The Best Butt Lifting Program - Master's Hammer and Chisel Review

I've not done an update lately on what I'm doing to keep myself in shape so here it is!!  Back in December, I started doing the new program The Master's Hammer and Chisel.  It quickly became my FAVORITE workout!  I have really fallen in love with lifting weights!  (Major shocker for me...I was always a cardio junkie).

I've now started my 2nd round of Hammer and Chisel and I'm now on week 4 of my second round.  The first round I finished with results that I was proud of, they weren't stellar, but neither was my complete consistency in my nutrition (I  know this makes a HUGE difference in results).  However I will share with you that this program has done THE MOST for reshaping my body and I fully believe that it's because it's more lifting weights than I've done before!

Here's one of my favorite set of moves in one of the workouts!  It's definitely challenging, but so worth the challenge as you see yourself improving and getting better!!

My first round of the 60 day program, I lost about 2.5 lbs and 4 inches.  Now...this is not over the top results.  BUT...the biggest difference is the SHAPE of my body, the way my clothes fit, my BUTT is finally becoming lifted (seriously, that's a pretty sweet thing!), and I'm definitely more confident in my clothes and bathing suit!

So...let me repeat!  This is THE BEST program that I've found that will LIFT YOUR BUTT!!  And no...you don't have to be 20 for this to happen.  I'm 35 years old and have seen such a difference in that area!!  Hands down, my favorite program for toning your backside!

SO...starting the 2nd round of Hammer and Chisel, my goal is to increase my weights and really push myself.  Now, I'll be the first to admit that my consistency in this program has come from my workouts...honestly, my nutrition has NOT been as consistent while on this program (one reason I'm finally doing an update here...to keep me accountable).  Even in the first 3 weeks of my 2nd round I've not been as consistent in following a meal plan for the program!

Like I say to my challengers, IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN, YOU PLAN TO FAIL!  It's so true (from first hand experience for sure!).

It's a NEW week and it's never too late for a refresh!  Today marks the time where I'm committing to the nutrition plan along with my consistency that I've already proven in my workouts.  For whatever reason, I've resisted sticking to a nutrition plan during the workout!  Well...no more!  It's GO TIME!!

One reason I'm doing this program is to really challenge my body...but I have to fully commit to both aspects, nutrition and fitness!  So, what is the best way to do that??  By creating a meal plan and sticking to it this week!!  So here's what I'm doing!

So...I'm committing, right here - right now...to both the nutrition and fitness aspects of the Hammer and Chisel!  I'm excited to see the results!!

Are you looking to change your body and really see what it's capable of?  Maybe you're looking to add some weight lifting to your routine?  Or...maybe you would just like to have a lifted and toned BUTT??  If you're looking for a change and want to join me in the Master's Hammer and Chisel Journey, I'd love to support you in your journey! If so, fill out the application below and I'll connect back with you for more details!

Plus, I can't go without saying that there's a crazy awesome deal going on right now with this program that I'd love to share with you, so make sure you fill out your info below so I can get you the deeds!

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21 Day Fix Extreme Week 1 Update and Review Plus New Meal Plan

I'm sorry, I know I'm a bit behind on getting this update to you!  So, I finished week ONE of the 21 Day Fix Extreme.  Let's just say, I WAS SORE LAST WEEK!!

I was so shocked how sore my muscles were last week.  I guess I forget that anytime I start a new workout, I get really sore.  My muscles get used to what I was doing and then when I change it up...Boom...they get confused and sore again.  But that's what makes them stronger!

Here was the schedule for my week and review of the workouts!

Monday:  Plyo Fix Extreme - Ok...My legs get nervous when I see the word PLYO.  So to be honest I was quite nervous about this workout.  It really pushes me out of my comfort zone and makes me work harder since plyometrics are not my go to exercise.  It wasn't my favorite of all the workouts, but I know it works my legs...my legs were definitely jello afterward!

Tuesday:  Upper Fix Extreme -  I LOVE doing arms.  I always have wanted really cut arms (I'm not there yet but working on it) and so arms days just really make me feel great!  She uses a "drop set" format with her exercise.  So, you'll do a heavier set of weights for the first 30 seconds and then drop to your lighter weights for the last 30 seconds.  By the end of the minute though you are ready to be done with that exercise.  I think it's a really great workout and YES...my arms were JELLO!!!

Wednesday:  Pilates Fix Extreme  - I'll be honest, I'm mot a huge fan of Mat Pilates, however, since Autumn adds in the Resistance Bands with this, it totally changes everything about this workout!  I REALLY like this Pilates workout, A LOT!!  It makes such a huge difference in level of workout you get when you add the bands in!  It's not boring and you come out feeling like you got a great Pilates workout!!

Thursday: Lower Fix Extreme  - UGH...I have a love/hate relationship with leg workouts.  Autumn LOVES leg days, which always scares me... I know they are the biggest muscle group so for that reason I like working them.  She actually breaks up this workout into manageable exercises.  What I DO like about it is that it's not just a "squat for a minute" type workout.  It's more interval-like where you'll squat with weights for 30 seconds and then the other 30 seconds you do squat jumps.  So each exercise is kind of broken up like that.  It makes the time go by faster and breaks up the monotony of just one exercise for a minute.

Friday: Cardio Fix Extreme - Ok...so, not the best workout for me on this day!  I am not sure what happened to me on cardio day, but I had a minor injury/irritation with the top of my foot.  Each time I bent my left foot, like standing in a high heel, then I would get this "bone pinch" type feeling.  It almost felt like the tiny little bones in the top of my foot felt twisted.  It would bring me almost to my knees when it would happen.  So, needless to say, I had to modify quite a bit on this one and my focus was more on my foot rather than the workout itself!

Saturday:  Dirty 30 Extreme - LOVE THIS WORKOUT!  Ok, honestly as I sit here and write about the Dirty 30 workout...I don't remember specifics of this workout other than the fact that going through it, I REALLY liked this workout!  It was fun, I felt like I got a great burn and it went by fast! Definitely a favorite!

Sunday:  Yoga Extreme - So, I go back and forth with liking yoga and not.  I think it just depends on my mood for that day.  I know that it's really great for stretching and balance, but sometimes I just don't feel it...I guess I was having one of those days.  There were parts of it that I really liked and I felt like I got a good stretch, but there were other parts that were a little too slow for me and I just wasn't able to get into the entire workout!  Just being honest!

So, those are my thoughts on the 7 days of workouts!  Overall, I really enjoyed last week!  I was SO super sore this week, I really didn't expect how sore I would be and how much it would be a shock to my muscles.

I'll continue week 2 as planned with all the workouts...I will be more focused on my nutrition.  I did a pretty good job overall on my nutrition.  I think there is definitely room for improvement on my end.  I did end up losing 2.5 lbs in the first week!  That was exciting!!!

PB & Strawberry Oatmeal - A Favorite 21 DFX Recipe

Here's my meal plan for this week.  I made some adjustments on when I eat particular things like my protein.  I found that when I had a snack with protein in the morning I was actually more hungry throughout the day.  So I have tried playing around with the time of day that I have certain food groups to see if that makes a difference in my hunger when I'm most likely to "crave" foods!!

21 Day Fix Extreme Meal Plan Week 2

If you are looking for support,  accountability and motivation through your journey on the 21 Day Fix Extreme and you do NOT yet have a coach, I would love to be your coach and help walk you through the meal plan and nutrition guide as well as give you support throughout the 21 Days!  If you would like this, then please fill out the application below to be considered for my next accountability group!!  I look forward to helping you through this 21 Day journey!!

If you do not have a coach and would like ME to be your FREE coach click below!!

Insanity Max:30 - Week 1 Women's Update, Progress Report and Meal Plan!!

Week ONE down!!!  I have been so excited to try the Insanity MAX:30...like SOOOO excited!!  Back a couple months ago I thought about giving just the original Insanity a try, but to be very honest with you, I was scared to death.  I really wanted an extreme workout but I really didn't have the desire to put in 60-90 minutes of a workout each and every day!  I do enjoy working out, but I really only want to do it for a quick hard 30 minutes and be done!  Honestly...that's kinda how I'm wired!  So, I really love these short hard workouts!

Insanity MAX:30...It FINALLY Came!!!

I FINALLY received my MAX:30 workout last Monday afternoon.   I knew it was coming so I didn't workout in the morning!  I ripped that puppy open and did a workout right after the FedEx guy came to the door!  (Yes, I was stalking every big truck I could hear on  my street!).

The GOAL of each and every workout is to MAX OUT, which means... To stop or fail for the first tim win the workout!!  That's what you are trying to do each workout.  To get as FAR as you can possibly go before you lose your form or stop or fail for the first time!!!

Here's what the each week of MONTH 1 looks like:

Monday: Cardio Challenge

Tuesday: Tabata Power

Wednesday:  Sweat Intervals

Thursday: Tabata Power

Friday: Friday Fight: Round 1

So just a little REVIEW of the workouts!

Day 1, Monday, I was beyond pumped to try the Cardio Challenge.  It was the middle of the afternoon and I had literally just eaten a 1/2 hour before the doorbell rang with my package at the door.  So, yes, there were times when I wish I had waited to have my lunch a litter later in the day!

I got through the Cardio Challenge in one piece (barely) but I will tell you...OHHHHH my calves were KILLING me!!  I honestly felt like maxing out during the WARM UP!!  Seriously, it is hard and it's the calves that hurt me the most!!  But, I pushed through and kept fighting so I could literally get past 45 seconds when I thought my calves were going to not make it!!  LOL...but...I made it and Maxed out at 7:03!!

If there is one thing I can say about Shaun T...he loves to jump!  I remember my calves killing me the first week of T25 too!

Day 2...I pop in my Tabata Power workout to find that by mistake I was sent 2 Cardio Challenge workouts instead of the Tabata Power.  So... I had to do Cardio Challenge again on day 2 and Maxed out at 6:50!  (No biggie...I called and they sent it to me!!).  But it kind of threw me off for day 2 and 4!

Day 3...Sweat Intervals!!  Ummm...yep...this is a hard workout!  I had actually done this one before at a Super Saturday event I had attended and knew after that workout I wanted to do the entire program!  It's just nonstop working!!  They don't call it SWEAT intervals for nothing!

Day 4:  Again, it was supposed to be Tabata Power, but I had to mix it up until that DVD came...Still did a workout but did the free one that came with the program!

Day 5:  Friday Fight Round 1...Umm, honestly I was a bit intimidated by this workout, I had heard it was a challenge.  There are fewer breaks that Shaun T gives you and it is just nonstop!!  So, really the only thing that got me through this workout is knowing it was only 30 minutes long and that on Saturday I got a REST day!!!  Seriously, that's what did it for me!!  I maxed out at 8:15 for this one!!!

I've got to say that I really love the way this program pushes me harder and further than I ever would push myself.  I love that you are to MAX out each workout...this truly pushes me to go that extra 5, 10, 30 seconds just so I can write down a later minute in the workout!  It really is a mental program!! It pushes me MORE than I could ever push myself!!

So, I made it through the 5 days of workouts...but, that's not the only thing.  There's the nutrition portion of the program and let's face it.  You can do all the working out you want but if your nutrition isn't in line, you're not going to see the results you want!!  Nutrition is 80% of your results!

The nutrition plan is VERY similar to the 21 Day Fix.  There are a few adjustments in some of the food groups!!  But, it has combined the ease of the color coded containers from the 21 Day Fix so that you can have the portions right at your finger tips!  If you don't have those containers that's ok, you can use measuring cups or the deluxe package comes with the containers!!

To be honest with you, this is where I struggle the MOST!  I think it's definitely common.  Especially during this time of year, we've got Christmas parties, office parties, sweets and goodies galore!  It's just hard!  But not impossible!!  Now, I started out really great this first week and here's where things went a little south for me...I got off my plan!  I allowed myself some treats for my son's birthday and then it turned into TOO many treats!  So, yes...we all slip up, but this is where we have a choice to make, we either keep going in the wrong direction or we pick ourselves up and make an "About Face" and go in the direction that leads to success!!  So, slip-up and all...I'm moving forward and
brushing it off and going to do the actions I know that will bring me the success I want!!  That means, FOLLOWING the meal plan to a T!!!

So, I've got my meal plan all mapped out for me this week and I'm ready to roll!  Planning is the key to success!  Without it, things just become a jumbled mess!!

Insanity Max:30 Meal Plan

I am committed to sticking to my meal plan this week...This is what will make or break my progress!!

So...Being that I really want to do this program 100%, I've decided since I didn't receive the Tabata Power workout the first time around (but have it now), I think I'm going to be starting week 1 over again so that I can truly do all the workouts to the fullest, and the Tabata Power workout war TWO of my days!!!  So...this first go at week 1 was just a warm up for me!  Ready to go now with ALL the correct workouts!!!  WILL YOU JOIN ME???

If you're interested in committing to the 60 Days of Insanity Max:30 and would like to be a part of an accountability Test Group with this program, please fill out my Challenge Group Application!!  I would love to be your Coach and help walk you through this program to help you get the best results of your life!!

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The Ultimate Reset Progress Update- Days 3 and 4

I've made it past 4 days on the Ultimate Reset!    It's been quite a wild ride, I must say!

(Not sure what the Ultimate Reset is…Click HERE)

In 4 days I'm down 3.5 lbs!!  Whoop Whoop!!

Day 3 was on Friday for me…

Everything went pretty good.  I had fairly a good amount of energy.  I didn't have very bad headaches at all, but did start to feel my body ache as I went though out the day.  I knew that would be some of the feelings I may have (body aches), and that's because the toxins are being released.  I'm drinking a gallon or more of water throughout the day, so I know I'm getting plenty of water!

My meals on Friday were really good.  I'm SUCH a creature of habit when it comes to my food, that I know this is really good for me to be mixing up my food and nutrients every day.  I will admit, I'm in the kitchen A LOT with these recipes.  It's not that they are hard to make, I'm just not used to them and sometimes they are time consuming, but they are so worth it.

Day 3 Meals - Ultimate Reset

Day 4…that's another story…

Well, to say everything was fine and dandy on day 4 would be a LIE!!

How far will you go?

Everything started out nicely on Saturday (Day 4).  I got a later start to the day because I slept in.  (And did I ever mention that on the Ultimate Reset, they tell you to NOT WORKOUT because your body needs the break while it is working hard to detox!!!).  So I had breakfast a bit later than normal, which was a giant plate of fruit (it was beautiful) and some yogurt.  It was delicious, but I was hungry so quickly afterward!!  It didn't keep me satisfied for long enough.  But, I kept pounding the water.  

I devoured my lunch which was delicious, Nori Rolls with Temphe and Veggies and a Lentil-Lime Salad!  Then we went out to run some errands for the afternoon.  By the time my snack came around, I was SO hungry again and it was the best snack I'd ever had (because I was really hungry).  I was starting to feel body aches and a little dizzy and just not too good over all.  I was starting a headache as well.  

Dinner rolls around, and I've got a pretty good sized headache coming along.  Dinner was AMAZING…Stir-fried veggies with quinoa & Cucumber and Tomato Salad.  It was a ton of food, which I was really happy about, but by the end of dinner I had a raging headache.

My head got so bad that I turned into bed at 7:50 pm just to get in a dark and quite room.  I slept a couple hours and woke up and still had the headache so I soaked my feet in warm water hoping that would help.  On the Reset, they want you to NOT take any pain medications because you are trying to rid your body of all that stuff!  So I held off as long as I could and finally by 10 pm my head was so bad it was throbbing like I've never had it before (I'm used to migraines and this was more painful than I've ever had!).  So I finally broke down and had 1 Advil and was able to get to sleep!  Let's just say I was happy for that day to be over!!

Day 4 Meals - Ultimate Reset

Take away from the last 4 days--

• I like variety in my diet…it's a great change from being such a creature of habit!  While the work is a lot, it is well worth the work in the kitchen!

• It's an interesting process to be detoxing your body, and I think a definite MUST for everyone!  Not enjoying the headaches though…

Continue to follow my 21 day journey of the Ultimate Reset.  If you would like more information in getting started on your 21 Day Ultimate Reset Journey, please fill out the application below for more info!

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21 Day Fix Week 2 Update and Progress - Plus Meal Plan

Week 2 is completed...week 3 begins!  

I'm starting the 3rd week of workouts and eating plan. I'm learning some new things about myself thru this process, both about my eating habits and my workout habits.

Meals

My eating habits...well, let's face it...I love my oatmeal, through and through. I've known that about myself but didn't realize how much I crave that in the mornings. When I have my oatmeal, I hate only having a single yellow serving size of oatmeal. Literally I think it's too small. So I've had to adjust to that size or use 2 of my yellow containers. But them I feel like I miss out on my other favorites like sweet potatoes and quinoa. So do I have a solution?  Not really, other than to just vary it and learn that it's a give and take for my yellow container. 

Cauliflower Rice

Although I will say that because of this "problem" with lack of yellow containers, I've learned to try new alternatives that incorporate my green veggie containers in place of the yellow containers. Here are 2 of my favorites...spaghetti squash and cauliflower rice!!!  These totally satisfy my craving to have a grain like quinoa or brown rice, yet it doesn't take away that container for the day!!  I make a big batch if these to have for the week and it works wonders!!

Meal Plan for week 3

21 Day Fix Meal Plan

Workouts

I've really had a different outlook with these workouts last week. I've enjoyed then in a new way. Even though, I'll be honest, I've struggled getting up at 5 am each morning I've pushed through it. I have literally had a conversation in my head each morning debating whether or not to get up and workout. Something like this, "oh I'm so tired and the bed feels so good" "but, I've really enjoyed the workout one I get started, it really isn't that bad, you know you should get up and workout", "oh but I am so tired", "come on you can do it...just get up"!!

Literally, I had this conversation every morning last week, but every morning the GOOD VOICE on my head WON!! I know I have turned a corner when I can say that!  So that's a major victory for sure. 

I am definitely feeling stronger doing these workouts even though the scale hasn't changed that much, I'm ok with that. This is a process and a journey and above all I am shaping new habits and new lifestyles!  

If you are looking to get started with the 21 Day Fix and get into challenge/ accountability group and start a new habit lifestyle for yourself please fill out the application below to be a part of the 21 Day Fix Group starting April 14th. You will be amazed by the results of this program. 

Here are some results of some of my challengers.

Lavonne- Week 1 results - 5 lbs lost

Jamie - 21 Day results 8 lbs lost 

Julie - 21 Day results 8 lbs lost

Sarah 21 Day results 6 lbs lost & 7 inches.

Would you like to be a part of the next accountability group?  Fill this out below!

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