and become the person I KNOW is right there INSIDE. 

There are great things in store..... if I only let go, and make it happen for myself.

The best is yet to come.

xox

The proof is in the Kodak!!! 21 day fix results!

Well well well.... Its a little over 21 days... I knowwwwwwww, but if you read my previous post... i've got a knee that doesn't like me too much ;)

Throughout the 21 day fix program, I've really had to rely on my eating to get the best results for me. With my knee problems, I've had to modify QUITE A BIT.. and this was a huge eye opener to me... abs are made in the kitchen.... I am living proof of that!!! The best part of the 21 day fix is that there are so many things you can do to modify the workouts JUST FOR YOU!! and did I mention they are only 30 min???

Welp..... here we gooooo!!!

I am going to be holding a challenge group VERY VERY soon, and will be doing round TWOOO! If I can do it, so can you.... who wants to join me?!!?

Message me for details!!! jessbeck2014@beachbodycoach.com

Success is all about......

falling down, getting back up, crying, pushing play, modifying, struggling, crying some more, pushing play again and again, consistency, working hard, seeing progress, motivation, doing it every single day even when you don't want to, and realizing those are the days you need it most.

This is my life, and I learned a great lesson today. I have been getting EXTREMELY discouraged because of some knee problems that I have been having that don't seem to ever go away, or leave me alone. Fact about me.... I absolutely do not know how to take it easy when I am hurt. I don't know how to listen to my body when it says enough is enough, or hey... lighten up you crazy person. This has been my greatest trial to learn. I have had to back off lower body exercises almost completely, and really focus on strengthening my core and hips, to *hopefully* prevent me needing surgery eventually. I realized today that this trial, has been a blessing in disguise.... I am now able to fully understand the struggles that some or a few of you are facing... that maybe right now you can't go all out, either due to an injury, or just beginning a fitness program.... I can help you. I am going through it myself... but it is possible. Anything is possible... if you want it bad enough :)

I am currently doing 21 day fix, and I am IN LOVE with the dvd workouts. 30 minutes of pure amazingness ;) What I love most about the 21 day fix is if you are anything like me.... quick results are best... i am the most impatient and impulsive person you will probably ever ever meet... I want it, and I want it NOW! This program lays down the basic guidelines of portion control, what you should be eating *for real*

I was pretty dang discouraged at first, but after a few days I was mostly concerned about EATING ENOUGH. Say whaaaaat?! This program is seriously so amazing.... BECAUSE it's so simple, so basic, and just black and white... no grey.

I am going to be starting a challenge group here soon.... and doing round 2 again for myself. If you are wanting to make a change in your life, maybe don't know where to start, watch this clip, and get a hold of me, and lets do this together!!!

The true story of WHY I LOVE Beachbody && Shakeology

Ohhhhhh goodness!!!

So, honesty is the best policy right?? allllrrriiiiight,  I want to let you in on my story....

Going through high school, I reaallllllyyyy struggled to find who I was, and what I wanted out of life. I went through a period of time where I ate very little, because thin was the sad, but popular way to be. In my life I've never been heavy by any means, but I definitely come from a family that is capable of packing on the muscle like no ones business. I didn't understand the difference between being healthy strong and fit, and being thin and having "muscle definition" or whatever I thought that was going on. During my senior year, I started working out and conditioning with the wrestling team. Yeah, there had been the girl "managers" of the team... but I didn't want to be there just to hang out with all the boys.... I truly LOVED the way I felt after the intense cardio and weight sweat sesh in the 99 degree gym. I was FINALLY able to run around the block without triggering my asthma, and I felt STRONG. There came a point at the end of my senior year that I had some real tough struggles with things, and I began to feel  myself going into a depressed slump, and was having a real hard time pulling myself out of it. After graduation I moved to Salt Lake with my mom, and she had all the Chalene Johnson Turbo Jam dvds. I wasn't working down there, so I did those DVDS to kill time.... and guess what??  I was becoming HAPPY again. I started doing them every single day.. not just to kill time, but because the workouts made me feel emotionally, mentally, and physically better. I have always loved kickboxing, maybe because it helps relieve my stresses, and gets rid of my anxiety by working through my aggression in a positive way. Months and months and months went by and I was stiiiiillll doing her workouts... not because I had a deadline of 60 or 90 days, but because it made me feel BETTER. Not too long I moved to St. George to go to school, and I left my workout partner with her owner. I was still going to the gym, and going to classes... but it just wasn't the same. During that time, I turned to the wrong people for love and affection.... I ended up getting married real quick, and making decisions that made me truly unhappy. I was losing my sense of self, and was becoming someone I didn't know. I was in that toxic situation you only really read about, or see in movies, and I felt stuck. I started turning to food for comfort, and being so far away from my family, that was all i felt I really had. During the trials, we ended up moving to Canada, to be with his mom.... That was probably the best decision I could have made, and let me tell you why. Leading up to Canada, I found out alot about who I had married, and they were horrible, destructive, and sad sad things. I gave him a chance, hoping a change of scenery would help....... little did I know that the change of scenery would end up being for my sake in the end. I was able to experience the beauty of Vancouver Island... and also to learn who I TRULY was, and what I was capable of overcoming. I was there for 6 months, alone, with my two dogs. I had ordered Turbo Fire, by my one and only Chalene Johnson, and that is where I found Abby, my mentor, and  my coach that is now helping ME be a coach. We started talking and our stories were freakishly similar, and for once, I finally felt like I had hope. I was depressed, 40 lbs over weight, and felt like I was sinking farther and farther into the darkness. After 5 months in Canada, I had once again learned new things taking place in my marriage that were destructive, and hurtful. I woke up one morning to discover more, and I know this was divine intervention from my heavenly father.... I had and overwhelming feeling that this WAS NOT where I was supposed to be, but he knew where I was supposed to be. I was able to get the money saved up, so I packed two suitcases, held my chin up, had faith, and moved back to my home in Utah, and was divorced shortly after.

Alright alright... so back home with guess who.... mom, AAAAAND Chalene Johnson....... I had a little tv set up in my room, and bam bam bam back to where I remember.... stability, love, and getting fit. I did my kickboxing at home, to help me with this trial of now being a newly divorced 22 year old, and guess what... the mix between being able to eat healthy again, the love and support at home, and the motivation and consistency to keep pushing play.... soon I found myself not only dropping 1 or 2 lbs a week... it came to one week losing 8 pounds! I invested in a gym membership with my good friends at work, and I was on a roll. within 4 months, I had lost nearly ALLLLLL that weight I had put on out of desparation and sadness.

I was myself. Finally. It had been so long since I had seen that girl.

And a couple months later I met Cade, and that when I realized I had gone through EVERYTHING I went through for this moment, for this time, for Cade. Cade and I have been married for almost 2 months now, and I have never felt so loved, so secure, and so happy in my entire life. and guess what...... still losing that weight.

So....... I became a coach. Finally. I took that plunge, and I am so glad I did. I have been doing the 21 day fix, as well as drinking my shakeology.

As of today, since drinking shakeology and doing my workouts, I have lost 2 freaking pounds. I did not think that would happen, only because I have been STUCK ON THIS FREAKING PLATEAU for months now.

Aside from the weight loss, I FEEL healthy. From the inside out. I get compliments on a daily basis on healthy my skin, and hair looks, and how I just have that "healthy glow" and I know 100% that comes from doing my workouts, eating right, and drinking my shakeology. I look forward to that shakeology meal every single flipping day because it makes me feel so dang good all day long.

As for the workouts..... I still find myself going back to those Chalene Johnson dvds because I love the way they make me feel. On days when I really wanna kick some butt.... here comes the T25..... which has become my second favorite workout next to the Turbo series :)

It's safe to say Beachbody has saved my life, numerous times, and that is why I love Beachbody. I am so thankful for the chance to be a beach body coach, and to share my life and the success Beachbody brings to others as well.

If I can do it, so can you.  When life gets crazy, and hard... find that drive, dig deep and find that motivation. I CHOSE to be a coach because I love the way my life has turned around with the help of BEACHBODY, and I WANT to help those in need of it! Check the link in Coaching tab for more info, and let me help you achieve success too!!!!

XOX

Mouse in the hizzouuuse!

Well. Saturday was QUITE the adventure. We started off cleaning up a bit, folding laundry, you know... the usual Saturday morning things... we were getting pumped and ready for the gym, I was taking pictures, actually for the blog, about my preworkout regime... and all the sudden I hear Cade saying... Jessica. Jessica. Seriously come here. I walk into the kitchen, and  Cade is staring down at one of the drawers....Uh oh I think...... and he stands back and points at the bread.... I think we have a mouse. WHoaaaaaaaa Whaaaahhhhtttt!?!? Sure enough.. there was a hole in the bag, and it half eaten. I almost fainted. I didn't know that to even think. Have we just been invaded?! The first thing that comes out of my mouth... "What to we do?! MOVE?!?!?!" wow.... that escalated quickly ;)

We stood there for a while trying to think of a game plan.. and by then I was finally able to think rationally.... so we set off to Wally World to get some traps.

Mmmmmmkaaaayyy. I learned ALOT  this weekend.  My husband, he is absolutely TERRIFIED of mice.
I am an excellent mouse trap setter... until I have to set it down..then it scares the pooooop out of me. I am thankful I didn't lose a finger this weekend. My husband is so afraid of mice, we set the traps and went and spent the day in Pocatello.

Sure enough... we came home, and the whole drive home, the only thing either of us could think about was if we had caught the mouse. So sure enough we get home, and I ask Cade to move the drawers so I can look and see if there is something in the trap. He is hesitant at first, but he does it.... one eye open, enough to see what he is doing. I look in. My heart freaking sunk. There he was. The dreaded mouse that made us both so distraught. Cade was already across the room, and I started BAWLING. If you don't know me... I love animals. EVEN the creepy crawly, bread eating sneakers that invade my home. The tender spot in my heart just fell through my chest, and I cried and cried the whole way out to the dumpster. I do  know however, how fast those traps come snapping down, (after a good 20 minutes of trial and error) so I am pretty confident he didn't struggle. It was nice knowing one was down for the count, and I did manage to find a solution to assemble another bomb without getting hurt this time. I did have some nightmares about catching mice.... so I am a little not so rested today :) and for those of you wondering.... there was nothing in the trap this am... so we miiiight be okay.

So, what scares you? For me, knowing something was in my kitchen, that was a little creepy, but I am glad I could have stepped up when my husband needed me to. Mice don't scare me, they just gross me out, and make me mad.

For me, fear is my driving force. There is nothing better than being terrified of something, and dominating what scares you. For me, being successful scares me, the feeling of deserving it scares me. Being let down scares me. Letting other people down scares me. I wish I could be afraid of mice, but mine is a different fear. Cade helps me through all my fears every day, and I don't know if he even is aware of that. Fear itself should not be feared, fear can be a good thing. Fear is what motivates me to try harder, to work harder, to love harder, and so that when I overcome those fears, I am proud because I DID IT!

Don't let your "mouse" take you down... rely on those that love you, that are a GOOD influence in your life, say goodbye to the toxic in your life, and push through those fears. Whether those fears are losing weight, finding the motivation or help, or things like success, or even mice, rely on those that bring you up, and work hard!! XOXOXOX