Instant Gratification vs. Delayed Gratification

Yesterday, I shared on my Facebook and Instagram (@alinamfthompson) my results for week 1 of SHIFT SHOP. They were a little less stellar than I had hoped, but I wanted to share a little more about what happened last week and the changes that have been made for this week.

For the last several months, shoot probably more like the last year, I have been on this workout/clean eating roller coaster. Every time I started a new workout program something would happen, an injury, an illness, or straight up laziness and I would quit. Every time I would plan a week of clean eating a party would be added to my calendar, a new restaurant would open, or a billion other excuses would present themselves and I would quit.

{Photo Cred: Pinterest}

In the past I've also shared that I'm an all-in or all-out kind of girl. I don't understand less than 100%. But in all honesty, sometimes that is my downfall. I dump so much on my plate that it becomes overwhelming and all of a sudden I'm drowning in too many commitments and I'm all the balls I've been juggling come tumbling down right on top of me. That's just #momlife right??

This time around, I knew I needed to make a change. Instead of changing every single aspect of my life in one fell swoop, I decided to make one change. If I could make it one week and maintain that change, then the next week I would add another change. And so on and so on.

So, while week one of SHIFT SHOP meant some seriously hard workouts, I also did not dial in my nutrition...like, AT ALL! Wine? Yes! Burgers? Yes! Mac & Cheese? Of course! You get the picture. Each time, I enjoyed any of these (or so many other treats) I felt instantly happy. Ordinarily I later would have experienced a feeling of guilt that I had traded the choice to have a nutritious meal for the instant gratification of an unhealthy treat.

{Photo Cred: Pinterest}

Last week was a little different. Since I went into the week knowing that I had 1 goal and simply needed to make that happen, I never felt deprived and it was a lot easier to get through that first week. But as I stood on the scale yesterday, there was still that feeling of disappointment. What would that number have looked like if I had eaten clean? Would it have been a drastic difference?

{Photo Cred: Pinterest}

Let's take a second to be real...obviously losing 2 pounds in a week is AMAZING!! That's definitely a healthy weight loss goal and nothing to be bummed about! I think my perception of what that first week would look like were altered by seeing other fellow coaches losing crazy amounts of weight and getting super toned in only 3 weeks.

So, as I sat down to set my goals for this week I knew I would keep my workout goal and I would commit to workout every day for 7 days, with one double workout day, for a total of 9 workouts. I also planned to add a second goal and that would be focusing on my nutrition. I committed to follow the SHIFT SHOP meal plan EXACTLY. No cheats AT ALL!!

That's where I am today. The fridge is stocked and ready to go. My hubby has agreed to follow the meal plan with me and the recipes look fantastic. But even seeing how delicious everything looks, I know going a week without a burger or a glass of wine isn't going to be easy. I know there will be a day that everything will seem to go wrong, I'll be stressed to the max, and I'll either be craving some comfort food or wanting some quiet time to read with a glass of pinot grigio. This week I'm committing to not chase instant gratification. I'm looking ahead to the delayed gratification of climbing on the scale in a week knowing that I've completely eaten clean and showed up for every workout and I know those results will be there waiting for me.

{Photo Cred: Pinterest}

Do you struggle with fitness or is nutrition harder for you? Do you struggle to do both at the same time? You are not alone!! You can follow my SHIFT SHOP journey on Facebook and Instagram (@alinamfthompson) and please feel free to reach out to me if I can encourage you on your own journey!!

Are you ready for the SHIFT?! Check out this video to here more about the program from trainer, Chris Downing. If you're as excited about this program as I am, COMMENT and let me know!! You can find all the information to purchase the program HERE.

{Video Cred: Beachbody}

You Just Have To Want To...Right?

If you want it bad enough, you'll work for it...right? It seems simple enough but for a busy mom, it's just not true. How many days do you tell yourself you're going to eat right or squeeze in that workout you've been putting off? How many times do those clean eating habits get derailed by a school party, a church potluck, or temptation staring at you on the grocery store shelf? How many times do you put off a workout because the kids just won't go down for their nap today, you've just got to be at the school to volunteer, or you just want to enjoy the five minutes of peace and quiet you have without being covered in sweat? 

{Photo Cred: Pinterest}

I get it. And let's be real, every single day you're wanting to achieve this goal. You're staring at those old jeans you just refuse to get rid of, because one day you're going to wear them again. You're standing on the scale shedding every ounce of clothing hoping the number won't make you want to cry today and when it's still more than you expected you're balancing on one foot and taking out your hair tie praying it will budge. You're feeling frustrated that everywhere you go you're confronted with unhealthy food choices and friends that justify the excuse that "it's a special occasion" or "you deserve to treat yourself" or any other number of things.

It's not that you don't want to. You definitely want to. I mean the desire to lose weight is on your mind EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. There is no lack of want to. So what's the problem?

You want to know what the problem is? It's the WILL TO...not the want to. You can want something all day long but I can promise you that's not going to bring you success. That's not going to make those skinny jeans fit over that muffin top and zip all the way up. (Please don't read that as judgmental...know this...the muffin top game is strong with this one!!) 

{Photo Cred: Womanista}

Having the will to reach that goal, to lose that weight, to eat healthier means making a game plan and STICKING TO IT. It's easy to be jealous of the friend who can eat whatever they want at the numerous events y'all attend together and never gain a pound. It's easy to convince yourself that you work so hard and you deserve that cupcake at the 17th birthday party you've attended this month. And your girlfriends are going to back you up...because they feel the same way. We're all stuck in this same neverending cycle of wanting to lose weight and falling victim to our own excuses and validations.

Certainly moderation is good and had we budgeted for a cupcake at the most recent birthday party, so be it. But if you're like me with an endless string of kids' birthday parties on your calendar, there aren't enough calories in your budget to have a cupcake at every single one. We've got to have the will to decide ahead of time whether or not a cupcake fits into this week's plan and we've got to stick with what we've decided before the moment of temptation strikes. 

If you're still stuck in the want to phase of this cycle, please know you're not alone. Most likely almost every women in your circle of friends is there too. But if you're ready to put down those excuses and pick up the WILL to finally do something about your health and maybe even get back in those jeans collecting dust in the back of your closet, I would challenge you to do something today to get closer to that goal.

{Photo Cred: Pinterest}

Take it day by day. Minute by minute. Make a plan for your day and STICK TO IT. Don't let anything get in your way. If you feel a craving coming on, use that time to call and check up on a friend you haven't talked to in awhile. If you don't feel like getting in a workout, turn on some of your favorite jams and dance around your house...I bet you won't mind a workout so much after a song or two. Still struggling to find your motivation? Read a book that encourages a healthy lifestyle like "Push" by Chalene Johnson or "Made to Crave" by Lysa TerKeurst. You can also find motivation, recipes, and more on my Facebook page, Get Fit with Alina.

Today's the day!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Do I Really Need One More Book?

Since posting yesterday's challenge group announcement, I've been hit with tons of questions about what exactly this whole "Made to Crave" thing is all about. Why do I want you to add one more step to the already ridiculously hard process of trying to lose weight and get healthy? I mean how in the world are you supposed to cram even one more thing into your schedule?

Trust me. My schedule is as busy as yours. I mean my calendar has scribbles all over it and papers sticking out all woppy-jawed (yes, that's a word...at least here in the south). My calendar is such a hot mess that looking at it would give very little indication of just how OCD I really am. But trust me, this book is like the secret sauce, let's call it the BOOM SAUCE, that little extra oomph that's not only going to help you reach your goals, but help you tackle the demons that will drag you back to your starting place if you're not careful.

{Photo Cred: Lysa TerKeurst}

Why this book? Well, Lysa won my heart within the first few pages of her book when she confessed a secret love of Cheez-Its, which I've shared many times is my kryptonite. Hi, my name is Alina and I'm addicted to Cheez-Its...you think I'm joking, but I'm not!! And neither is she. She confesses that she hates working out and has never craved a carrot stick. She would happily chow down on any junk food you put in front of her, as would I, but she also battles the guilt that comes in the morning.

But I'll leave you with this quote from Lysa that perfectly sums up why I feel like this book is the BOOM SAUCE you need on this journey, because I could never word it as beautifully (or as hysterically) as she does.

"...I am well acquainted with the words muffin top and cellulite. Muffin tops and cellulite with stretch marks, thank you very much and have a nice day. I also know what it's like to feel sad and powerless in this battle to get healthy.

I want to lead Jesus girls on a journey that will help them find a stick-to-itiveness and a lasting want-to that taps into something much more powerful than the surface desires of wanting to weigh less and wear a smaller size. We need to tap into this power because the battle we face isn't just with sugary, fatty, or salty foods. There is a spiritual battle going on. It's real. And it's amazing how perfectly the Bible gives us specific ways to find victory with our food struggles.

Even for girls like us who don't crave carrot sticks." - Lysa TerKeurst, "Made to Crave Devotional"

{Photo Cred: Lysa TerKeurst}

Girl, if you're tired of trying to hide that muffin top with loose flowing tops, if you can't stand the thought of squeezing into a pair of jeans, or if you're avoiding stepping on the scale because you're just not prepared for the number staring back at you...YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! This group, complete with workouts, nutrition, and the secret BOOM SAUCE that is this book, is going to change your life in so many ways.

Are you ready to put down your excuses and finally commit to getting healthy? Today is the day!! Comment below with your email or head over to my Facebook page, Get Fit with Alina, and shoot me a message.

You can also learn more about my exclusive 40 day Made to Crave Challenge Group HERE.

Made To Crave: 40 Day Challenge

Months have passed since my last post. Life has gotten in the way and I've let my focus be taken elsewhere, but that ends today. If you want to know the truth, I've been struggling big time to stick to regular clean eating and exercise. I've struggled to pick a workout program and actually make it to the finish line. For weeks things are going well and then it's like I've run face first into a brick wall...WHAM! And just like that I'm back off track, back to old eating habits, and skipping workouts. It's this crazy never-ending cycle.

So for the last couple of months I've been contemplating why it was so easy to find success in 2013 and why I just seem to be chasing it now, but always coming up short. I'm tired of the back and forth, the inconsistency, and of hearing myself use the tired excuse that I'll start tomorrow. Enough is enough, today is the day. But this is definitely not a journey I want to take alone, so I'm challenging you to join me.

If you're tired of getting on the scale in nothing but your skivvies and still cringing at the number staring back at you...If you're waking up each morning regretting food choices from the day before...If you've tried every diet or workout program you can find and still nothing works...If you're ready to take your life back...then this is for you.

Starting July 31st, the doors are opening to my exclusive 40 day "Made to Crave" VIRTUAL GYM. 

Why 40 days? Throughout the Bible, God uses 40-day periods to orchestrate life changing events, like:

• Moses presented the 10 Commandments to the Israelites after spending 40 days and nights alone with God on Mount Sinai.
• Elijah spent 40 days with God being refreshed and renewed after his standoff against the prophets of Baal.
• After his baptism, Jesus spent 40 days in the desert fasting and praying, preparing for His mission.
• Jesus appeared to believers over a period of 40 days after His resurrection.

During the 40 days of this group, we will read through Lysa TerKeurst's "Made to Crave" while tackling a workout program and getting our food in check. We will learn to break the cycle of "I'll start again on Monday," to stop agonizing over numbers on the scale, we'll reach our healthy goals and grow closer to God through the process, and we will replace rationalizations that lead to failure with wisdom that lead to victory.

I am opening this group to 10 amazing women who are ready to link arms with one another, cheering each other on as we grow closer to God and take back our lives from the unhealthy habits that are ruling them today. It doesn't matter where you live, how in shape or out of shape you are or how crazy your schedule is...WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER!

It's time to take our lives back from all of the excuses we con ourselves into believing, from jam-packed schedules, and from unhealthy food cravings that are ruling our thoughts and causing constant regret and poor food choices. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! 

So, how to you join?

• You invest in your CHALLENGE PACK (the most bang you can possibly get for your buck) which includes:
• A FULL DVD workout package (comes with a calendar so you know what workouts to do each day and always has ways to modify)
• A complete nutrition guide and meal prep booklet customized for YOUR journey on this program
• A 30 day supply of the best health shake on the market to FUEL your body
• Purchase "Made to Crave" by Lysa TerKeurst, so you can follow along with each day's reading
• You'll also receive:
• Access to this exclusive Made To Crave Challenge Group which is full of healthy resources!
• A positive and uplifting community that will keep you excited and accountable
• A coach (ME!) to help you along the way and keep you accountable
• A 30 day trial of Beachbody on Demand which includes a TON of different workouts to stream online AND  a clean cooking show to help you make some awesome recipes and meal prep.

I truly believe this is exactly the group you've been waiting for. This is exactly what's going to help you bust through that plateau and finally put down every single excuse you've been holding on to. This group is what is going to help you CRUSH YOUR GOALS!!

I'm beyond excited for this group to begin and I hope you'll join me on this amazing journey!! Comment below with your email or hop on over to my Facebook page, Get Fit with Alina, and message me to get signed up.

New Year, New You

It's that time of year again. Time to start making our new year's resolutions and the time the most of us are most likely to focus on getting fit, but did you know that only about 8% of people that make resolutions actually succeed?! That's a pretty intimidating statistic.

So I'm challenging 10 ladies to join me for 21 days to start the new year off right and learn the healthy habits you need to stick to your resolution and be part of that 8%. No matter what your fitness level is you can find success with this group. Each workout includes a modifier and different levels of intensity to help you improve your strength, flexibility, and endurance every time you press play.

We start our 21 days on January 1st, just in time to rock those resolutions!

What's included?

>Workout program of your choice, done in the comfort of your own home!
>Simple, easy to follow meal plans
>Delicious recipes
>Superfood nutrition shake that replaces one meal a day
>Online access to my PRIVATE Facebook support group
>Surround yourself with other women on the same journey
>Accountability and support from ME!
>RESULTS OR YOUR MONEY BACK!!

PLUS Beachbody is doing it's HEALTH BET again, which means you have the ability to get fit, lose weight, AND EARN MONEY!!!

During the course of this group you will learn how to navigate your meal plan, get help setting realistic and achievable goals, have daily accountability to help you stay on track, and have access to clean eating recipes that will help you replace bad habits with healthier ones!

While this group will surround you with other women on the same journey, I would also challenge you to INVITE A FRIEND to join you. Success is not only easier to achieve with an accountability partner, but it's just more fun to have a friend with you!!

Ready to join? Click GOING on the Facebook Event Page and I'll be in touch to get you signed up with everything you need.

Let's make 2017 our healthiest year yet!!

FREE Workout + Rock Your Resolution

Next month, I'll be running a Rock Your Resolution Challenge Group to help us kick 2017 off right and knock all of those resolutions out of the park. You definitely won't want to miss out on this group. You can learn more and sign up HERE.

Did you miss this month's 12 Days of Fitmas Challenge Group? Don't worry, I'm sharing the full workout with you right here!! 

Now What?

How many of us spent yesterday binging on turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and everything else you can imagine? Or maybe you mixed it up like we did and chose to binge on tacos instead??

Either way, I'm guessing most of us are waking up today feeling heavy, full, and wanting to nip these bad habits in the bud before they spiral out of control and our scale has crept up 10-15 pounds before the end of the year. So what can you do?

1. Drink LOTS of water!! Water flushes out toxins and helps eliminate water weight.

2. Eat fruits and vegetables today. Your body is waking up nutrient deprived, plus fruits and veggies are calorie light!

3. Take time to workout TODAY! Give your metabolism a boost and make that workout happen TODAY...NO EXCUSES!

4. Make a game plan! We haven't made it through the holidays yet and you've got to figure out how you're going to navigate the rest of this season. This doesn't mean you can't indulge. It doesn't mean you have to give up all of your favorite treats. But you need a game plan. You've got to know in advance what you're willing to splurge on and what's just not worth it. 

{Click HERE for more info}

I would love to help you with that!! If you're interested in joining my 12 Days of Fitness Mini Challenge or my 21 Day Resolution Reboot, comment below or email me. Let's make a plan for the rest of the holiday season and let's help you not only make it through, but maybe even shed a few pounds along the way.

{Click HERE for more info}

5. MOVE ON!! You can't change yesterday. What happened, happened. Let it go and seize today.

Throwback Thursday

Throwbacks like this make me so thankful for how far I've come. I hardly recognize the girl in the photo from 2011, but seeing that reminds me how she felt. Sad, miserable, unhealthy, lost, and drowning in depression. The sparkle is completely gone from her eyes.✨

For years, I could only dream about running around on the playground with my little girl. To be completely honest just bending over or going up and down the stairs was a struggle. Every slight bit of physical activity was completely exhausting and draining. The more exhausted or winded I felt, the more I would beat myself up. I truly hated what I saw in the mirror and little by little I was losing what was left of myself.

So many of us have been there and I know there are people reading this that are still there. If you're that person, please know you're not alone! I've stood in your shoes, I've lived in them, and I know how easy it is to think there's no way out. That it's too late or too hard to change your life...IT'S NOT!!⏰

Don't wait another day. Shoot, don't wait another minute! This is your wake up call. This is your chance! You too can change your life, get healthy, and put that sparkle back in your eyes...and I'm here to help you THE WHOLE WAY!! 

I'm getting ready to run a 21 day challenge group to help you shed some pounds before the end of the year. Why wait for a new year's resolution when you can get a head start today?!

Resolutions are HARD and if you're anything like me, as the year has dragged on, those resolutions have probably gotten set aside and forgotten about. Don't worry though...this year isn't over yet!! It's not too late to make those resolutions happen!

I'm hosting a Resolution Reboot group next month to help us finish the year stronger than we started! This group will give us the opportunity to get back on track and actually get those resolutions done.

During the course of this group, we'll work through the 21 Day Fix (or 21 Day Fix EXTREME, if you're looking for a bigger challenge) program. By joining this group, you'll get help achieving the best results possible.

What do you need to REBOOT YOUR RESOLUTION?

> Purchase your 21 Day Fix (or 21 Day Fix EXTREME) program or challenge pack

> Commit to doing 1 workout per day (unless you choose to go EXTREME) for at least 21 days

> Participate in the group daily

To reserve a space in the group, please click "going" on THE RESOLUTION REBOOT EVENT PAGE and I will send you the full sign-up details.

This group is your first step to an amazing throwback picture like the one I shared. You'll be looking back at today as the turning point, the time you finally shook off all of your excuses and dove in! You've got this! It's time to be brave and go for it...and I'll be here with you the entire way, cheering you own and holding you accountable to make sure you reach those goals!

Resolution REBOOT

Resolutions are HARD and if you're anything like me, as the year has dragged on, those resolutions have probably gotten set aside and forgotten about. Don't worry though...this year isn't over yet!!

I'm hosting a Resolution Reboot group next month to help us finish the year stronger than we started! This group will give us the opportunity to get back on track and actually get those resolutions done.

During the course of this group, we'll work through the 21 Day Fix (or 21 Day Fix EXTREME, if you're looking for a bigger challenge) program. By joining this group, you'll get help achieving the best results possibile.

What do you need to reboot your resolution?

> Purchase your 21 Day Fix (or 21 Day Fix EXTREME) program or challenge pack

> Commit to doing 1 workout per day (unless you choose to go EXTREME) for at least 21 days

> Participate in the group daily

To reserve a space in the group, please click "going" on this event page and I will send you the full sign-up details.

Core De Force Sneak Peek {Review}

One of my favorite things about Beachbody is the sneak peeks they release for their new workouts. Since joining Beachbody, I was able to take advantage of the Country Heat sneak peek, but recently I was able to try out their new MMA style workout program, Core De Force. Y'all I have been so excited for this workout! The promo videos look awesome and I have been counting the days until it was time to try it out.

WHAT IS CORE DE FORCE?

WHAT IS THE FLOW OF CORE DE FORCE?

I tried the MMA Speed workout and it was very fast paced. The rounds seemed to fly by! The warm up was short and sweet and then we dove right in. This workout did come with an instructional video before the actual workout began. I would definitely recommend watching that first to learn the moves and make the workout more effective. 

{Photo Cred: Beachbody}

WHAT MAKES CORE DE FORCE UNIQUE?

{Photo Cred: Beachbody}

MY BREAKDOWN...

I struggled a little to get the moves just right, but when I got them down, it was a great workout. They suggest starting slow until you really have the movements figured out and then incorporate speed and power. While I wasn't able to incorporate the same speed and power that Joel Freeman & Jericho McMatthews were able to, I still got an effective workout.

And as usual, there is a modifier to help you along until you can really figure out the moves. 

WOULD I DO IT AGAIN?

Absolutely!! I am so excited for this program to come out! This workout was so much fun, I can't wait to see what they other workouts offer. 

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR? WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED?

Something comfortable. You're moving a lot and quickly. You need full range of motion and clothes that you won't constantly have to adjust. And the best part, there is absolutely NO EQUIPMENT NEEDED!!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CORE DE FORCE?

Core De Force is full of short workouts, this one was 25 minutes, and the entire program is only 30 DAYS!!! Can you believe that?! You better believe I'll be ordering this one and I'll be sure to let you guys know what the results look like after my 30 days with Core De Force!

Pure Barre Pop Up Class {Review}

{Our pre-rain selfie}

Before I dive into the review I should probably give you a little background. Our local Pure Barre studio offered a pop up class at a new local brewery. (Side note: the brewery is one of our favorite night spots!!)

{Photo Cred: Brown Truck Brewery}

The day of the class, there was a huge storm rolling in. I was assured that the class would go on. The problem?? The brewery is small which meant no indoor area for the class. When I arrived, I saw that they had set up a huge tent and the class would be taking place inside the tent. This seemed like the perfect solution...until it started to rain. 

The rain found its way in and about 10 minutes into the class everybody's mat was floating. I'm not talking just a little bit of water, y'all. We were drenched! To lay down in your mat, you were laying in puddle. The instructors did offer space on the stage for anyone that wanted to take advantage, but it definitely wasn't feasible for us all to fit up there.

{This was still early on, by the end the mats were floating.}

The other issue was the sound system. I believe this was the first pop up class that the studio has put on, so issues are to be expected. The sound system was giving them a fit and for most of the workout, it was very difficult to hear the instructor.

So, take this review with a grain of salt. There is no way I can 100% review the class, because the extenuating circumstances made it impossible to fully take advantage of the class. With the backstory filled in, I'll try my best to accurately review the class without the bias of the negative experience caused by the rain. And please remember, that the studio did their best to make a good alternate plan and the fact that it didn't work out, was out of their control. 

WHAT IS PURE BARRE?

WHAT IS THE FLOW OF A TYPICAL CLASS?

Each class is 55 minutes. Our class started with a light warm up and stretching. We then alternated conditioning workouts while standing or laying on our mats. The video above describes the flow of a class in the studio.

{Photo Cred: Pure Barre}

WHAT MAKES PURE BARRE UNIQUE?

Pure Barre focuses on small isometric movements that are low impact. They believe these movements push your muscles to the point of fatigue. Because of the odd nature of the class I was able to attend, I didn't feel any muscle fatigue. It does, however, look like the in-studio classes are higher intensity than the pop up class. I would imagine that's because of the use of other equipment that is available only in the studio.

Pure Barre strives to help you create a long, lean figure rather than a "bulky," muscular figure.

{Photo Cred: Pure Barre}

MY BREAKDOWN...

I didn't find the workout to be challenging at all, however, considering that I wasn't able to fully participate in the class while try to divert water away from my purse and mat and trying to keep my daughter dry since she had tagged along. The movements that I was able to complete were simple and easy to follow. I would love to try another class, without the rain, and get a better feel for the intensity and effectiveness of the class.

WOULD I GO BACK?

I would definitely try another pop up class, provided that the skies were blue! After this experience, I'm not sure that I'm ready to pay for a class, but I would definitely go back, if for nothing else than to give the workout a fair shot. 

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR? WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING TO CLASS?

Their website suggests you wear long pants or capris and socks. For the pop up class, they also asked that we bring our own mat. If you're taking a class in the studio, I'm sure the mats are provided. And don't forget your water.

{Photo Cred: Pure Barre}

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PURE BARRE?

{Photo Cred: Pure Barre}

While the class may not have been a total success, I would love to take a second to thank Pure Barre and Brown Truck Brewery for hosting this pop up class. This was such a great offer and I'm thankful that I was able to take them up on it. Hopefully, they'll host another one and if I'm able to attend, I'll be sure to update my review.

{Photo Cred: Pure Barre}

REFIT Revolution {Review}

What is REFIT Revolution?

{Photo Cred: REFIT Revolution}

What is the flow of a typical class?

Our class started with a light cardio dance workout, moved into a light strength workout, and ended with stretching and a couple minutes of quiet time. We also started and ended with a brief prayer time.

What makes REFIT Revolution unique?

{Photo Cred: REFIT Revolution}

According to their website, REFIT Revolution is designed to be used as a fitness ministry or fitness with a purpose. It was a great change of pace to workout to worship music and it was fun to hear hip hop style Christian music that was great for the cardio dance portion of our workout.

My Breakdown...

I left my fitness tracker at home...whoops...so I don't have an accurate calorie burn for you. What I can tell you is that, for me, this was an easy workout. It was relatively simple to follow and I didn't find any of the moves physically challenging. You can expect to be moving constantly for an hour and you'll definitely work up a sweat. 

Would I go back?

I can't say that this is a workout that I will incorporate every week, but, for me, it would be a great recovery workout. Perfect for a day when you're too tired to get in an all out workout but still need to log a workout. While I don't think I'll be adding this one to my regular routine, it was fun and great way to work out with my girlfriends. 

What should you wear? What should you bring to class?

Where what you're comfortable in. You'll need full range of motion. I chose a loose tank top and yoga pants which were perfect. Be sure to bring a mat (or they suggested a towel) for the floor work you'll be doing at the end and don't forget your water. 

What are the benefits of REFIT Revolution?

REFIT Revolution is meant to be a workout for real people and I would definitely say it definitely is. Anyone, at any fitness level, could come in and successfully complete this workout. If you're new to your fitness journey this would definitely be a great place to start! 

TurboFire {Review}

During my 3 Day Dance & Diet Challenge, I tried and reviewed TurboFire so this time around I wanted to try more than workout, something different than what I tried last time, but also wanted to take it easy because my muscles are still on fire from POUND Fitness!! So, 3 workouts later, here's my review of TurboFire!

WHAT IS TURBOFIRE?

{Photo Cred: Beachbody}

The workouts are a combination of kickboxing, dance, HIIT drills, and plyometrics. The music is fun and mixed so that it corresponds perfect to the choreography. 

WHAT IS THE FLOW OF A TYPICAL CLASS?

The TurboFire Low HIIT workouts alternate between low and high intensity. During the low intensity, you learn the choreography and "mark" the routine. The the alarm rings and you're looking at 30-40 seconds of running through the routine with increasingly high intensity. This is repeated in several cycles, which makes the drills easier to follow. 

WHAT MAKES TURBOFIRE UNIQUE?

{Photo Cred: Beachbody}

MY BREAKDOWN...

Low HIIT 20 - Calories burned: 128 - This was my favorite of the three workouts. It was constant movement but the drills were easier to follow. I seemed to pick this one up right away.

Low HIIT 25 - Calories burned: 144 - This was much more intense than Low HIIT 20. It involved a lot more range of motion and plyometrics galore!

Stretch 10 - Calories burned: 47 - This was probably the most thorough stretching workout I've ever done. Talk about serious relief!!!

I can honestly say that I have never felt so good after a workout. I had so much energy and it was easy to jump in and try more than one workout. While the workouts were certainly challenging, I felt amazing afterwards!!

{Photo Cred: Beachbody}

WOULD I DO TURBOFIRE AGAIN?

This was no easy workout! You are constantly moving and while the low intensity parts are a great time to catch your breath, you're still working hard. I loved all three of the workouts that I tried and will definitely be doing them again. I think Low HIIT 20 was my favorite, but I also loved Stretch 10. My muscles have been tight since I did POUND Fitness and that workout felt amazing!

While I will definitely do these workouts again, I would warn you that the choreography is not that easy to pick up. Luckily, they're repeated several times, but by the time I really got it down it was time to move on. I imagine it would take a couple of times to really get it down pat, but I think it's worth the effort. Not to mention, once you get the moves, it's so much fun!

{Photo Cred: Beachbody}

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR? WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED?

You can wear anything. You'll most likely be at home when you're doing this workout, so just get comfy. You'll be moving a lot and need full range of motion, so be sure the clothes you choose are not restricting.

You don't need any special equipment, but consider comfortable shoes with good grip. You're lifting your knees a lot and doing some serious jumping. You want to make sure you're not going to slip. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Research shows that you can actually achieve more results in a mere 15 minutes of interval training (3 times/week) than the girl jogging on the treadmill for an hour! Not to mention the after-effects!! All that intense exertion kicks your body's repair cycle into hyperdrive. You're burning more fat and calories in the 24 hours after a HIIT workout than you do after, say, a steady-pace run! These are only two of the awesome benefits, but there are so many more!!

{Photo Cred: Beachbody}