Day 22 & 23: sorry I didn't post yesterday, but it was my 30th birthday and so I have myself a free pass day I didn't complete day 22, Core, but I did have my Shakeology and an amazingly fun day! Today is buns and I'll be tackling that shortly, before we head out for our last day of fun. I hope you're all having a great weekend surrounded by friends, family, & other loved ones. Happy Sunday!

Day 21 Piyo Sweat:  I swear every time I do the this particular workout I sweat even more --- today it's was rolling off me (gross I know)!  I woke up feeling a little sluggish, didn't sleep well last night.  In turn, I was dragging my feet on working out this morning.  Well I got dressed, pushed play and powered through.  I'm SO glad I did, I'm feeling much better and ready to get the rest of my 'to do' list completed.  As soon as that's done I'm headed out to the river for the rest of this long holiday weekend!  I hope you all are having a great Friday and get to enjoy a nice long week-end too!

Day 20 = Piyo Strength.  This is a newbie for those that are following my Piyo journey.  Today's workout was just over 21 minutes long and it FLIES BY!  You are moving, working, holding up your body weight, doing push ups, burpees (BTW if you've never done a burpee, just note, no one likes burpees until you're done ha!), you're working your legs, butt, arms, etc.  In a nut shell, it's AWESOME!  Chalene Johnson made a good point during todays' workout: Don't remember/think about how you felt BEFORE your workout, remember how you feel AFTER!  If I thought about how I felt before my workouts I'd never do them.  Normally it's after work, so I'm tired, stressed, other things to do, or a combination of all three.  I remember my after workout high and that I feel so good, refreshed, energized, and ready to conquer what ever else I need to do today. I hope you make the time and push play, visit your gym, or do what ever activity you can today to be active!  #TheQuestContinues

Day one of vacation meant sleeping without having to set an alarm, best sleep ever! It may only be almost 7:30 am but I'm rested and ready to tackle the day! First on my to do list, enjoy my yummy Shakeology breakfast and get my prep work done for my upcoming challenge group ✅. After this I'm going to workout, start laundry, and then give eh bathroom one last coat of paint. What do you have planned for your day today??

Day 19, Piyo Sweat:  I've said it before and I'll say it again Piyo Sweat is no joke, hello sweat!  I swear each time I complete this workout I sweat even more.  But I'm 100% okay with it, sweat means I'm working hard and burning those calories!  I've been SO productive today and I'm feeling great.  I got off work early today (which means vacation started early for this girl - yes!) so I made sure to do my best to get stuff done.  I got my errands and shopping done in Bismarck and then headed home.  One of the things on my to-do list before I can officially relax and enjoy my long week-end is to get the basement bathroom painted.  It was text-toned a few nights ago and was waiting for me to paint it.  First thing I did when I got home was paint...I mean it's not going to get done on its own ha!  So while that's drying I pushed play and completed day 19.  I'm now enjoying my Shakeology for supper and then time to do the dishes.  By then the bathroom should be ready for coat #2!  I hope you're having a great and productive hump day too!

PS: you can also follow my health and fitness FB page at https://www.facebook.com/questofafitdame.  I usually post here what I post there, but during the day I'm able to post on Facebook more than here :)

Aaaaaahhhhhhh rest day! Day 18 is a much needed rest day in the Piyo program.  Every workout program deserves a day or two off --- make sure you're taking advantage of your off days during your workouts.  Now this doesn't mean you go sit on the couch, eat popcorn, and watch movies - this means give your body a break, you've earned it!  It was another long day at work and I was excited to get home and be productive outside. Well, the rain had other plans and I'm inside doing laundry.  Also much needed, but I would have much rather been outside.  Tomorrow is a half day of work for me and then it's time off until September 2nd - yes!!  I have lots to accomplish the next few days so we can go to the river for the week-end and my birthday.  #TheQuestContinues

Days 16 & 17: Core & Define Lower Body.  Today had to be double workout Monday since I didn't make the time yesterday to do core!  We were super busy around the house and made a trip to Bismarck for more supplies, so I didn't get my workout in.  When we got home there was time to unpack and get to bed.  So today was double workouts for this girl.  I was dreading it all the way home.  It's Monday, it was a long day at work, I'm tired, ect....BUT I pushed play...TWICE and I feel amazing!  What's even better is tomorrow, is my rest day, yay!!  That's good though I have tons of stuff to do around the house so it certainly won't be rest ha!  I have an early day tomorrow so I need to get the rest of my stuff done and get my butt to bed! I hope you pushed play today too!

Hello BUNS!  Day 15 brought a new workout, Buns.  This workout was painful, but in that good way that you know you're getting an amazing workout.  My legs are SUPER sore and the stretches are a LOVELY treat to your legs at the end!  I got up early to get my daily workout in for many reasons.  It's Saturday, I'm not on call for work, I have plans, and I just plain old want to be able to enjoy the day.  By getting up and working out right away, I'm done and don't have to make time later for it, or skip it because I "cannot" find the time.  It's really rainy out, so my plans for weeding the gardens next are out (rats, I really wanted to do that.....ya right).  So I'm going to enjoy my Shakeology breakfast and relax a bit.  I really need to get ready as I'm going to spend the day in Bismarck with my mom & sister (so excited), but my legs hurt so bad I don't want to get up haha!  I hope you can, scratch that, I hope you MAKE some time for you and your heath today.  Go for a short walk, play ball with your kid(s)/dog(s), dust off an old workout video you have in the house and workout - anything to get our heart rate moving :)

Happy Friday friends!! Day 14 had me on the floor and on my feet with Define: Upper Body. I have sore arms and I'm starting to see some amazing definition, exciting!! Best part, I'm feeling great and less stressed after this long week. Time to make supper and start enjoying the weekend. I hope you're doing the same!

Day 13: Piyo Core.  I'm not going to sugar coat this, after Sweat yesterday and core today, this girl is hurting!!!  But in a positive way!  I laid on the floor for a good 10 minutes after core was done just because I knew I was going to have to use my core to get up ha!  You use your core for everything, so I'm sure glad it's hurting because that means I'm toning mine up!  I don't know about you all, but it's been a LONG week for me at work and I'm SO ready for the week-end.  Here's to a quick Friday and awesome week-end! PS: You like my trainer??? She wouldn't leave me alone today :)

Day 12: Happy Wednesday all!  Today's workout was Piyo Sweat and like I mentioned before, do you SWEAT!!!  I am grossly sweaty, but hey - that just means I'm working hard and burning those calories :D  I've heard some feedback regarding Piyo - now I know not everyone is going to like it, and that's okay!  There are so many workout programs that Beach Body offers, so there is something for everyone!  But back to the feedback, I've heard some people say that they don't feel like they're working out enough to break a sweat.  Piyo is a mixture of Yoga and Pilates and you're CONSTANTLY moving, lifting, and holding up your own body weight...large or small, you're going to work and sweat!  Always follow along and watch the movements prior to trying them.  I mentioned in an earlier post, there is always someone on the DVD doing a moderation to the exercise. Start there (especially if you have any injuries), get comfortable then mix the moderation version and usual version.  Once you're mastered both, got for it and see those results coming!  One other note --- they say weight loss is 20% fitness and 80% nutrition....if you're not progressing you need to, and owe it to yourself to focus on your nutrition.  #TheQuestContinues

Fall Back Into Fitness Challenge

If you've been following my blog, you konw I've been working towards a more fit lifestyle since March 2014.  I started this journey by joining Beach Body and a challenge/accountablity group.  I know that in order to lose and maintain my weight I NEED to workout and eat right.  I've never been one of those people who can eat and drink what ever they like, never work out and never gain weight....yup, just never been for me.  I was over-weight or as they say chubby, until I was a Freshman.  That summer I started running, but not eating right and through that developed an eating disorder.  Thankfully before it got out of control, I was able to get back on track.  However, not long after that I went back to over-eating and NEVER being active, enter college.  I'm a classic over-eater, I eat when i'm bored, I eat to celebrate special occasions, I eat too big of portions, etc.  I've done it all and have had excuses for EVERYTHING...I'm tired, I'll get up early and do it tomorrow, I have to work late/early, the list goes on and on. 

In 2011 I weighed my highest weight.....208, yup I'm 5'3" and I was SUPER overweight and depressed.  I was in a really bad relationship and I used food as my comfort and go to.  I cut ties with my boyfriend and started slow - I started eating better and going to the gym to get back into runninng and cross train.  Over the next 2 years I had my ups and downs, but I got the hang of things and lost 48 pounds and was once again happy.  I wasn't at my goal weight, but life was good and things were starting to fall into place.  I found an amazing man in my life and was once again myself.

Now come March 2014: life was still good and I had made the move to another City to live with my boyfriend.  I now have a one hour commute each way and in turn my workout schedule was interrupted.  I was all about the morning workouts, left my evenings free to do what ever I wanted.  But that changed as if I would do mornings now that would mean getting up at 3 or 3:30am...ya not happening, I like sleep and would like to have some sort of normal, social evening time versus having to go to bed at 7pm.  So I joined my first challenge group in March --- the first few weeks, were a breeze, but then i found myself going back to my old lazy ways.  Enter the accountablity portion of each challenge group....I know I would not have been able to come this far with out the support of the challenge groups. Once one ended I would join another one and so on.  Best decision ever --- I had the support, accountiablity, and new friends going through the same struggles as me. 

In the last month I took the next step and have become an Independent Beach Body Coach.  I know get to offer support and encouragment to individuals just like me who need some help and support on their journey.  I'm co-running my very first Challenge Group with two other AMAZING Beach Body Coaches.  I want to offer and open invitation to any one of you to join our challenge group.  The group beings September 1 and spaces will fill up fast.  Contact me today by sending am email to jessm12@beachbodycoach.com.  I'll give you all the great details about how the group works and what you need to do to be a part of it.  If you're ready for the next step, I'm ready to take it with you!

Excuses 101

I know I'm far from alone in this, but I really, REALLY didn't want to workout when I got home -  it was a long day at work, I'm trying to get a cold out of my system, and it's making me SO tired.  You know excuses straight out of the book...but I've learned and I knew I would regret it later if I didn't do it!  So, I pushed play and powered through Day 10 Define: Upper Body.  Tomorrow is my rest day and I'm looking forward to it.  And, in case you were wondering, I am VERY glad I did my workout.  I'm still tired, but I'm feeling good and know I'll sleep great tonight  We all have excuses, they're always going to be there --- fight through and make time for you and your well-being! #TheQuestContinues

Day 9: Sunday funday! I have a love hate relationship with Sundays. I love them as they're laid back and relaxing, but I hate them as it's back to the work grind tomorrow. So I can take full advantage of the last day of the weekend, I like to get up, get my workout done, and of course enjoy my Shakeology after. Now my 'must do's' are complete, and I have the day to do what ever I want 😊 Today's workout was Piyo Core and is my core is a-feeling it!! It's a great workout and you'll feel amazing after!  You'll work hard, as you always do in Piyo, but it takes work to have a fit core...totally worth it!  Well I'm off to make breakfast for my love and the off to enjoy our Sunday Funday.  #TheQuestContinues

Double Workout Saturday

Days 7 & 8: Yesterday was Friday and I had the best of intentions (as always) to do my work out when we got out the river for the week-end.  However, shortly after we arrived and got settled we had some friends stop by and I chose to enjoy our company and have some drinks.  It was a great night full of laughter and totally worth it!  So today (Day 8) has become double workout Saturday…I’ve never done two workouts in one day, but I said BRING IT!  Yesterday’s Piyo workout was Sweat and today Define: Lower Body.  So even though I had drinks last night, I got up this morning and got my work out’s done.  It didn’t start too well (too many drinks & not enough sleep, ha!) but I’ve finished both workouts and I feel AMAZING! Don’t miss out on the fun times in life because you need to work out.  If you miss a day (like me yesterday) always make time later to get it done – you won’t regret it J I’m now enjoying my delicious Shakeology, and after I finish up my healthiest meal of the day I’m going to head outside.  It’s supposed to rain, but it’s not yet and we have lots to do at the property here.  I hope you’ve all made time today for some exercise of your choice and are enjoying your week-end!   #TheQuestContinues

Today was a long day and tomorrow will be even longer.  It's nice to be in a place where I actually look forward to my workouts, as I know how amazing I feel after I'm done.  Today was no exception and I'm feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the things on my to-do list for this evening.  Today, also known as, Piyo day 6 was Define: Upper Body and I'm feeling it...but in a great way! This workout was extra-special for me as I was able to follow all the pushups by doing them like a regular person (i.e not using my knees) #success.  If you're ready to make a change for you, contact me - as a Beachbody Coach I'm here to help you reach your goals too

Rest day = Day 5:  Today was my rest day, well actually it was yesterday but I swapped it for today as I thought we weren't going to be home tonight.  However, things changed and I'm home.  I got home from work and started all the usual things that I do, minus pushing play for my workout.  So I started laundry, picked up the house, and made supper. Prior to starting this journey, this is where I'd sit on the couch and watch TV until it was time for bed....BAD!  So instead of that, I spent a little time on me.  As a Beachbody Coach we are encouraged to spend at little time each day on personal development.  Something I'm wishing I would have started doing a long time ago!  Do you ever take, scratch that, MAKE time for Y-O-U???  Take it from me, it's worth it!  You are worth it and I want to encourage you to take some time, even just tens minutes a day and make it all about you :)  #TheQuestContinues

Day 4: Life will get in the way!  In following along with my #Piyo schedule, today should be my rest day.  However, I know we have plans to go to the river tomorrow after work and I know I won't be able to workout. Instead of skipping my workout, I planned ahead :)  Remember, life will happen and get in the way, try your best to plan ahead and roll with the punches as they come.  So....in that thought process, I did my Day 5 workout, Define: Lower Body.  This workout is just over 20 minutes long...but don't let that fool you, you will be working and sweating in no time.  If you aren't familiar with Piyo, it is a combination of Yoga and Pilates, and it's amazing!  It has all the best parts of both so you get the most out of each workout!  What I disliked and struggled with was holding the Yoga poses long enough to get the results I wanted.  With Piyo, since it combines both Yoga and Pilates, it's a better balance and I'm able to follow along and yet push myself each time!.  If you're looking for a low impact, but highly active exercise program, this is for you and you can always contact me for details.  I hope you scheduled some time for YOU today and followed through with your workout and/or excersice program of choice - YOU ARE worth it!  #TheQuestContinues  BTW: Childs Pose #thankyou

Piyo Day 3 = SWEAT!  That's the name of the workout and boy is it true!  I'm dripping with sweat, I'm almost glad you can't really tell in the photo because it's [I FEEL] gross haha!  This is a mixture of both upper and lower body.  It's about 35 minutes long, but you're so busy working and sweating the time flies by!  I was having a bad day, and now I'm feeling refreshed and NOT stressed!  Time to go mow the yard, check the garden again and then make some supper.  I hope you pressed play today or followed through with what ever type of exercise program you're doing - keep up the GREAT work and you'll be able to enjoy all the benefits that come with it!  #TheQuestContinues

DAY 2: Piyo day two was short, but intense!  Define: Upper Body was today and it's just under 20 minutes....but you're constantly lifting your body weight and in turn you're toning and sweating those pounds off - I LOVED it!  If you're doing Piyo and you think it's too easy or you're not sweating, you really need to focus on your form and ensure you're using your arms/legs to move your body weight around - get the most out of it, it's worth it and so are you!  Sunday is usually a lazy day around here, so I made sure to get my workout in right away.  I then went back home to South Dakota to spend some time with my family.  I'm so thankful that they live so close (under an hour drive) and I need to make/take more time to go spend with them!  We had a great time and I got some fresh made pickles my mom and sister had just made, as well as got to raid their gardens.  I scored a spaghetti squash, some larger tomatoes, and when I got back home I checked my garden and had many more yummy tomatoes.  There is going to be some good eating and snacks for work this week for me :)  Hope you're all having a great Sunday and spending some time with your loved one's too! 

I was feeling productive today, so I decided to go for a run prior to my Piyo workout.  [Please note, I've restarted my Piyo journey today so I can properly document my time through it.]  For those of you who don't know, I live out in the country and it's so nice to run out in these wide open spaces....well that's what I thought, until today.  I was on my way back to the house, about 1/4 mile away, and I see a huge fox in the middle of the road and in the only way for me to get to my safe-haven.  I stopped in my tracks and thought to myself: "well I guess today is the day I'm going to have a heat stroke running away from a fox or the worse alternative, getting mulled by a fox" (note: it's funny now that I'm writing this as to how ridiculous this all was; and more so because I'm home safe and sound with the door locked...you know because foxes can open doors [insert sarcasm]).  Anyways, we had a face off for a few minutes and then I thought, well I'm not going towards you, so I started to jog away.  A few strides in I turned my head to see what this creature was doing and I see it flying away in another direction (score!).  So I stopped and thought to myself: do you wait here, do you keep running away, or do you take the chance and sprint your a** to the house through the path of where the fox just ran away from??  Well this girl took a deep breathe (in this ridiculous humidity, that was fun) and ran as fast as I could to the house.  I never saw the fox on my way back, and boy was I looking - I know that sneaky thing was watching me, but I'm really, REALLY glad I didn't see it again.  On another note, I'm seriously surprised I didn't face-plant it, since I was constantly looking around me for that darn fox and not on where I was running.  After I got in the house and calmed myself and let's be honest, caught my breathe, I laughed and went on with my plan for my day.  I turned on the TV and DVD player and pushed play.  I had an amazing workout, Piyo Define: Lower Body and worked through my fox stress.  As I sit here writing this to you all I'm enjoying my daily Shakeology and thinking of the nonsense that's happened in the last hour.  Ah life is interesting and out in the country, it's even more interesting...but I like it!  I hope you're all having an amazing Saturday with zero foxes in your path :)

Tomorrow is another day and the quest will continue --- happy thoughts all!

And so it begins....

For the last few months I've been participating in Beach Body Challenge groups put on by my amazing coach, Ryan.  It all started back in March when I saw a post she made about getting fit and joining a challenge group....Ever since then, AMAZING things have been happening for me :)  I've been getting back on track with my work outs, running again, and losing weight!  More importantly I'm feeling better and gaining back the confidence I'd lost.  I couldn't have done it without my coach as well as my daily intake of Shakeology --- if you don't know what this is or haven't tried it you're missing out on the healthiest meal of the day!

Recently, as in just a few days ago, I made the decision to become a Beach Body Coach, and I'm SO excited about this new opportunity.  I'm just learning and have a lot of material to go over so I can be the coach I want to be.  However, I couldn't wait to share the news!  If you'd like more information and details on joining a challenge group, using Shakeology, and/or starting a new fitness routine, please continue to follow my blog --- you'll be the first to know when I'm going live!  In the mean time, if you'd like to get started, you can visit any of my sites below or contact me directly for details.

If you have questions, curious about Beach Body fitness and/or Shakeology, please contact me.  I'm hear for you and to help you lead a healthy, happy, fit life!

Until next time - your coach, Jessica

Shakeology: http://www.shakeology.com/jessm12
Beach Body Fitness programs and Coach info: http://www.beachbodycoach.com/jessm12
Email: jess_meyer@hotmail.com
Phone: 701-426-2384