Fabletics Review!

Hi, there!  I have decided to share with you my thoughts about Fabletics, an online (and limited store) sports wear shop.  The last thing I need is more sport wear, but, I recently became a VIP member to check it out.  If you have any questions, let me know!  And, if you're ready to become a VIP member yourself, you can use my referral link here!

The Company:  Fabletics has a few brick-and-mortar stores, but they mostly sell their workout clothes online.  It was co-founded by Kate Hudson and features items from Demi Lovato's line that she created exclusively for them.  They offer styles for both men and women, although their women's selection is much more extensive.  Available are individual items, such as pants, sport bras, jackets, and shirts, or outfits, which are pre-selected items that come at a discounted price.  There are a few ways to shop:  without joining as a VIP member or by enrolling in a VIP membership. 

My first outfit

Membership:  Okay, as I said above, you don't have to be a member to shop at Fabletics.  You can peruse their website and, when you're ready to order, just order what you want!  There is no obligation to join.  However, the prices of the items on their website are much higher than if you are a VIP member.  I believe there are sales that are offered to non-members at times, but I still think it is more beneficial to become a member if you are planning on making more than one purchase.

If you choose to sign up as a VIP member, you will be offered an incentive as our "introductory offer."  I have seen two of these:  2 for $24 leggings and a $19 outfit.  There may be more, but these are the ones I have come across (I joined using the 2/$24 deal).  Either one of these are great bargains, as outfits start at $49.95 for VIP members (remember, prices are much higher for non-members) and leggings are about $50 or more a piece!  Once you choose your introductory purchase, you may have the chance to buy items at a discounted price.  If it's something you're interested in buying, I would grab it now because you will be saving a lot of money.  You have to go through the steps to register and sign up.  Once you are a member, you have the option to look at their styles in outfits or as separate items.  You are definitely better off getting an outfit if you like both pieces.  Outfits are typically around $60, whereas you could be spending that much on just one piece!

Now, here is how the membership works:  you sign up as a VIP and get your initial order.  After that, each month you need to log in between the 1st and 5th of each month.  You will have new outfits waiting for you that come out on the 1st.  You can either buy an outfit or skip your month.  If you do either of these, you have no further obligation for that month, but you will need to keep signing in every month thereafter that you keep your membership active  If you do not log in between the 1st and 5th and either make a purchase or skip the month, you will be automatically charged $49.95 on the card that is on file.  This will remain as a credit on your account that you can use towards a purchase in the future.  These credits never expire.  Since it is a membership account, you will continue being charged $49.95 (if you don't skip your credits or buy an outfit) until you cancel your account.  It is not difficult to go in and skip a month, but just be aware that if you don't do it, you have authorized them to take money from your account by signing up to be a VIP member.

I received a 10% coupon code for my birthday (not much, but if you're planning on buying anyway, every little bit helps!) and you can get a free gift by showing an email in the store.  There are not many stores and the closest one to me is in Charlotte.  I plan to go there in November, so when I do, I will bring the email and see if they will honor it!

If you wish to cancel your membership, there is an 800 number listed on their website under "My Account" and there is also an option to speak to someone online.  I have not tried to cancel my account, so I don't know how simple (or difficult) this is, but if and when I do, I'll be sure to update here.

The Products:  As I said, there is a variety of products available for purchase, both individually or as an outfit.  So far I have purchased several outfits and I love them all.  If you are unsure of the sizing, I would recommending ordering an outfit to start and then trying it out before ordering anything else.  You can exchange items if they do not work for you or you can make a return, but I do believe you will have to pay for the return shipping yourself.  Their clothes are great for a variety of activities, such as yoga, strength training, cardio, and lounging or running errands.  I have found that their leggings and shirts are true to size, but I would recommend sizing down on their sport bras.  I think there is something for everyone and some of the styles are super cute.  They have unique features and designs that I haven't seen anywhere else.  You can look at the outfits before you become a member to see if there is something there for you!

One feature on their website that I love is the description of each item.  You can see what it is good for, the materials, and key features.  You can also see customer reviews (more on that in a second) so you can see what other people think.  On each item page, you can see other items that go with the outfit, what other members have purchased, and, if it's available, the outfit that the item is a part of.  Then you can decide if you want to get just one item or the full outfit.

The Value:  Do I think that joining Fabletics is a good deal?  If you buy a lot of workout gear like I do, I would definitely say yes.  Since you have the option to skip your month and not pay anything, you're really not out any money.  You can cancel after your first purchase, so the obligation is minimal.  As long as you remember to skip your month, you don't have to spend anything unless you want to buy something.  For the quality of the items, I think the price is fair.  Of course you can get leggings cheaper at other places, like Wal-Mart or Old Navy, but you can also find leggings for much more at places like Athleta, lululemon, and even Victoria's Secret Sport.  If you are willing to pay a little bit more for your workout clothes, I think that Fabletics is a great deal.  With that being said, I do think that it is wise to buy an outfit.  They start at $49.95 (which is a month's credit, so if you forget to skip, you can use it towards an outfit the next month) and they offer free shipping for a purchase that amount or greater. 

One thing that I really love about Fabletics is the opportunity to earn points.  You earn these by every purchase you make (2 points per dollar as a VIP) and you can earn 20 points for each review that you write.  It doesn't take more than 1 minute per item.  You can then choose from a group of pre-selected items that you can get for free in different categories, starting at 700 points.  You also get some points for joining initially, and you can get extra points during special offer periods or promotions (currently there is one for 100 points if you use a MasterCard).  Also, each member has a link (I posted mine above) and if you have someone sign up under you, you get $20 to use towards a future purchase!  Neat!

Final Thoughts:  Overall, I think that Fabletics is a good deal, especially if you like to buy new workout wear frequently.  If you are just looking to join for the initial deal, you can definitely do that and then cancel your membership.  You don't have to spend money each month, as long as you make sure to either buy or skip.  The outfits are cute and are reasonably priced, considering how much you would spend for quality workout gear elsewhere.  I haven't had any personal experience with customer service where I contacted them, but there was an item in one of my orders that was damaged (I hadn't even received the items in the mail before they emailed me).  They sent me an email saying that I could use an offer code to receive a free pair of leggings and keep the damaged pair.  The "damaged" leggings had one tiny spot of color in the black part of the pants.  That's it!  I got a free pair of leggings (an $85 value) for something that I probably wouldn't have even noticed if they hadn't pointed it out for me.  That, to me, is excellent customer service and shows that they take care of their customers. 

The "damaged" pair of leggings

I have gone online to see what other people said about the company.  A lot of the negative reviews are from people who say that they had no idea that they were signing up for a membership account and that money was taken out of their account without notice.  I believe I saw no fewer than 5 disclaimers on how the membership works and that I would be charged if I didn't skip my outfits before the 6th of each month.  Also, keep an eye on your account that is linked to the membership and if you get charged once, cancel the membership and request your money back!

I definitely plan to keep ordering from Fabletics and continue my membership.  I think they have a great value, excellent customer service (thus far), and cute, quality clothes for a variety of workouts.  I think their VIP membership is a great choice!

Tasty Tuesday: Panko Chicken Fingers and Roasted Panko Broccoli

This is one of my favorite recipes when I am wanting a quick dinner that doesn't take a lot of time and is a great substitute when you're wanting some fast food chicken nuggets.  Plus, they're super tasty!

I have decided to pair the chicken fingers with panko roasted broccoli for an all-panko menu.  You could also substitute cauliflower (which is what I'm going to do tomorrow).  The chicken also has a dipping sauce that goes with it.  Yum!

Panko Crusted Chicken Fingers

4 servings

1 lb chicken breast, cut into "fingers"

1/4 c plus 2 T panko breadcrumbs (whole wheat if you can find them)

2 T Dijon mustard

1/4 c plain non-fat yogurt

1 T sesame oil (this is my favorite stuff EVER)

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1 1/2 t dried parsley

Heat oven to 475 degrees.  Pat chicken dry with a paper towel (they will crisp up better in the oven).  In a bowl, whisk together mustard, garlic, yogurt, and sesame oil.  In a separate bowl, mix panko bread crumbs with parsley.  Dip each piece of chicken into the yogurt mixture and then into the panko mixture.  Place on a baking sheet (lined with aluminum foil) sprayed with cooking spray and bake for about 20 minutes.  Serve with Dijon mustard dipping sauce:

Dipping Sauce

4 servings

2 T Dijon mustard

2 T non-fat plain yogurt

1/2 t sesame oil

1/2 t low-sodium soy sauce

Mix ingredients together in a bowl.  You should get about 2 T per serving of sauce.

Roasting vegetables in the oven makes them have a totally different flavor than if they are steamed or sauteed.  I love roasted broccoli and this recipe goes so well with the panko chicken fingers!

Roasted Panko Broccoli with Parmesan Cheese

4 servings

1 large bunch of broccoli, cut off the stem

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 T olive oil

2 T panko breadcrumbs

2 T Parmesan cheese 

1/4-1/2 t garlic powder, to taste

salt and pepper

1/4 t red pepper flakes

Pre-heat oven to 475 degrees.  Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix well, coating the broccoli evenly with olive oil, cheese, and seasonings.  Put broccoli on a baking sheet (lined with aluminum foil) coasted with non-stick cooking spray.  Let bake for 15 minutes.  ***If you are cooking this separately from the chicken, set oven to 425 and bake for about 20 minutes.***

I hope you enjoy these recipes!  Picture to come as soon as I make it for dinner tomorrow night!

Sneak Peek: Shift Shop Speed 25

Good afternoon, all!  Thank you for stopping by and checking out my Speed 25 preview!  After I complete the workout, I will come back and add my thoughts about the intensity of the workout and how effective I felt it was.  Without further ado...

Today's Workout:  Speed 25 (You will do this every other day for the first week of the three-week program, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.)

Rule of the Day:  Try before you modify.  (Make sure that you attempt to do the move full-out before you use the modifications.  You may be surprised at what you can do.)

Equipment:  2 agility markers, one in the front of your workout space and one about 2-3 paces behind it (You can purchase these from Beachbody, you can use something similar or really anything to mark your place, or you can use nothing and just visualize that they are there.)

Total Workout Time: 25 minutes, plus the 3 minute (or so) cooldown

Set up:  Each move is 60 seconds.  You will be shown the move, complete the move, and then have a brief rest time while the next move is explained and shown.  There are 15 moves total.

Exercises:
There is no specific warm-up in the workout, but the moves start out with less intensity and then grow through the workout. 

Jump Rope:  a basic jump rope move.  You are moving forward and back from one marker to the other.  Your knees are high and you are turning your wrists like you are turning a jump rope. 

Skip Combo:  Imagine skipping forward and back.  You will start in a down position, touching the floor like you are getting ready to go into a sprint.  You will propel yourself forward with your arms and a skip to the front marker.  Then you will tap the marker and go back into your "get set" position and skip backward.

Ali Shuffle:  For this move, you will turn to the side.  Starting at the back marker, you will shuffle your feet forward and back quickly while moving yourself up to the front marker.  Tap the marker with your foot and shuffle back.

Quick Jack Taps:  This is like a regular jumping jack except your knees stay bent in a low almost squat position.  Stay low throughout the entire move.  When Chris says "shift," you will reach down and tap the marker, then back up into the jack position, never straightening your legs.  I would imagine this will be a quad burner!

High-Knee Run:  Similar to Jump Rope, except your will pump your arms like you are running.  Knees are high and you move up from one marker and then back.

Bear Crawl:  You will start in a low position on the floor on your hands and knees and stay in that low position the entire move.  Crawl up to the front marker, tap it, and then crawl back.  Make sure to keep your knees as close to the ground as you can and keep your back flat.

Lateral Slide:  Just as the move implies, you will be sliding from side to side.  Turn to the side, start at the back marker, stay low and slide up to the front marker.  Return to start and repeat for the remainder of the move.

Mountain Climbers:  You are down on the floor in a typical mountain climber stance, back flat, wrists/elbows/shoulders in line and you are going to drive your knees in towards the marker as fast as you can with correct form.

***You are halfway done!***

Butt Kicks:  You will start with your hands on your glutes and try to kick your foot up to touch your hand with every movement.  You will alternate literally kicking yourself in the butt while you move forward and back between the markers.

Shop Hops:  In a squat position (which you will stay in for the whole move) you will stay on the balls of your feet and bounce quickly up and down.  When Chris says "shift," you will reach down and tap the marker, then immediately come back up and continue to bounce.

Fence Jumps:  Think of this move as watching someone get over a hurdle, but instead of moving forward, you will be moving side to side.  Turn to the side and hop up, swinging your arms as you do to help propel you up.  Go to one marker and come back to the other.

Burpees:  This is a typical burpee:  you will go down to the ground, shoot your legs out (make sure to keep your back in line and flat), jump your feet back in, and then stand up.  Chris shows you a way to ramp up the move by adding a push-up when you are down on the ground and then a jump at the top.

Swing Jumps:  Start with your feet together and keep them together throughout the movement.  You will jump diagonally up to the front marker and then back to the rear marker.

Catcher's Crawl:  You will get into a low squat, keeping your chest up and staying low the entire move.  You will put your hands down to the ground and jump your feet up to meet them.  Do that twice to get you to the first marker, then two times back to get you to the back marker.

Crab Creeper:  Turn to the side and sit down on the ground.  You will go up into a bridge position, with your heels on the ground and hands on the ground.  Step your foot out and hand out at the same time to move your forward, then move up the other hand and foot to meet it and move you along.  Tap the front marker and move back to the back.

***You are done!  You made it!!!***

Cool down:  The cool down is not a part of the workout, so it is not included in the 25 minutes.  This does not mean that you don't have to do the cool down.  You do!  It is so important to stretch and feel like you're heartrate is coming back to the normal before you do anything else.  The cool down consists of breathing and stretching, as most cool downs do.

I am not going to review this workout yet, as I have not done it.  However, from the looks of it, it seems as if all muscles (especially the legs!) will be worked and I will be feeling it after and the following day.  Once I complete the workout, I will come back and give you my thoughts and add some pictures.

Thank you for checking out the sneak peek of Shift Shop Speed 25.  If you are interested in trying Shift Shop or any of Beachbody's amazing at-home programs, contact me!

Fit Friday: Shift Shop!

I love when new workout programs come out!  It gives me a chance to change up my routine, meet a new trainer, and have a new challenge.  Today I am going to talk to you about Beachbody's newest program, Shift Shop.

This program came out about a month ago.  I have yet to do it, but I am going to start next Monday!  I have previewed the first two workouts, plus the stretch and abs workouts, and I can already tell I am going to love it.  I have seen some amazing results from this program so I am very excited!  I am going to tell you all about the program below; plus, I will be doing a sneak peek on Saturday in my reviews for the first week of workouts!

Check out the details of Shift Shop below!

About the Program:
Shift Shop is designed with the idea that there will be a "shift" each week.  That means the workouts will increase in intensity as the weeks go on.  The program is 3 weeks long and you build up the duration of the workouts each week as well.  Each week you will do a Speed workout and a Strength workout alternately Monday-Saturday and then Sunday you can do Mobility (stretch) or have a rest day.  The times of the workouts are the duration; however, the cool down is not included in the time of the workout.  The first week, the workouts are 25 minutes, the second week they are 35 minutes, and in the last week, they are 45 minutes long.  Two days a week you can also add in the ab workout, which is 15 minutes long, but that is optional.

The Speed workouts utilize agility markers that, if you purchase the DVDs, will come with the program.  If you have Beachbody on Demand and will be streaming the workouts, you can print your own agility markers, or just use something else that you already have to mark your focus spots.  Depending on the workout, they will be placed front to back, side to side, or you will use all four. The Strength workouts require dumbbells.

This may change in the future workouts, but in the ones that I previewed (Speed and Strength 25), each move was 1 minute with a break in between moves while Chris explains what is coming next.

There are also two deluxe workouts, Speed and Strength 50.  These can be added into the calendar in the second round of the program.

There is a modifier in every workout.  The trainer teaches the move and then walks the room, encouraging and correcting people's form.  

About the Meal Plan:
There is a meal plan included with the program, as well as a recipe book which has 81 recipes that you can use during the 3 week period (and beyond, of course).  The meal plan is very specific and gives you guidelines to follow depending on your starting weight, your goals, and which week you're on.  The idea is to use the container system that was first introduced with 21 Day Fix; however, it is not necessary to have the containers in order to follow the meal plan.  There are recipes that have measurements for you to follow.

About the Trainer:
Chris Downing is Beachbody's newest trainer.  He is a certified personal trainer and has been working in the fitness industry for years.  I don't know much about him, but from what I have seen in his interviews, he seems very down-to-earth and to really care about people and their goals to get and stay healthy.

From the workouts I have previewed, Chris is very personable and seems to have a good rapport with those in the cast.  He makes jokes, but is not overly goofy (like Tony, in my opinion) and he is highly motivating and encouraging.  As I said above, he goes around the cast to point out corrections of form.  He also pushes them to go lower, faster, and harder.  He is motivating when people in the cast are visibly struggling.  He explains the moves very well before starting and demonstrates them for you while you take a break, giving you enough time to take a break, catch your breath, and get ready for the next move.

First Thoughts:
Since I haven't tried this program yet, I am not going to give a full review.  I will, however, tell you my first thoughts.  The program seems great.  As I said before, I have seen amazing results and, considering it is only 3 weeks long, they are impressive.  I think this workout is going to push and challenge me, which is what I'm looking for.  I like the idea of ramping up, but I am not sure how I am going to like a 50 minute workout.  I have gotten very used to my 30 minutes every morning, but since it's only a week, I am going to do it!  I am not a fan of the agility markers, because it makes it seem like another gimmick that is being used to sell workout programs.  I do like the fact that you don't need them to complete the workouts and that you can print out a free version from Beachbody on Demand.  I am also not used to breaks, so think I am going to like having a little respite in between moves if I need to wipe the sweat or get a swig of water.  I don't like the effects that they added into the videos where Chris "pauses" mid-move and they freeze the action.  I think it's hokey and unnecessary, but that's minor.  I also am not a fan of workouts that say they're 25 minutes, but really end up being 30 minutes with the cool down.  I like the cool down to be a part of the workout because if not, it makes it seem like it's optional.  It's not.  You need to cool down just as you need to warm up.

The meal plan doesn't seem so great.  I have nothing wrong with the recipes, except for the fact that if you ate what's in the meal plan you would get really sick of eggs really fast.  I like the amount of recipes that you are given and the fact that the meal plan is really laid out for you, week by week, day by day.  The meal plan is extremely restrictive.  You will be eating no carbs (yellow containers) in the final week.  I believe that any time you remove something from your diet, your body is missing something and if and when you start to eat that food group again, you will not be able to maintain your body weight.  If you want great results in a super short amount of time or you are training for something specific, I would say to follow the meal plan.  If not, I would stick to a clean eating meal plan.  I will not be following the Shift Shop meal plan, but I will be following a clean diet meal plan by using the same recipes I always make, with some new ones from the recipe book added in.

The trainer seems just my style.  I like his attitude, I like how positive he is, and he is obviously fit and knows what he is doing.  Chris is personable and motivating.  He will push you but he is proud of you when you're done.  You can feel that he wants you to succeed.  He's no Shaun T. (who is?!), but he does a great job and comes pretty close.  I am excited to try out this workout and do a full review when I'm done!

If you're interested in trying Shift Shop or any of Beachbody's programs, you can start a free trial of Beachbody on Demand for 14 days.  You can also purchase the DVDs.  Let me know how I can help!

Thing Thursday: Workout Mat Review

Hello, my fit friends!  I hope you're having a fantastic day!  Today I am going to tell you all about the mats that I have down in my workout room. 

The mats are Gold's Gym High Impact Flooring Puzzle Mat and they can be found here.  They are about $15 for a pack of 6.  Now, on to the review!

Quality:  ****1/2
I have two sets of these mats, one of which I have had for about 5 years.  They have held up very well.  Some of the rubber pieces have peeled up from wear over the years, but it is minor.  Sometimes the "puzzle" pieces are cut slightly off, so they don't line up exactly.  With some adjusting, you can get them to line up, it just may take a little time and effort.  Overall, I would say these are high-quality mats and would stand up to just about any activity.

Effectiveness:  (Are these good as mats?) ****
These mats are decent thickness, but I wouldn't recommend using just one layer on a concrete floor, such as ours.  We have two layers and that is the right amount of thickness, but if it were any thinner, I would imagine you would feel the floor every time you land from a jump or had to go down to the floor for an exercise.  The pieces may separate where they join together when you are jumping around, especially if you are doing a sliding or dragging motion.  We have solved this problem by putting duct tape on the underside of the seams, as you can see in the picture.  This has stopped the movement of the pieces and keeps them together.  Yes, these are effective mats, because they provide protection from the hard floor.  I took off a star for the fact that they may move around and may not be thick enough if you are on a very hard surface.

Look:  ***
I have given "Look" three stars, because they're nothing special to look at.  You can see that some of the pieces don't fit evenly and this can give them a "cheap" look.  Also, you would have to have these in a place that you could keep them out all the time, because it would be a pain to put them down and then take them apart and put them away whenever you wanted them out of the room.  They cannot be easily stored once they are taken apart.

Overall: ****
I would recommend these mats if you are looking for an inexpensive way to cover your workout room floor.  They offer additional protection when you are doing movements on the floor or high-intensity movements, such as jumps.  They are not too expensive and they do last.  With a little preparation (taping the seams) they will last even longer and save you some trouble later when they come apart.  I have used these mats both on a carpeted surface and on a concrete floor.  They do protect the carpeting from pulling and getting matted.  They don't offer a lot of protection from a very hard surface because they are not that thick.  You can definitely double them and that works.  I have used other mats, such as yoga style mats, and they do not work for the types of exercises I do.  They are not thick enough and they damage very easily.  If you are looking for mats that will last and you have the space to leave them out all the time, I would recommend these for sure.

Let me know if you check out these mats!  They are on sale at Wal-Mart right now.  If you have any questions, let me know!

Tasty Tuesday Recipe: California Benedict

Good morning!  I decided since I have been doing lunch and dinner recipes lately, it was time for breakfast!  I had this meal out at a delicious little local restaurant that has amazing food, and I was thinking of how simple it would be to make it at home.  I haven't made it yet, but I will definitely be trying it out! 

California Benedict

1 serving

Picture credit:  www.cakenknife.com  When I make it myself, I'll add my own picture.  :)

2 eggs

1 whole wheat English muffin

2 slices of tomato

spinach leaves

1/4 avocado

2 T Hollandaise sauce (see below)

Toast your English muffin.  While it is toasting, poach (or fry) the eggs.  Top each English muffin half with 1 slice of tomato.  Slice the avocado and divide evenly among the muffin halves.  Top each half with a poached egg, a few spinach leaves, and 1 T of Hollandaise sauce.  Top with a dash of pepper.  Serve with fruit and enjoy!

• You can find the link for Healthy Hollandaise Sauce here.  There is also a different recipe in the Fixate cookbook, if you have that.
• You can also put a slice of turkey bacon on each or split one piece between the two halves, if desired.

Tasty Tuesday Recipe: Asian Chicken Salad

Hi, there!  Welcome to today's recipe.  I decided to try this for the first time because I bought some edamame and wanted a simple and quick way to use it in a salad.  So, without further ado, you get the recipe for my Asian chicken salad!

Asian Chicken Salad

1 serving

2 cups Romaine lettuce

1/2 carrot, shredded

1/4 c edamame, cooked and shelled

1/2 Mandarin oranges

1-2 t slivered (or sliced) almonds

3-4 oz. chicken tenders, cooked and chopped

Chinese five spice (optional)

Dressing

3 servings, 2 T each

2 T orange juice (about half an orange)

2 T rice wine vinegar

1 T tamari or low-sodium soy sauce

1/2 T sesame oil

1/2 T honey

1/2 ginger

Tear lettuce and add to salad bowl.  Add remaining ingredients (if using Chinese five spice, add to chicken while cooking).  Whisk together ingredients for dressing in a bowl.  Top salad with 2 T of dressing.  Enjoy!

**Chinese five spice is in interesting flavor--it can be very potent, so don't add too much.  It's a mix of ground black pepper, cloves, fennel, star anise, and cinnamon.**

**If you don't have a 1/2 T measuring spoon, use 1 1/2 t (1 T=3 t).**

Tasty Tuesday Recipe: Chicken Quesadilla

What's up? Welcome to another Tasty Tuesday! Each week I am going to bring you a simple, delicious, and nutritious recipe that you can make today! Since I just made guacamole for a snack, how about staying on the Mexican theme and trying out some quesadillas? Here we go!

Chicken Quesadilla

1 serving

3-4 oz. chicken (I usually use 2 tenders)

(To taste:) chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, cumin

1/4 c cheese of your choice

1 whole-wheat flour tortilla

1/4 avocado

2 T salsa

Spray a medium pan with non-stick cooking spray and heat to medium. Add chicken tenders and cook until done, about 4 minutes per side. While cooking, blend spices in a small bowl, add more or less depending on spice preference. Sprinkle on top of chicken while still cookin. Remove chicken from pan and dice or shred. Wipe pan and reduce head to medium-low. Sprinkle 2 T cheese (I use cheddar or pepper jack usually) on one side of tortilla. Add chicken and top with remaining 2 T cheese. Fold tortilla over and add back to pan. Toast on one side for about 2 minutes, then flip. Tortilla should be crispy brown and cheese should be melted. Cut up 1/4 avocado and mix with salsa (you can also cut up 5 grape tomatoes and add to avocado with a squeeze of lime juice). Cut quesadilla into quarters and enjoy! 

I typically add some veggies (carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber) to my meal and a fruit to get a complete, balanced meal. You can easily change out the meat to anything you want or use no meat at all!

Saturday Snack: Guacamole

Guacamole is a simple and delicious way to get in some healthy fats and enjoy a delicious snack.  It's filling and can be eaten in so many ways!  Check below for the recipe and some tasty ways to enjoy your homemade guacamole!

Guacamole

16 2 T servings

 

2 ripe avocados 

1/4 c chopped red onion

2 plum tomatoes, diced

1/2 t sea salt

1/2 t cumin

lime juice, to taste

1 t finely chopped jalapeno (optional)

In a bowl, mash avocado into small chunks.  Add onion, tomato, jalapeno, salt, cumin, and lime juice.  That's it--you're done!  Check out some ways to enjoy below!

• with tortilla chips:  cut whole wheat tortilla into triangles, spray with non-stick spray, bake at 350 for 6 minutes, turn over and cook for another 6 minutes, until crispy.
• with vegetables:  carrots, bell pepper, tomato
• with a quesadilla--recipe to come for next week's Tasty Tuesday!
• in a taco salad:  4 oz. ground turkey meat, lettuce, 2 T cheese, salsa, 2 T guacamole, 1/2 c black beans
• on top of tacos, fajitas, enchiladas--any Mexican food you make! 

What ways do you like to eat your guacamole?  Share your ideas with me!

Workout Wednesday BONUS Move: Glute Press

Welcome to today's Workout Wednesday BONUS move!  If you've visited my Facebook page Fit Teach Kate then you saw the first installment of today's booty-blasting workout.  If not, here's a quick rundown:

Glute Bridge:  Start by laying flat on the floor, feet down, knees bent and squeeze your knees together.  Press your hips as high up into the air as you can, then lower down.  That's 1 rep.  Repeat for 16 and do 3 sets. 

You can also add a pulse at the top, continuing to squeeze your glutes up and knees together. 

For an additional challenge, with your hips still up and your glutes squeezed, open and close your knees.

Bonus Move:  Glute Press:  Start on your hands and knees, back flat and head in line with your spine.  Lift one knee up, pressing the heel back and up to the ceiling, repeat for 8 reps, then do the other leg for 8 reps.  You can also pulse after your 8th rep for 16 counts to further work the glutes.  Just make sure to do the same thing on both sides--you don't want to be lopsided! 

For a challenge, you can add a resistance band around your feet and do the same move--it will definitely be harder!

Check out the video below:

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you enjoyed today's workout and I will see you next week for another installment of Workout Wednesday!

Tasty Tuesday Recipe: Avocado Bacon Egg Salad

Hello, there!  Welcome to this week's recipe.  Eggs are a cheap, simple way to add protein to your diet.  They cook up super quick and can be made in so many ways.  They are tasty, too!  Today I have decided to make an egg salad and put a little twist on it.  You can easily make this recipe for as many servings as you want--just double the recipe for 2 and so on.  I hope you enjoy!

Avocado Bacon Egg Salad
1 serving

2 hard-boiled eggs

1 T olive oil mayo

1/2 t Dijon mustard

dash paprika

dill, to taste

1 slice turkey bacon, cooked

1/4 avocado, cubed

In a bowl, mash together eggs, mayo, mustard, paprika, and dill.  Add avocado and mash.  Add turkey bacon and fold into mixture.  To make a sandwich, use 1-2 slices of whole wheat bread.  You can also add lettuce and tomato if making a sandwich.  Serve with veggies (carrots, cucumber, bell pepper) or a salad.

This recipe was modified from a recipe that I found online to make it healthful.

21 Day Fix BOD Exclusive: Remix the Fix Dirty Dozen Review

Hello, all!

I hope that you are enjoying your weekend!  Today I am going to bring you a review for a Beachbody on Demand exclusive workout.  That's right--there are certain workouts that are ONLY available if you have BOD and right now, for just a few more days, you can get the most amazing deal in fitness:  one year's worth of BOD, including EVERY Beachbody program that there is for just $99.95.  This is only for 2 more days, so if you're interested, HURRY!

There are two bonus workouts that Autumn created exclusively for BOD called Remix the Fix.  I decided to try Dirty Dozen when I was between workout programs.  This workout incorporates weights into every move while the other workout, Cardio Core Fix, requires no equipment.  As with all 21 Day Fix workouts, there is a modifier in both of these workouts, too.  They are also both around 30 minutes.

You will recognize some familiar cast members if you have done the Fix and/or Extreme.  While 21DF could be classified as beginning/intermediate, I would definitely characterize these workouts as intermediate with some moves even more challenging than that.  As with all workouts, push yourself but know your limits, and do not sacrifice form.  That is always the most important thing to remember!

One thing I will say about both of these workouts is that some of these moves are complicated.  They are complex and it is difficult to understand them in words, ya just gotta see them to do them!  Now, let's get to the workout review!

Today's workout:  Dirty Dozen

Autumn's Inspirational Quote of the Day:  "Tomorrow you'll be glad you did this today."

Equipment:  2 sets of weights (light and heavy), mat (optional)

Total Workout Time:  33:32

Set up:  6 circuits, 2 exercises each circuit, repeated, 45 seconds per exercise followed by a 15 second rest between each move

Exercises:
Warm-up (about 3 minutes--this is the same warm-up from the 21 Day Fix workouts):  jog, jumping jacks, windmills (arm circles front and back), over the tops (side lunge and reach overhead to the side right and left), alternating toe taps (legs straight, touch opposite toe); repeat.

Circuit 1:  2 exercises, repeated, 45 seconds each
Traveling Curtsy Squat:  holding weights at your side, drop into a squat, then go into a curtsy lunge with the right foot back, then into a squat, curtsy lunge back.  You kind of move around in a box with this one and it was definitely confusing the first time I did it!

I'm not sure why my face looks like something out of The Ring here.

 

Lunge Row with Crunch: with one knee forward and bent, back leg out straight, you row your weights up to your chest and then bring the leg that is out straight into your stomach for a crunch, then back out straight and repeat.
Repeat the circuit with the opposite leg bent and forward on the lunge row with crunch.

Circuit 2:  2 exercises, repeated, 45 seconds each
Squat Press Sumo: hold your weights at your side and do a squat, come up to standing and lift your arms overhead for a press, lower weights and then step one leg back into a sumo (you're going to be facing the side of the room, not the front), come up, step forward and go back into squat.  Then you will go back with the other foot to do a sumo to the other side of the room and then back to squat.
Push-up Side Plank:  do a push-up, then go into a side plank by turning your body and facing on side of the room and lifting your arm up into the air, then back down into a push-up, side plank to the other side.
Repeat the circuit.

Circuit 3:  2 exercises, repeated, 45 seconds each
Squat Side Lunge:  legs are wider than hip width, bring the weights down towards the ground in front of you as you do a squat, then move weights in front of your shin as you lunge to the right, back to squat, lunge to the left.  You stay low the entire time and never truly come out of the squat/lunge position.

     

Zs:  laying on the floor, bend your knees, and put your hands on the floor in front of your body; do a push-up and then drive your top hip up.
Repeat the circuit with the other hip on top on the Zs.

Circuit 4:  2 exercises, repeated, 45 seconds each
Front Angle Lunge with Lift:  hold weights at your side and step your left foot forward, at an angle, into a lunge, bring the foot that is forward back and up into a knee.  This move requires a lot of balance!
Front Back Fly Lift :  standing, do a front raise, then bend into a deadlift and do a fly with your arms going out to the side and lifting towards the ceiling.
Repeat the circuit with the right leg forward on the lunge with lift.

Circuit 5:  2 exercises, repeated, 45 seconds each
Kneeling Hip Thrust:  down on the ground, knees bent and upper body up straight, hold your weights at your shoulders (or at your hips) and push your butt back down towards your heels, come up and squeeze the glutes.  They will be burning after this one!

 

Bicep Hinge: on the floor (or, if modifying, standing) in the same position as when you started the Kneeling Hip Thrust, lean backwards keeping your back flat and do a bicep curl.  This one is very difficult!  It reminds me of a move in Pilates Fix Extreme where you lean very far back and push the band forward.  Your upper thighs and biceps will be on fire.
Repeat the circuit.  This is a tough one! 

Circuit 6:  2 exercises, repeated, 45 seconds each
Punching Russian Twist: sitting in a c-sit position, lean back and punch the weight across your body, alternating arms.  You definitely want to use a lighter weight here.
Seated Side Oblique Crunch: legs out, knees bent, holding the weight on both sides up in the air, you will lean back towards the ground and do a twist, keeping the weight up in the air.  Again, choose a lighter weight here.
Repeat the circuit.

Cooldown:  1:48

Personal Opinions:  This workout is awesome!  It is definitely a challenge to both the body and the mind.  It was a tad frustrating doing it the first time because I didn't know the moves, but I figured them out!  I also like that each move was 45 seconds.  It doesn't seem like it, but that 15 seconds makes a big difference! 
Difficulty:  5/5 The reason I gave this one a 5 out of 5 for difficulty was mostly due to the complexity of a lot of the moves.  Most of them had more than one movement and that can be confusing and, as I said above, is definitely a challenge for the body and the mind!  Also, most of the moves required the use of weights. 
Enjoyment:  4.5/5  Fun, sweaty workout.  I took off 1/2 a star because of the trickiness of some of the moves.  It was fun, though!
Overall:  4.8/5 

Is Beachbody on Demand REALLY worth it??

Happy Sunday to you all!  I hope you've had a wonderful weekend and you are ready to crush your goals this week!  I wanted to write this blog entry to let you know what Beachbody on Demand (or BOD, as it will be referred to from hear on out) is all about.  Is it really worth your money?  Will you use it?  Check out the info below and decide for yourself!

• What is BOD?

                 BOD is an online streaming service offered by Beachbody.  A subscription includes access to complete workout programs (and the guides for each program), BOD exclusives, a cooking show, and the ability to unlock premium content at a reduced price.  You can use BOD any place that you have access to wifi.

• What do I get with BOD?

                 With a 12 month subscription, you get:
                           Access to EVERY Beachbody program created, plus new releases in 2017
                           Calendars and nutrition and fitness guides for every program
                           BOD exclusive programs and content
                           Fixate cooking show
                           An option to add Shakeology at a reduced price
                           ME as your coach! 
                         
                           ALL of this is just $99.95 per year!

                With 3 and 6 month subscriptions, you get
                            Access to the Member Library, which includes popular programs such as Insanity,  P90X, 21 Day Fix Extreme, and Body Beast
                            Ability to unlock Premium programs (Country Heat, Cize, 21 Day Fix, 22 Min Hard Corps, PiYo, Core de Force) at a reduced price
                            Calendars and nutrition and fitness guides for every program
                            BOD exclusive programs and content
                            Fixate cooking show
                            ME as your coach!

Want MORE info??  Check it out below!

Want to SIGN UP for BOD?  Click here!

• What are the benefits of BOD?

                   BOD allows you to access two types of programs:  the Member Library and Premium Content.  The Member Library includes programs such as Insanity, P90X, 21 Day Fix Extreme, and Turbo Fire, plus many others.  You get the full program, including the deluxe workouts that would typically be an extra charge if you bought the program.  You also get access to program content that you can download, such as the nutrition guide, calendar, and fitness guide.  Additionally, you get access to BOD exclusives, which are workouts that trainers create specifically for BOD users.

                   Also included is Fixate, a cooking show based off of Autumn's cookbook.  There are new recipes added each week.  You get access to both the videos of how to make the meals and the recipe, which you can download.

                  And there's more!  There are BOD programs that you can only get if you have a subscription.  There are two yoga programs, and additional workouts for programs such as Cize, Country Heat, and 21 Day Fix that you can only get if you sign up for BOD.

                One of the greatest things about BOD is that you can take it with you anywhere!  If you have access to the internet, you have BOD.  Plus, you can download several workouts out a time to save if you know ahead of time you're going somewhere without internet access.  There is BOD app as well, so you can stream from your laptop, iPad, phone, or TV!

• How much do I need to spend to get BOD?

                 There are several subscription options for BOD.  There are 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscription offers.  For each of these, you get access to everything I mentioned above.  With the 3 and 6 month offers, you are able to purchase Premium Workouts (Core de Force, Cize, Country Heat, PiYo, 21 Day Fix, 22 Min Hard Corps) at a reduced price.

                  With a 12-month subscription, going on until February 28, you get access to EVERY Beachbody program that there is for one low price!  You get everything in the Member Library PLUS every premium workout for an entire year.  Additionally, you will have access to any programs that Beachbody releases this year (I have heard rumors that there are 3 new programs coming out in 2017!).  AND if you want to continue your subscription at the end of 12 months, you get the same low rate next year!

                   With BOD you don't have to be locked into one program.  You don't have to feel like you have to spend a lot on one program that you may or may not like, may not finish, or may not be for you.  When you hear that BOD is the best deal in fitness, it is not an overstatement!

                   For a year's worth of BOD, you only pay $99.95!  That is an incredible value considering everything that you're getting!  You would pay almost that much for just ONE Beachbody program.  For less than $9 per month, until February 28th, you are getting access to EVERY program for one low price!  That is cheaper than any gym membership I've ever heard of!

• How can I sign up? 

 The easiest way to get signed up for BOD is to visit teambeachbody.com and create a free account.  When you do this, you can enter my coach ID (1176729) to ensure that I am your coach.  Then, you can click this link to sign up for the subscription that is best for you! If you have any questions or would like more info, feel free to email me at FitTeachKate@gmail.com, contact me through my blog, or message me on facebook! 

• Wait...there's more?? 

                If you have ever thought about purchasing a Beachbody program, BOD is the way to do it!  Working out is important, but nutrition is where it's at!  You are going to see the greatest results when your meals and nutrition are on point.  You can easily add protein and nutrients to your diet with Shakeology.  For a limited time (through Feb. 28th) you can get unlimited access to BOD for a year PLUS one month of Shakeology (your choice of flavor) for just $199.  This means you are getting over a $30 discount on Shakeology!  This is a deal that cannot be beat! 

              

How to sign up for Team Beachbody and have ME as your coach!

The easiest way to ensure that I am your coach when you purchase a Beachbody program, buy Shakeology, or sign up for Beachbody on Demand is to do the simple steps below.  Let me know if you have ANY questions!

1.  Visit teambeachbody.com and click "Not a Member?" in the upper right hand corner.

2.  In the middle of the page, click the box that says "Sign me up for Free Club." 

3.  Enter your Log In and Account Information.  In the next section under Coach Referral, scroll down to Coach I.D. in the first drop-down box and enter 1176729.  Click on "Confirm Your Coach."  You should see "Yes, I want Kate McDonough to be my coach." when you do this. 

4.  Voila!  You're in!  Once you have done this, you can log in to your account and purchase a program, Shakeology, challenge pack (your best deal), or Beachbody on Demand!

Quick and Easy Dinner: Turkey Sausage with Pasta and Broccoli

I had nothing to make for dinner the other night and was thinking about what was in my freezer.  I had some Italian turkey sausage which I hadn't cooked in quite a long while (I bought it from Publix and we have been removed from a location since we moved from Charleston over a year ago...) and decided to whip something up with that.  The result was a very quick, tasty, healthy meal.  My only regret is that I didn't get a picture of it before scarfing it down enjoying it.

Italian Turkey Sausage with Pasta and Broccoli

2 servings

Ingredients

1/2 lb. Italian turkey sausage links

1/2 c whole wheat pasta (I used orecchiette)

1 t olive oil

2 c broccoli florets 
1/4-1/2 c chicken or vegetable broth
1 garlic clove
salt and pepper
1/2 t red pepper flakes
1/2 c Parmesan cheese, divided

Spray a non-stick pan with cooking spray and cook the turkey until done.  I buy my turkey sausage links from Publix in the meat section.  Each link is a serving, so they are perfect.  You can probably find something similar at your grocery store.  Meanwhile, boil some water in a pot and add the pasta.  When cooked (about 10 minutes), drain and set aside.  Steam broccoli for about 5 minutes (it should still be green and crisp).  Remove the turkey sausage from the pan and slice.  Add 1 t of olive oil and garlic.  Cook garlic just a minute or two and then add turkey sausage, chicken broth, salt and pepper to taste, and red pepper flakes, also to taste.  Cook up just a few minutes to get the flavors together.  Add broccoli and pasta and top with 1/4 c of cheese.  Divide evenly between two plates and top each serving evenly with remaining cheese.  Enjoy!

6 tips for healthier eating

Good Sunday morning, everyone!  I hope that the week was great and that you made good choices with your eating and fitness.  I wanted to share with you some ideas that I have for making the transition from not-so-good eating to healthful eating pretty easy! 

I love a challenging workout.  I love to see how far I can push myself each day and I love to see the results afterwards.  However, one thing that can derail the efforts put into any workout or program is eating!  80% of results come from what you put into your mouth.  Here are some easy tips that can help you stay on track and feel the best you can from the inside out!

1.  Make small changes:  It's not realistic to think that one day you're going to wake up, throw out all the junk in your house, and eat clean 100% of the time (I don't know who could do that, ever.  That's just not fun.).  Instead of doing a complete overhaul, try swapping certain not great foods for some that are better.  If you drink soda, try changing it to sparkling water.  Instead of chips for a snack, have almonds.  Instead of cake for dessert every night, make a fruit salad.  Don't become overwhelmed and pressure yourself into thinking it's all or nothing.  Starting small will make things easier, and pretty soon, you'll see that you've changed a lot of your habits and you don't even miss those old foods!

2.  Check portion size:  Portions are what kill most of us at every meal.  When you go out to dinner, you're probably getting 2-3 times the size of what a portion should look like.  Instead of eating the entire plate of food, put half in a to-go box as soon as you get the plate.  You'll eat less, still feel full, and have leftovers for the next day!  The same goes for cooking at home.  You don't have to measure out everything you eat, but using measuring cups while you're cooking can help you from overeating.  I think you'll be surprised at how much we really do eat at each meal!

3.  Feel satisfied, not stuffed:  Okay, we all know that feeling when we're eating something and it's just too much:  stomach is stretched to the max, pants are way too tight, and it's just plain uncomfortable.  Get used to eating to the point that you are satisfied, not full, at every meal.  You will feel much better if you eat just enough to not be hungry and if you get hungry later, have a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts, or some air-popped popcorn.  Some tips for not getting that "overstuffed" feeling:  drink a glass of water before eating, take time to eat your food and really enjoy it instead of scarfing it down, and listen to your stomach, not your brain.  Most of the time we're not really hungry, our brain is just telling us to keep eating.  Crazy, huh?  Make a conscious choice to stop eating when you no longer feel hungry.

4.  Educate yourself about food choices:  There are so many different types of diets (I hate that word) and foods out there:  paleo, organic, keto, whole 30, etc. etc. etc.  I mean, who even knows what all this stuff is?!  You don't have to follow a specific plan or way of eating to make good choices with your food.  Try to eat foods that are more nutrient-dense and contain healthy fats (avocado, nuts).  They will make you feel fuller faster and will stave off hunger for longer periods of time.  Choose lean proteins (ground turkey, chicken breast, pork tenderloin, top sirloin) instead of fattier cuts of meat.  Go for whole wheat products instead of those made with white flour.  Again, smaller changes over time can help you to stay on track and begin to enjoy the tastes of foods you may not have like before

5.  Add more veggies and fruit to your meals:  With every meal, I try to add at least one serving of vegetables and one serving of fruits.  The great thing about these foods is that they are low in calories, but high in vitamins and can help to fill you up and satisfy cravings.  Typically, one cup of vegetables or fruits is a serving, but the more the better!  If you don't like raw or steamed vegetables, try sauteing them in a bit of olive oil or a stir fry.  You can also bake vegetables quickly for a great side to any meal!  Just season with a bit of salt, pepper, and olive oil, and you are good to go!  Fresh fruit is a healthful addition to any meal and if you don't have fresh, you can buy frozen fruit so you always have it on hand.  If you don't like eating fruits alone, you can add them to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, etc.  Get creative with your fruits and vegetables until you find what you like!

6.  Enjoy yourself:  There is nothing worse than feeling deprived when you're eating.  Healthful eating is not about starving yourself, nor making yourself feel guilty for eating what you want.  Find the balance between healthful eating versus eating foods that are not as healthy.  One or two treats a week is not going to undo all of your hard work.  Have dessert every once in a while, have fries as a side instead of a salad, and go out to a nice dinner to treat yourself.  Doing these things in moderation will help you feel satisfied with what you're eating and still keep your eating on track! 

If you have any questions, want suggestions, or need help with getting your nutrition on track, I am here to help!  Email me at fitteachkate@gmail.com anytime!

Core de Force: An Overview

Well, hello, there!  Today I am going to chat a bit about Beachbody's newest program, Core de Force.  The program was released at the end of November and I started it in the second week of December.  Since I am coming to the end of the program, I thought there would no better time than now to share my opinions of it with you!  So, here we go!

The Basics:
Joel and Jericho (more on them later) are the instructors in this program and they work together to lead most of the workouts.  The program is labeled as "MMA inspired" and a core-shredding workout.  There are kicks, knees, punches, and defensive moves, all of which work your core.  There is a modifier in all of the workouts and, let me tell you, she kills these workouts.  The program is 30 days long, requires no equipment, and includes 7 full-length workouts.  There are also some additional workouts, including two core workouts and a relief workout which is designed to be done before bed to relax at the end of the day.  Workouts are every day of the week with one day being an active recovery day. The length of the workouts varies from 27-47 minutes.  Each workout (except for active recovery) is set up in the same way:  3-minute rounds followed by a 30 second break.  Depending on the workout, the rounds look a little different, but for the most part they follow a pattern.  The first 60 seconds is a combination (knees, punches, kicks, etc.), then 30 seconds of a spike (a more intense cardio move, typically), and then you repeat both the combo and the spike.  Then you move on to the next combo.  The workouts have 6, 9, and 12 rounds (yikes!), depending on the length.  The base kit comes with the aforementioned workouts, the calendar, workout and nutrition guide, anddddd, I think that's it.

There are also 3 deluxe workouts that can be purchased separately, 2 of which employ the use the agility ladder.  These workouts are a little different as they feature just one trainer (2 led by Joel, 1 by Jericho).  The agility ladder workouts are beasts, especially the one that is 47 minutes.  I mean, like, kill me now.

Beachbody labels this workout "intermediate" but oh, no, no.  I think whoever is labeling these workouts must live at the gym because they have no clue what these terms mean to normal people.  A lot of these moves are tough.  I am worn out after a lot of them.  I struggle to get through many of them, especially the strength moves.  Not to mention the fact that I think you need to have some knowledge or experience with kicking and punching to be successful with this workout right from the start.  You hit the ground running and some of these moves are complex and complicated.  I might label this intermediate, only if you had prior experience with kickboxing-type moves.

The Trainers:
Joel Freeman and Jericho McMatthews are two instructors who have been featured in Beachbody on Demand workouts.  I personally had never heard of them before this program, and I follow Beachbody pretty closely.  Not having done workouts led by them previously, I wasn't sure how this program was going to go.  I'm almost at the end of the program and I'm still not sure how I feel about them.  I definitely like Jericho more than Joel, but neither one of them are instructors that make me want to do more of their workouts.  I don't know, I really do think a lot of it has to do with the fact that in most of the workouts, they instruct together.  I don't care for that approach.  They do a good job of it, seamlessly moving from one lead to the next and not letting their egos overshadow one another (like Autumn and Sagi in The Master's Challenge--yikes!), I just don't care for that style of teaching.  I like to follow one lead instructor, but that's just me.  Personality-wise, Jericho is upbeat and encouraging, but definitely not as much so as Autumn or Chalene.  Joel is okay, but some of the things he says come across as cocky and I just don't like that, either.  It may not be intentional, but letting us know that you can do the hard version of something or that you're going to do all of the moves on your toes instead of modifying doesn't impress me (or Shania Twain) much.  One thing that I can say about both of these instructors is that they are very good at cueing, always show you the move ahead of time, and obviously have an incredible knowledge of what they are doing.  Their technique (especially Jericho's) is definitely something to work for.

The Results:
The question that everyone wants to know the answer to after finishing a program is, "Did you see results?"  Well, there is the thing that I am going to say about just about every program under the sun:  if you follow the meal plan, if you follow the workout calendar, if you actually do the workout and put effort into, you WILL see results.  If you're not, something is wrong here, people.  Now, yes, certain programs will give you different kinds of results, but you should always seem some results from a program if you do it with fidelity and consistency.   

It is difficult to say whether or not I personally saw results from this program.  I did this following Focus T25 which gave me great definition in my abs and increased by cardio endurance and strength.  Since I already had that definition, I was trying to keep it with Core de Force, and that was done.  However, I had a vacation during the program and, even though I was consistent with the workouts, the meal plan went flying out the window of the airplane on the way to Mexico.  So, no, I did not follow the program to a T and I did not see the results that I could have seen had I stuck to it for the full 30 days.  Core de Force is specifically designed to shred your core, and the majority of the moves involved rotation of the core in some way.  Again, if you are doing this workout consistently and putting out full effort, you should see results in your midsection.  I may try this program again just to see if I can specifically focus on gaining more core definition.  I do feel like my technique was constantly being improved with each workout in this program I do.

My Two Cents:
Oh, you know I have to let you know what I think about the program.  What would be the point, if not, right??  Okay, so I was actually very excited about this workout coming out.  The first workouts I did that weren't my mom's were Tae-bo and then TurboJam, two workouts that utilize a lot of the moves in this program.  I was excited to have a kickbox, MMA-inpsired (although I don't know if I would call it that) workout in my rotation.  It felt really good to get back into kicking and punching.  Those kinds of moves make me feel strong, like I could knock someone out.  I love that feeling and the intensity that you can put behind those moves.

I asked a friend of mine who had not done any type of kickboxing or MMA workouts in the past to try out one of the workouts.  She said it was fun, she was dripping with sweat, but she felt like a "flailing octopus" because she didn't know the moves.  

This is a good program.  It is fun, it going by quickly with the set up of the 3 minute rounds, and it definitely got me sweaty and I felt "worked out" by the end.  Some of the combos got repetitive, which you probably wouldn't notice too much unless you did those particular workouts back to back (like MMA Plyo and Shred).  I enjoyed a lot of the combinations and felt powerful doing them.

Some pros:  no equipment needed, the moves focus on working the core, the pace of the workout is quick since there are 3 minute rounds, and there are some unique, delicious recipes in the nutrition guide.

Some cons:  some of the workouts are long, the combos can be frustrating if you don't know the moves, and you can get injured with improper technique.  This last part is super important.  Many of these moves can really damage the knees, back, and elbows if you don't do them right.  You have to constantly move your feet and twist your core, while making sure not to overextend your limbs.  You do have the option of really slowing down the moves, getting the technique right, and then speeding up and adding intensity as you learn the moves.  Also, some rounds switch sides (like the ones with kicks) but some don't.  That means you're doing combos mostly in your dominant stance.  A simple way to solve this problem is just to do the combo on the other side the second time.

The last two "issues" that I have with the workout are just things that bother me, but they may be something you don' t even notice.  One is that, as with other instructors, they say the same phrases over and over.  The two that really bothered me were "switch on your core" and "some of the best fighters in the world switch their stance."  Ughhhhhh.  Enough already.  We get it.  We're going to be prized street fighters at the end of this round because we switched our stance.  Stop saying it.  Two is that I find it very hard to believe that every single person in the cast, plus Joel and Jericho, have the same dominant stance.  It's just not possible.  Minor, but irritating (I'm sure just to me).

I don't know that I would recommend this workout to someone who is just starting out, but it is a good program.  For me, this just wasn't one of those programs that I could see myself going back to time and again.  That doesn't mean it's not for you!  If you enjoy these types of workouts, are looking for a program that requires no equipment, and are able to invest almost an hour (sometimes more than an hour) each day to working out, this may be the program for you.

There are also two additional workouts that can be subbed in for others in this program that are exclusively for Beachbody on Demand.  If you want to try out this program, now is the time to do it, because, for a limited time, you can sign up for an all-access pass which gives you a year's subscription to Beachbody on Demand and access to ALL of their programs in the library.  Also, you get access to any programs that release in the future for as long as you keep the subscription.  Typically Core de Force is an additional charge, but with the 12-month plan, it is included!  If you're like more information about this promotion, about Core de Force, or about any other Beachbody programs or products, you know where to find me!