Dear Boys and Girls,
I had been planning my month long trip to Europe for months now. About two or three weeks before I left for Paris (I’m here now), I started to panic. What if I get fat in Paris? What if I go crazy and forget that I’m into fitness? That I don’t eat processed foods? That I’ve been eating vegan and a somewhat high percentage of raw for almost two months now? What if I undo all my hard work?

I know these worries may seem silly to most, but Paris is emotionally charged for me. The last time I was here for a month, I went hog wild. My friends found me cleaning out the refrigerator by eating its contents. I had hit rock bottom and in Paris, I had decided to stay there. I had somewhat thrown in the towel with my weight. Instead of making better eating choices, I was having 2 to 3 desserts per day.

The end result? My fat before picture.

So, while Paris is lovely and the women are skinny (they’re actually not that skinny and definitely not fit, and I don’t say that to be catty at all), the emotions that I brought with me here were charged and not so positive. So: before arriving, I prepared myself mentally and emotionally. I brought along my raw protein powder, some super foods, my Shakeology, and a whole new mind set:

I am here to enjoy myself, the company of my friends, and this beautiful country. I am not here to stuff myself to oblivion and forget that fitness is a defining part of my life. That said, and to answer the question once and for all of, “Will you have a croissant while you’re here?”, the answer is: probably. I will probably have some cheese, too. Who knows. But the truth is, I’m really not giving it that much thought, not as much thought I as I thought I would.
What I realized? I am a changed woman. I am not the same woman who was cleaning the fridge out with her mouth. Excuse the visual.

Fitness is part of my life.

Eating clean is part of my life.

Wow. I must admit, I am so pleasantly surprised that food does not have that control over me, not the way I thought it did. I feel happy.

I’m spending 18 days with a friend that I went to graduate school with. To be honest, I can’t tell you how glad I am to be spending my days with someone who is also into health and fitness. We wake up, we bring it with a Beachbody workout, we eat clean, and we live. We experiment with Shakeology daily, although spinach and chocolate Shakeology has been the drink of choice lately. It is sooo amazing! no joke! Oh, and we often add a teaspoon of mesquite for an added malt flavor. It’s great to share a living space with someone who doesn’t bug me about why I’m not eating cheese or meat, but who simply understands and shares my love of eating clean, of looking, and most importantly feeling good.

Yesterday, we tried Bikram Yoga for the first time. It was…sweaty and not as much fun as I had imagined, but it was great. Today we did Brazil Butt Lift, the BumBum workout. Tomorrow? Who knows? I think we’re doing Bikram and maybe a little tennis.

Life is good. You can change. It takes time. My fat days are behind me.

Amen. Here’s to the present and the future.

Barbie Decker, PhD

GREAT ABS…NO SITUPS OF CRUNCHES EVER AGAIN!!
If you’ve always dreamed of having flat sexy abs, abs you would be proud of, and abs so great you would want to show them off…well NOW’S YOUR CHANCE!!

You can get lean toned sexy abs- WITHOUT ever doing a situp or crunch again! This is an opportunity of a lifetime to train with one of the top trainers in the Nation!

This program is so much fun- you won’t believe it and your abs will look so great, you’ll want to tell everyone about them with your shirt off!! LITERALLY!
This is the opportunity of a lifetime! It is fully funded and FREE to qualified participants. You’ll receive FREE DAILY TRAINING with a fun, motivating and world-renowned personal trainer plus enjoy FREE DELICIOUS MEALS!

You must be:
* Male of Female age 21-45 *10-40 lbs to lose *Highly motivated and dedicated! * Hard working
* Willing to change your current lifestyle. (ie. abstain from alcohol, dessert etc.) * available to attend 5 mandatory fitness classes per week (M-F) in Manhattan. from July 13th – Sept 23rd from 8:30am-9:30am or 10:00am-11:00am
* Willing to follow food plan guidelines (includes supplements) *Able to attend all shoot days * Willing to be interviewed and to appear in an infomercial. *Willing to show your body and your abs before and after!
Camera shy need not apply!
This is a great opportunity to lose weight and get in shape! An as added BONUS: you will be learning the HOTTEST dance moves out today!

Interested applicants please send the following information to:
nycfitnessgroup@gmail.com
1) A recent photo of yourself 2) A photo of you in a bathing suit 3) Information about yourself
4) Explanation of why we should consider you for this exciting opportunity
5) A phone number where you can be reached for a brief phone interview
Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed or considered as candidates for this opportunity

Are you a weekend Warrior athlete? DO you want to get that lean toned athletic body you had in high school or college? Whether you are currently an ATHLETE and want to improve your performance OR used to be an ATHLETE and want to get back to PEAK shape –you can TRANSFORM YOUR BODY and YOUR GAME!
If you’re willing to challenge your body and push your body beyond any workout you’ve DONE before then you may be ready for The ASYLUM Sports Performance Series.

You can DIG DEEEPER and workout with an INSANE nationally known Fitness Trainer with a brand new sports specific program designed to bring out the athlete in you.

If you’re between the ages of 21 – 45, male or female, have between 10-30 lbs to lose, are an athlete or used to be, then this program is for you!

This is fully funded and FREE to qualified participants. You’ll participate in FREE DAILY workouts with a fun, motivating and renowned trainer!

You must be:
* Highly motivated and dedicated!

* Athletic

* Willing to change your current lifestyle. (ie. abstain from alcohol, dessert etc.) *

Able to attend 5 mandatory fitness classes per week in Manhattan

* Willing to follow food plan guidelines (includes supplements)

* Committed to a class schedule M-F, from July 13th – Sept 16th from 8:30am-9:30am or 10:00am-11:00am

*Able to attend all shoot days

* Willing to be interviewed and to appear in an infomercial. Camera shy need not apply!

This is a great opportunity for people who want to look and feel like an athlete. This program will bring the athlete back in you and help you improve your game- no matter what your sport!
Interested applicants please send the following information to:
nycfitnessgroup@gmail.com

1) A recent photo of yourself

2) A photo of you in a bathing suit

3) Information about yourself

4) Explanation of why we should consider you for this exciting
opportunity

5) A phone number where you can be reached for a brief phone
interview
Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed or considered as candidates for this opportunity

Dear Boys and Girls,
Meet my customer and now coach, Jasmine Ornelas. We met through YouTube last year. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing her transform using Beachbody products, including P90X, Insanity, Asylum, and Shakeology. Here is her story. Enjoy!

Barbie Decker, PhD

How did you discover Beachbody?
• Like most people, I had seen and/or heard of P90X. Everyone’s comments seemed to fascinate me, but sadly I was intimidated by it. Comments such as being the BEST and HARDEST Home fitness of the century. Scared to commit, time passed and my weight kept increasing day by day. I was feeling ashamed of the way I was appearing and not just that, I hated shopping because I knew I had to fit into size 12+ jeans ( and that was on a good day). While I was interning in Texas, working 12 hour days, I had my “AH-HA” moment. My sister-in-law, Carina Ornelas, had mentioned that she was going to start Insanity , and I jumped on the Bang wagon.

What programs have you done?
• I started with Insanity and Lost about 22 pounds. From that point I was hooked. I knew that Beachbody gave Real results to real people. I then continued to do hybrids of Insanity and P90X, leading to which is now my current second round of Insanity: The Asylum.

How much weight/many inches have you lost?
When I started I weighed 170, with Insanity I went all the way down to 147 at one point. After that I started P90X and my weight gained, and has been fluctuating between 153-155. The weight gain does not bother me because I’ve lost 5 inches in my waist, 9 inches in my hips; both arms went down 2 inches, and legs decreased by 4 inches. The total amount of inches lost has been 26!

What made you believe?
• I had been following you (Barbie) for about a year or so on Facebook, and became inspired with your perseverance. I wanted to grow, and Embrace that same Beauty in Strength. I took that leap, and the Same day I had the Fit Test for Insanity…I became a Coach.

What was your breaking point, where you knew you had to do something about your weight?
• At my heaviest, I hit my breaking point when I felt some irregular heart palpitations. I described it as SHARP pain as if someone was holding a need to my heart and poking me every time I took a breath. That moment I had to stop making excuses about my long work hours or not eating healthy. My life was passing by me at such a young age.

What were your struggles when you first started?
• My struggles were making time in my day to make my meals and/or workout. I literally would wake up at 5 am, go workout a 12hr shift then come home make dinner. As I waited for my food to digest I prepped my meals, by that time it would be around 9pm. I felt mentally exhausted, but I couldn’t let time get the best of me.

What kept you going?
• The day I started Insanity was the day I started Coaching. I felt like I wanted to become accountable in this way. I wanted to proclaim my mission to people who knew me as a regular person. I’ve always wanted to mold my body into something Grand and beautiful. Everyday I would say positive affirmations so that both verbally and mentally I was prepared for my many obstacles.

How’s has coaching changed your life?
• Physically I am in the best shape of my life; I have helped people attain weight goals that they thought was never possible. Mentally, I have grown to love my body and appreciate every curve. I never had confidence in myself, to feel as a complete woman. Financially, coaching has helped me to have “spending” money. Money that I can use for anything….but mostly for my family, and I which is the best.

What advice do you have for people starting on a fitness journey?
• For those who are starting, know that there will be struggles, Ups and Downs, Holidays, Birthdays, family gatherings….LIFE, we must remember its not about falling but how we build ourselves back into regular mode. Affirmation for everyone’s continuing journey , including mine is

“Yesterday’s failures are today’s seeds
That must be diligently planted to be able to abundantly harvest
Tomorrow’s success.” – Anonymous

Jasmine’s websites:

• http://www.myshakeology.com/JazzOrnelas2010
• http://www.beachbodycoach.com/jazzornela…
• http://jazzornelas2010.blogspot.com/

To be coached by me, for free, click here.

Dear Boys and Girls,

My customer, Pauline Giles, has had such an awesome transformation using P90 and Power 90. I just had to share! The best thing? Seeing her hubby get on board and seeing her have so much fun! I’m SO proud of her!

How did you discover Beachbody?
Through a friend at work, who was starting a workout program called ‘P90X’, and infomercials on early TV mornings with this handsome man who caught my eye ‘Tony Horton’.  Facebook groups and pages.
What programs have you done?
My first program was ‘Power90′ Dec 6 2010 – March 5 2011
Second program was ‘P90X LEAN’ March 7 2011 – June 4 2011
Third program currently ‘P90X Classic Doubles’ June 6 2011 – Sept 4 2011
Planning on doing ‘Insanity’ in Sept and in November ‘Insanity ‘The Asylum’

How much weight/many inches have you lost?
POWER90 GRADUATE (16.5″ lost/ 22 lbs. lost)
P90X LEAN GRADUATE (13″ lost/20 lbs lost)
Total: 42 lbs and 29.5″

What made you believe?
The pain I felt the first week of doing Power90.  Realizing how much out of shape I was and how overweight I was.  My Day 1 photo, compared to my Day 30 photo of Power90 and the weight coming off of me.  The amazing feeling I had when I would completed a workout, the Endorphins being released each and every workout.  I guess having a little crush on Tony Horton helped alot by pushing play each and every day.  I am going to meet my fitness idol within the next 2 years

What was your breaking point, where you knew you had to do something about your weight?
Last Summer/Fall I noticed I was getting heavier on the scale, but really didn’t really show on my body.  I noticed first in the shower that my midsection was getting bigger, it wasn’t until I put on panties and looked down and I couldn’t see my panties anymore, nor could I see my toes.

What were your struggles when you first started?
My midsection getting in the way for some moves of Power90 program.  I couldn’t even lift my 10 lbs dumbell off the ground on Day 1.  Even with two hands lifting I had a hard time.  Now, I can lift them over my head, and I am advance to 12-15 lbs dumbells now.

What kept you going?
I am not a quitter, and I committed myself to 90 Days with Power90.  I wanted to get into P90X LEAN – I wanted to say I have completed the EXTREME workout, even with my Rheumatoid Arthritsis which I have had for 23 years.  I do have to modify the pushups, chinups, and sub the YogaX for Plyometrics, CardioX or KenpoX depending how I feel that day.  I am determined to have at least 5 Beachbody workouts completed by the end of 2011.  I want to be ready for when Beachbody Coaching comes available to Canadians.  I aslo have future goals to compete in a Bikini or Figure competition in 2013.

What advice do you have for people starting on a fitness journey?
Take your Day 1 photo and measurements.  You don’t need to post it online, just keep it for your records.  It comes in handy when you complete 30, 60, 90 Days.  Have PATIENCE, have a set workout schedule, plan ahead.  Most importantly learn about healthy foods, learn what foods work for you, and what doesn’t.  Salt & Sodium is my weakness - I watched my Sodium like a hawk, now I don’t even have table salt in my house anymore.  On your ‘Day of REST’ use it wisely – I blog each Sunday to reflect on my past week, of failures, triumphs – I look back on my food diary to see what I could change, what I could add, should I up my exercise what reps worked, and what didn’t.

For free fitness coaching by me: Click here

Dear Boys and Girls,

So: I’ve been dying for some GOOD PANCAKES, but have not wanted to eat flour and processed crap. So, after trying a few not so satisfying recipes, I woke up this morning determined to make my own.

Omg!!!! amazingly and surprisingly delish!!!! If I had made it (because I only made ONE serving. I wasn’t trying to splurge or have my cheat meal) in the dehydrator, I would have had raw pancakes. Officially, I am in love!

1/3 cup steel cut oats. I did not cook.
About tsp flax seeds.
About tsp chia seeds.
1/2 banana
Just enough almond milk to blend in Vitamix. If you want to make ONE thick pancake, put just enough water or almond milk. Today I made 3 pancakes out of this little batch by adding more almond milk and water. It was perfect!

Pour batter onto pan, coated with virgin coconut oil. Toast on each side and remove from pan.

I drizzled tiny bit if agave and put on a bit of natural almond butter once pancake was toasted. Blueberries on top.

Try it and enjoy!!

To your health,

Barbie Decker, PhD

Dear Boys and Girls,
More and more scientific evidence seems to point to a natural, more plant-based diet as the key to weight loss, and more importantly as the key to eliminating many of our modern illnesses and diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. One thing is clear: the Standard American Diet (commonly referred to as SAD) is not working for us.

This is NOT a fad diet. You are simply eliminating processed foods and choosing to follow a more plant-based diet based on the recommendations from the book Eat To Live by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. To fully understand what you’re doing, I highly recommend getting the book. But even if you don’t, below you will find the guidelines which I think you will benefit from following. I’m happy to coach my customers for free, but if it’s in the book, I’m going to point you to the book. There is just too much information to share and I am in the process of learning as well.
Note: It’s up to you if you choose to eat chicken or fish. I’m setting up this challenge in the hopes  of helping folks become healthier by consuming more nutrient rich foods. Ultimately, we the choices we make are up to us. Again, refer to the book to see what Dr. Fuhrman says on animal consumption.
A specific meal plan and recipes are not provided because I don’t want to violate any copyright laws. However, Dr. Furhman does provide tons of great recipes and specific meal plans. The internet is also a great place to find recipes, so don’t despair. (See resources below).

A few notes:
**Shakeology is allowed and recommended in our challenge. Given that our foods today are so nutrient deprived, Shakeology makes nutritional sense. It contains many different super foods such as goji berries, maca root, wheatgrass, and camu camu to name just a few foods. Many of you have seen the video, but REALLY, if you were to try to buy all the ingredients that are in Shakeology, you would be paying about $40 per shake.
Watch this video on our foods today and how Shakeology helps to make up for nutritional deficiency:

Why Shakeology?
This next video talks about where the ingredients in Shakeology come from. You’ll be impressed:

What the heck’s in it? Watch me.

GUIDELINES FOR THE CHALLENGE:

**Eat 4 to 6 small meals a day, every 2-3 hours. I know the book advocates eating only B, L, D, but I disagree. Again, it’s up to you.
**Exercise 5 to 6 times per week. I am a Beachbody coach. I can help you in choosing a Beachbody program if you are my customer. I am not a personal trainer and cannot create a routine for you.

The EATING GUIDELINES are pretty specific (ie. 1 cup of beans per day, 1 lb or raw veggies, etc.) Please take the time to read them. Again, you’ll have to get creative with recipes or buy the book, which is only about $9.

Here we go:

UNLIMITED (eat as much as you want):
all raw vegetables, including raw carrots (goal: 1 lb. daily)
cooked green vegetables (goal 1 lb. daily) **You can eat all veggies raw if you like
beans, legumes, bean sprouts, or *tofu (minimum 1 cup daily in total of these)
fresh fruit (at least 4 daily).
eggplant, mushrooms, peppers, onions, tomato and other non-starchy vegetables, cooked and raw (unlimited)

*Beans should be eaten daily; tofu should be eaten less frequently.
**Barbie note: I would actually eliminate tofu or use it just once a week, not as a main dish.
LIMITED (not more than one serving):
cooked starchy vegetables OR whole grains–Maximum 1 cup per day (butternut or acorn squash, corn, sweet potato, brown rice, cooked carrots, whole grain breads*, whole grain cereals*)
raw nuts and seeds (1 oz. or 28.5 grams a day) or 2 ounces avocado
ground flaxseed (1 tablespoon a day)
soymilk, low-sugar preferred–Maximum 1 cup a day**
*avoid breads and cereals as much as possible
** Barbie note: I would recommend ALMOND MILK made at home. You can follow my super duper easy recipe.

OFF-LIMITS:
dairy products
animal products
between meal snacks
fruit juice, dried fruits
salt, sugar
Alcohol ***

***Barbie note: I would recommend cutting out alcohol for six weeks or limit it to one drink a week. Eliminate sugary drinks altogether!

NUTS and RAW SEEDS, but not ground flax, are optional for people who want to lose weight while they follow this weight loss plan. People who have difficulty losing weight may also eliminate the starchy vegetable/grain.
Resources:
Dr. Fuhrman Online: Official Website
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/drfuhrman
Sample Recipes: http://www.drfuhrman.com/library/recipes.aspx

JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP FOR THE CHALLENGE!!!!

Estimados Chicos y Chicas,

Reconozco que a pasado un tiempo considerable desde que me comprometo a completar el programa de BeachBody de comienzo a fin. Claro, normalmente incorporo PlyoX and otros entrenamientos como el de Tony’s One on One’s. Pero hace más de un año que no me comprometo a satisfacer el programa diario de 30, 60, o 90 días. Después haber echo tantas rondas o asaltos de P90X y Chalean Extreme, me sentí preparada para algo diferente. Sentí esa picazón que me da cuando me urge comprometerme a una reta nueva. Al oír los buenísimos resultados obtenidos por el uso de Asylum, no aguante y tome ese merecido paso.

Me e cometido a 30 días completos de Shaun T’s Asylum y a 20 minutos diarios de saltar soga. Hoy es el primer día. El entrenamiento: Rapidez (ligereza) y Agilidad.
Unas cuantas palabras acerca del tema:
Para quien NO es este programa:

• No es para aquellos que se quejan (¡quejones!). Hablo enserio. Si tu eres de naturaleza uno de ellos, no lo hagas. Es difícil.

• No es para lo que se dan por vencidos. “!Hay no puedo!” Hubo etapas que quise parar, pero, la energía transmitida por Shaun combinado con mi deseo de lograr buenos resultados, me motivo a seguir y seguir. Y, claro, creo 100% en la importancia de tener un compañero el cual sigue tu progreso (en mi caso el es Mark Martell).

• No es para aquellos cuya crónica de ejercicio RECIEN empieza. ¿Por qué someterte a la posibilidad del fracaso? Si tu propósito es la perdida de peso y aun no estas un tanto en forma, pon en prueba otro de los fantásticos programas como el de Power 90 o Slim in Six.

• Este programa No es para PERFECIONISTAS. No tienes idea cuantas veces me desvié de esa dichosa escalera. Por cierto, este programa viene con una escalera de agilidad. La meta es que no te desvíes de la escalera mientras haces todo tipo de actividad. No soy perfeccionista pero te digo que quería con alma y corazón cumplir al pie de la letra.

Mis obstaculos de hoy:

• Un espacio pequeño. Mi hospedaje temporal en Los Ángeles es pequeño y estrecho. Tuve que mover los muebles para poder saltar soga y usar la escalera de agilidad. A un así, me sentí arrinconada. De brazos pegue la lámpara de techo. Y lo que mas me dolió fue el golpecito que le di a uno de mis perritos. Todo el movimiento los alboroto y, claro, ellos con el deseo de participar repetidamente obstruían el paso. Y bueno, mientras hacia el ejercicio el deseo no se vaporizaba de querer tener mas espacio. ¡Acepte la situación y punto!

Shaun constantemente dice: ENFOCATE. “BE IN IT”.
Si, genial hubiese sido tener mas espacio. Para algunos la inconveniencias puede ser suficiente razón o excusa para dar se por vencido. Repito, si vez esto como un impedimento o que tu diversión puede quedar en la ruina, no lo hagas y procede a un parque y has tu Asylum.

• Mi cabello se convierte en un obstáculo. Hace poco me hice el estiramiento Japonés lo cual no permitía que lo ate en colita de caballo o sudar por dos días. Bueno, cumplí a medias y no me hice la colita. Hay… pero el de “no” sudar…el sudor era inevitable ya que sude solamente con hacer el calentamiento. Imagínense. Por cierto, yo no soy el tipo de persona que suda fácilmente o profusamente. Me preocupo que mi lujoso y costoso arreglo de cabello terminara en ruinas. Pero dije, sabes que, adelante chica Barbie. Déjate de la vanidad. Con una toalla me seque el cuello y continué el movimiento – izquierda derecha…izquierda derecha…salta, Barbie, salta…

• Mucho salto acompaña ha este programa. Si te preocupa los vecinos consíguete una o dos carpetas de caucho para amortiguar tus saltos. Me di cuenta que sobre pago por este apartamento y para colmo la válvula del váter no funciona bien. Por lo tanto los vecinos tendrán y podrán aguantar mis brincos a la 6 a.m Como ven, a veces me convierto en una testadura, orgullosa, …bueno, algo asi. En fin, are mi ejercicio y no merezco vivir en un lugar cuya taza de baño me quite tranquilidad. Pero hablo en serio acerca de las carpetas de caucho. Siempre es bueno evitar el odio de los vecinos. Como dice la canción: “Que bonita vecindad es la vecindad de Barbie”.

Rapidez (ligereza) y Agilidad – Lo que me gusto:

• Todo. Los movimientos son fantásticos. Caramba, soy una atleta. Bueno, seré en dos semanas. Me FACINO llevar mi cuerpo y mente a un extremo.

• Shaun T. es un legitimo atleta y asombroso entrenador. El ánimo y empujón que transmite no tiene precio. Shaun, me alegro que hallaste ese Don. Lo veo. Lo siento. Eres lo máximo.

• La producción es fantástica. Todos los participantes trabajan al máximo.

Consejos:

• Repito la importancia de una o dos carpetas para amortiguar tus brincos.

• Haz espacio antes comenzar el ejercicio. Mueble la mesa central, la lámpara, etc.

• Mira y familiarízate con el DVD Antes de empezar el ejercicio por primera vez. Yo tuve que pausar y retroceder el DVD muchas veces para poder hacer los movimientos apropiadamente y con agilidad. Con solo practicar las maniobras sude y sude y sude…

Ultimas palabras:
Estoy enamorada. <3 Hablo enserio.
Tu amiga y compañera en tu trayecto por la buena salud,
Barbie Decker, PhD

Dear Boys and Girls,

It’s been a while since I’ve committed to doing a Beachbody program from beginning to end. Yes, I normally incorporate PlyoX and other workouts, such as Tony’s One on One’s, but I haven’t committed to a 30, 60, or 90 day program in over a year. After doing so many rounds of P90X and Chalean Extreme, I was just ready for something different. After hearing about the great results that people are getting from Asylum, and just feeling the itch to commit to something again, I took the leap: I committed to 30 full days of Shaun T’s Asylum, plus 20 minutes of jump rope daily.
Today was day 1. The workout: Speed and Agility. My four cents:

Who this program is not for:

• It is not for whiners. Seriously, if you’re a  natural whiner, don’t do it. It’s tough.
• It is not for quitters. There were several moments where I wanted to stop, but Shaun’s tough love,  my desire to see results, and the fact that I have an accountability partner (Mark Martell) kept me going.
• It is not for people who are JUST starting out in their fitness journey. Why set yourself up for failure? If you’re looking to lose weight and are not already somewhat fit, start with another awesome program, such as Power 90 or Slim in Six.
• This program is not for PERFECTIONISTS. I can’t tell you how many times I messed up with that darn ladder. Oh, yea, the program comes with an agility ladder. The goal is to not have the ladder move all over the place while you perform all sorts of activities. I swear I wanted to glue or nail that thing down. I am not perfect and I’m perfectly okay with that. If you’re a whiny perfectionist, do something else.

My obstacles today:

• Small space. My temporary home in LA is small. I had to move the furniture out of the way to be able to jump rope and use the agility ladder. Even then, I felt somewhat cramped. I hit the ceiling lamp a few times and whacked the dog by mistake once. All that movement made them crazy and excited. They kept getting in my way and wanting to take part. The small space made doing certain moves difficult, such as the moving plank. I kept wishing I had more room to move. I didn’t. So: I DEALT WITH IT. I did my best and focused on my task at hand.

Shaun keeps saying: FOCUS. BE IN IT.

Yes, it would have been nice to have a bigger space. This inconvenience could be enough to make people quit. If this would ruin the fun for you, again, don’t do it or go to the park and get your Asylum on.

• My hair was an obstacle! I just had the Japanese straightening done to my hair and I’m not allowed to tie it back or sweat for 2 days. Um, I didn’t tie it back, but I was pretty darn sweaty before the warm up was over. Oh, and I’m not someone who sweats easily. I kept worrying that my super expensive hair process was gonna get ruined with my sweat. But I said, Screw It, I’m doing this. I got a towel, wiped my neck, and kept going.

• There’s a lot of jumping and noise making that goes along with this program. If you care about your neighbors, get one or even two rubber mats to cushion your jumps. I’ve decided that I’m overpaying for this apartment where the toilet doesn’t even flush right, so guess what? They can deal with my jumping at 6am. Yea, I can be an ass. Whatever. I’m getting my workout on and I deserve to live in an expensive place where the toilet flushes properly. But, seriously, get some mats if you don’t want your neighbors to hate you.

What I liked about Speed and Agility:

• Everything. The moves are awesome. I am an athlete, damn it. Or I will be in two weeks. I LOVED the way I was pushed.
• Shaun T is a true athlete and an amazing coach. His encouragement and tough love are real and motivating to no end. Shaun, I’m glad you found your sweet spot. This is YOU. I see it. I feel it. You rock.
• The production is awesome. Everyone in the videos is working hard.

Tips:

• Again, get some mats to cushion your jumps.
• Clear some space BEFORE your workout.
• Watch the dvd BEFORE you do it for the first time, especially if you are not very coordinated. I had to pause and rewind to watch many of the moves so I could do them properly and I’m pretty agile, sorta. Even with that, I sweated like a wild pig.

Final thoughts:

• I am in love. <3 For real.

Your friend in fitness,

Barbie Decker, PhD

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Shaun T’s Insanity: The Asylum

Dear Boys and Girls,

I’m becoming like a RAW Betty Crocker, experimenting and trying out new raw recipes. Today I decided to try making my own almond milk, assuming that it would be a laborious process. I was so wrong. Seriously, it took 5 minutes!

So, why make your own almond milk? I had always bought the store brand Almond Breeze and had assumed that it was nutritionally great. I mean, it’s dairy free, low in calories, and simply yummy. Take a look at the nutrition label of the three different flavors:

I hope it’s not too small to see. But, basically, at first sight, it’s a fit girl’s dream, especially with the low sugar count.

However, if you look at the ingredients label, you’ll find some added “stuff” which, to me, means it’s processed, and therefore not the best for your health:

INGREDIENTS: ALMONDMILK (FILTERED WATER, ALMONDS), EVAPORATED CANE JUICE, CALCIUM CARBONATE, SEA SALT, POTASSIUM CITRATE, CARRAGEENAN, SUNFLOWER LECITHIN, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, VITAMIN D2, D-ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL (NATURAL VITAMIN E).

I don’t have a degree in nutrition, but I do know that evaporated cane juice is sugar. And remember, unless you’re eating sugar from a sugar cane, it’s processed. My goal is to eat whole foods without added preservatives and chemicals. (By the way, for many, just eliminating processed foods will result in weight loss.)

Alright, so how did I make my own pure almond milk? I googled the recipe and here it is. I chose the one that required nothing but water and almonds:

DIRECTIONS

• Soak 1 cup of almonds for four hours. Rinse well. (Remember, you don’t have to sit there for the four hours watching your raw almonds soak. Leave them to soak and go on with your life!)
• Add almonds into blender, along with 3 cups of pure water. Blend well for 20 to 30 seconds.
• Sift or use a nut milk bag, which I didn’t have. So I just used a strainer.
• Refrigerate. Your big blender full of milk will last 3 days or so.

I am LOVING my plant-based diet journey!! Can you tell? Enjoy!

Barbie Decker, PhD