Last night when we were down at the point for the Regatta and the Smash Mouth concert (what's up, 1999?!), I casually said to my friend, Michelle, "Wouldn't it be cool to watch the concert from up on the ferris wheel?" I said this hypothetically, not for a second thinking we'd be moving from our spot in the crowd (not to mention our earlier conversation about how we all think it's a *little* weird how fast they put those carnival-style rides up). Without missing a beat she said, "That would be cool! Let's do it!" I think my response was something like, "uh, yeah, ok, really? Alright, sure, let's check it out!"
We ultimately ended up deciding against it after seeing the line, but this taught me an important lesson nonetheless. Why go through life robotically when we could be grabbing it by the horns? How many other times have I tossed out ideas off-hand without saying to myself, why NOT do that? How often do those trained patterns kick in that tell us that something is too hard, too inconvenient, or ask us why we should bother?
It is SO important to surround ourselves with the people who will challenge us to GO FOR IT when we have a small whim to do something fun or a big dream in our heart! I admire the people who QUESTION the things that others would just glaze over! We become like the people we surround ourselves with, so I don't know about you, but I will ALWAYS be surrounding myself with the people who SAY YES to life, who know how AMAZING of an experience and opportunity and gift it is, and who are going to APPRECIATE and LIVE UP every moment that life has to offer!!!
Thank you, Michelle, for always reminding me of this!! And to all of the other wonderful people in my life who do this too (if you're reading this, I'm talking to you!)- THANK YOU!! I love you all!
I would be honored to help you with your fitness journey :) Here is a link to sign up for a free account with me as your coach:https://www.teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/free?referringRepId=183908. Or you can go towww.teambeachbody.com, sign up for a free account, and enter any of my info in when it asks if a coach referred you: screen name: KatelynLesk, coach ID: 183908
Disclaimer Copy: Katelyn Lesk is an Independent Beachbody Coach.
A common misconception is that these workouts are easy for us coaches. Let me tell you, they never get easy- nor should they! Challenging ourselves is what makes us better, faster, stronger, and healthier!
When I started my very first at-home workout program, I put in the DVD, pushed play, and was seriously struggling 5 minutes in!
I looked at the people on the video and coaches that I knew and assumed it must be so easy for them. I thought that once you got over the initial difficulty of the workouts, it would magically become easy one day. How lucky they must be to be at that point and how easy it must be for them to churn out all of those vertical jumps and push-ups!
The truth is, I DID get stronger in time. I look back over my progress and am amazed by how far I've come.
It did not happen over night and it took consistency with my workouts, challenging myself with one extra rep, pushing through a cardio move a little faster, or picking up a slightly heavier dumbbell.
It took getting back on track even when I missed a few days or even a few weeks of workouts.
I trained myself how to get back on track when I fell off track. And I trained myself to APPRECIATE my workouts (and I eventually even learned to kind of love them... kind of ;-) ) by constantly reminding myself what this was doing for my health and my life. I began to appreciate all that my body could do for me and realize that it was my biggest cheerleader.
It didn't feel like it became easy all of a sudden but I do remember all of a sudden realizing how much better I had gotten. I could FEEL the health and vitality re-entering my body. I felt incredible energy. I walked with my shoulders back and head high feeling so STRONG! And I have never looked back :)
It's a long road but it can be made shorter and MUCH more enjoyable by:
1. Finding a workout program that is the best fit for YOU (not just for your goals, but also something you will enjoy doing- I always say that the best workout program is the one you will actually do)!
2. Getting proper support! I would have never stuck to the workout programs I have done or gotten back on track each time I fell off without the support of the wonderful people in our facebook groups who were also working towards making healthy changes.
3. Learning how to appreciate and love the PROCESS and all that your body can do for you (and already IS doing for you)!!
If you need help, don't hesitate to reach out- I would love to be your support.
In the meantime, here is a picture of me from my workout today after a 2nd set of floor sprints, head on the floor, trying to mentally gear up for a 3rd round. Use it as a reminder that it is never easy for any of us, but it IS possible. And eventually, it IS possible to love it, even when it's hard. :)
I would be honored to help you with your fitness journey :) Here is a link to sign up for a free account with me as your coach: https://www.teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/free?referringRepId=183908. Or you can go to www.teambeachbody.com, sign up for a free account, and enter any of my info in when it asks if a coach referred you: screen name: KatelynLesk, coach ID: 183908
Disclaimer Copy: Katelyn Lesk is an Independent Beachbody Coach.
Hi everyone! This is a compilation of an ab challenge group I ran on Facebook. I wanted to share the videos here in case any of you were interested in participating as well!
As a reminder, I am not certified to teach workouts so please follow the workout video clips within the videos (I’m just following along with you!) and of course consult with your doctor before starting any workout program.
All of these workout clips you’ll see are from Beachbody workout programs. I posted the links to more info about the programs below each video so if there are any clips that you particularly liked, you can check out the full program!
Additionally, if you’d like to try out all of our workout programs, you can do so by signing up for our club membership (there’s even a free trial!) and accessing Beachbody on Demand, which lets you online stream any of our programs! Check it out here:https://www.teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/club?referringRepId=183908
Today’s move is from PiYo, the Sweat workout (it’s true to its name haha). The move is a combo of some planks and downward dog splits. I’m not very flexible and trust me, mine aren’t pretty- just do the best you can! :)
Since a big part of our physique comes from our nutrition, here’s one of my FAVORITE healthy recipes to make- zucchini pasta with homemade sauce! Much better for our waistlines than regular pasta!!
Today’s move comes from Hammer and Chisel: 10 Minute Ab Hammer workout. They are c-sit taps! I heard a trainer say one time to think of these types of moves as if you’re wringing out your abs like a wet towel- now that’s what I visualize when I’m doing the twisting part of each move (it really helps me get the most out of the move)!!
I’m not going to lie, these side dips from 21 Day Fix Extreme: 10 min Hard Core are TOUGH! It took me almost the whole 21 Day Fix Extreme program to work up to. But it was soooo worth it!! I did this 10 min Hard Core workout every other day while doing 21 Day Fix Extreme and it literally changed my abs- I had ab muscle definition that I had never before had in my entire life (http://katelynlesk.blogspot.com/2015/06/21-day-fix-extreme-final-review-weight.html).
Tackle this move with authority and show it who’s boss! You can do it!!!
Since today’s move was from 21 Day Fix Extreme, I also want to mention how awesome of a program 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme are for getting your nutrition on track as well. Here is a run-down of what it was like when I did the 21 Day Fix Extreme competition plan. It was a lot of prep work but believe it or not, it wasn’t too bad to stick to. I was basically eating all day long; in fact, some days I had *trouble* getting all of my food servings in (especially all the protein on this particular plan). But if you’re up to the challenge, here’s a summary of the prep work and what it was like mid-way through:
Alright guys, if you thought you escaped Shaun T and his cardio, think again! Here is a 2 minute circuit from Insanity Max 30: Cardio 1! You'll be doing core-tightening jack uppercut, 1-2-3 knee, cross jack, and high knee jabs- 30 sec each! If you really focus on tightening your abs through every move, you'll really be able to tell how much of a workout your core got by then end of the 2 minutes! Have fun!!
As we head into the weekend, here are some tips to help you to keep from going overboard with food at a party (which by the way, is always hard for me- so this is just as much of a pep talk for me as it is info for all of you!): http://katelynlesk.blogspot.com/2015/09/football-or-holiday-party-tips.html
DAY 6
This lunge with weight twists comes from what I have to say is my all-time-FAVORITE workout program, ChaLEAN Extreme!!!! And that’s saying something because there are so many beachbody programs I love and get great results from... but this program is top for me (I seriously love it so much!!!). I did it originally in 2012 and have done it probably 6 or so times since then?? It revolutionized the way I look at strength training (it’s all about slow, heavy lifting so I am always able to stay in great form while doing the moves too). You’ll get a taste for the format (and hopefully why I love it!) in this move from Burn Circuit 1:
Our nutrition tip for today is about Shakeology. This is not a shameless plug. I am honestly sharing it because of how much it has helped my nutrition, cravings, weight control, health, and energy over the years. It’s an integral part of keeping my nutrition on track. I describe the benefits I’ve found with it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2loh3aOeBOs
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease*
Let’s wrap up this ab challenge with another dose of Tony! This move (sit-up punches) is only 30 seconds but the pace is tough! See if you can keep up! The workout is 22 Minute Hard Corps: Resistance 1. If you haven’t tried 22mHC yet, I think you’ll find it fun and energizing. I like it because I really feel like I’m working out right alongside our troops (and who doesn’t love a program whose workouts are only 22 minutes)?!!
I am so proud of you guys for completing this challenge!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! I hope your abs are feeling stronger and you’re feeling healthy, empowered, and energized!! If you have any questions about the programs in this challenge, feel free to ask!
I run groups like this every month on Facebook, so if you have an interest in participating in the real deal and getting all the perks of an awesome group of people rooting you on, reach out to me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CoachKatelynLesk) or my Beachbody page (http://beachbodycoach.com/katelynlesk)!
Again, thank you all for participating! I had so much fun with you guys this week!!!! I hope you all did too!!
I would be honored to help you with your fitness journey :) Here is a link to sign up for a free account with me as your coach: https://www.teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/free?referringRepId=183908. Or you can go to www.teambeachbody.com, sign up for a free account, and enter any of my info in when it asks if a coach referred you: screen name: KatelynLesk, coach ID: 183908
Disclaimer Copy: Katelyn Lesk is an Independent Beachbody Coach.
Hi, everyone! In honor of Valentine’s day, I’m hosting a free 7 Day Self-Love Challenge on Facebook! It starts on February 13th, so if you’re interested in joining in, contact me through my Beachbody page (http://beachbodycoach.com/katelynlesk) or my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CoachKatelynLesk). We run fun groups like this every month! They are free and everyone is welcome!
If you don’t have Facebook or are catching this at a later date, you can still get all of the good tips and challenges for how to love yourself a little bit more in each of the videos below!
I would be honored to help you with your fitness journey :) Here is a link to sign up for a free account with me as your coach: https://www.teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/free?referringRepId=183908. Or you can go to www.teambeachbody.com, sign up for a free account, and enter any of my info in when it asks if a coach referred you: screen name: KatelynLesk, coach ID: 183908
Disclaimer Copy: Katelyn Lesk is an Independent Beachbody Coach.