Sniff, Sniff...can't believe the end is almost here

After seven incredible weeks, I've had fun, worked hard, felt stronger, ate better (well, relatively better - I have cut back on my chocolate intake!), enjoyed the camaderie of the six-packs and appreciated Dean's enthusiasm and leadership. I'm really sad that we are heading into our last week - can't believe it! Our team has enjoyed team training so much that we are talking about starting up again in mid-April (the new start date feels too soon for any of us between our schedules and our bodies). So I'm psyched for this last push and to hopefully be rewarded by some dropped LBS and body fat. THANKS DEAN AND TEAM SIX-PACK for all your support, good humor, and motivation - you guys are the BEST!

Sign up for round 2!

Sign up for a team online here!



Team Training Round 2 starts 3/15 and runs through 5/14. 

Team Training Video

Six Pack-Girly,Girls!

Another fun and challenging workout. My teammates look amazing and we all feel stronger. We'd like to sign up as a group but the next session starts too soon. We need a rest, time to play and the chance to enjoy the accomplishment. All work and no play is boring!

Running fun

We had a mini-hurricaine here on Roatan last night, with unbelievable winds and torrential downpours. This morning the wind is still here and the wind is still roaring, creating awesome waves, and making running on the beach a challenge. So, I made up a new workout: how close can I run along to the water without getting my feet wet by the rolling, unpredicatble waves. It sure was different than a treadmill!
I'm wondering what my Five For Fighting teammates have been up to and what Lisa has in store for them tonight.....

OY!

Week 7 is officially kicking my a&# - I just took my first class with Roque and I'm totally whipped ... even 2 hours later I'm still warm! It's great to be seeing results finally and I'm definitely signing up for the next round ... I've been more consistent and committed that I would have been on my own.

Ricky ... I hope you managed to stay awake for your brief yesterday ... Kelly O ... I only hope I can one day live up to your # of days in the gym record! You guys are an inspriation and I've never laughed so hard while working out ... it's a shame we don't get points for how much fun we have! Go Team RK2!!!

The Last Stretch!

OK week 7 is upon us and I can't quite believe that this time next week our workouts with Dean and Team Six Pack will come to an end. What a great experience this has been and I am actually sad that it is coming to an end. We all feel so much stronger and healthier for doing this so come the weigh in - we will hopefully be rewarded for our efforts but in the big picture of things at least we have improved in mind and matter as well as strength and we know deep down we tried our best and we all look amazing even if the scale is not our best friend. SO Team let's make one last big effort this week - watch out Rickey!(hope all is well by the way with baby Drake- I will sure miss your blogs each week!). Have a great week everyone!
Julie

Week 6 - Sleepy Causes Late Blogging

A happy week seven to everyone. On the sixth week of team training, my true love gave to me......A BABY!!!!! He is wonderful, awesome, perfect, beautiful, and everything we could have wished for. Thank you all for your well wishes and support to me and my family over the past few days.

Needless to say, my new bundle of joy affected my Week 6 progress, affected in that I had very little. But, watch out Julie's, because I'M BACK! Although, I will have to switch to the 8am classes (sorry Charlene). I'm crazy sleepy, so I'll leave it at that. Keep going everyone!

P.S. - Poor hospital food and unending attention on my son led to a lack of eating last week, and I'm down a good bit! Nice!

All Fired Up!

Looking forward to our workout tomorrow. We will be banding for our upper body workout...

Had a difficult time last weekend away. It is so very hard when you are out of your element.

I just keep reminding myself, "Treat your body like a temple NOT a tent".

Hola to my teammates!

Hola from Roatan to my teammates! I've run the beach each morning (a whole 2 mornings!) and have been trying to be healthy while enjoying the occasional "fun" rum based based beverage. I was also disciplined enough to do a resistance band workout (much to my family's amusement). It's now time to head back out to the beach...or pool.....
Go Five for Fighting!!!

Boy, I had a fun week, however not as disciplined as I should have been! Can't wait to get back with the team, even thought I anticipate the HURT!

Perils of Vacation week and not working out

So I don't know how it happened but I haven't been able to get a workout in since Weds and my legs, back and knees are actually tight and more sore for NOT working out .... THIS makes me look forward to getting back on track tomorrow!!!

Hope Mr. Drake is treating Ricky well and looking forward to seeing K1 tomorrow!

Six Packs!

Tough week for exercising with the kids on vacation, full-time work and trying to keep everyone happy.

CHECK OUT THIS SMOOTHIE W/BENEFITS

Tangy and Cool Buttermilk and Avocado SmoothieOne cup of this fill-you-up smoothie will make only a 145-calorie dent in your diet. Here's how you make it:

Ingredients1 cup organic fat-free cottage cheese, such as Horizon brand2 cups 1% low-fat buttermilk1/2 ripe avocado, peeled, seeded, and diced1 tablespoon organic agave nectar, such as Madhava brand4 ice cubes or 1/2 cup crushed ice
PreparationPlace the cottage cheese and 1/2 cup of the buttermilk in a blender. Cover and blend until fairly smooth, about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the blender; add the avocado. Cover and blend until fairly smooth, about 30 seconds. Add the remaining buttermilk and the agave nectar; cover and blend 10 seconds. Add the ice; cover and blend until the smoothie is thick and the ice has melted.
Nutritional Information (per 1-cup serving; makes 4)Calories: 145Saturated fat: 1.5 gramsUnsaturated fat: 3 gramsCarbohydrates: 15 gramsProtein: 11 gramsFiber: 2 gramsCalcium: 178 milligramsSodium: 342 milligramsMagnesium: 7 milligram

OUCHHH!

Ok just when you think that the post workout burn can get no worse what happens....Dean nearly kills us with an awesome leg workout. Mind you between 4pm and 5pm yesterday there was a funny vision on the floor of FFY - four women trying their hardest not to look like they had lost their horses- yes some very strange walks were going on after that workout! Still great going girls- very sore today I must say especially up and down the stairs and of course when you sit on the "throne" ..OUCH again. Not sure I can handle squats today in body pump!
By the way congrats to Rickey on team RK2 on the arrival of his little bundle ...will this slow you down in the workout department...we are catching you...BEWARE!!

Sal's pizza set back

So, I was actually not so naughty in the food department over the Valentine's day weekend (I actually took my own carrots and clementines to eat at the movies instead of delighting in my usual ultra-buttered popcorn and Sprite!)...but in a crazy moment of weakness (and I was overly famished) I devoured one of Sal's "slices" (aka - a 1/4 of a pie) just an hour before our team in training workout - and since I try not to do anything half-as#ed, I got my favorite combo of mushrooms, olives and pepperoni. Sorry team! But I promise I will work hard to make up for it! So today my inner thighs and obliques are feeling the effects of yesterday's workout plus the bonus session with Dean (yipee for extra points!) and am psyched to head out to Charlene's Body Pump tonight since my kiddos are still out of town (gotta love the grandparents!). Am really sad to think that T-in-T is almost over. The accountability and camaraderie has just been awesome.

Don't feel TOO guilty about having your Valentine's treats!

Could Eating DARK Chocolate Be Healthy for You?

Chocolate is often something which is recognized as "poison," or something that you should not eat. It is often put to blame for various types of health effects, such as obesity, acne and even the cavities that you get in your teeth. However, what you may not know is that there are various types of benefits which are associated with eating dark chocolate. Here, we will take a closer look at these benefits, which may encourage you to want to eat more dark chocolate in the future.

What are the Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate?

1. One of the best ways to lower your risks of developing cancer is by consuming foods which are high in anti-dioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables. Well, cocoa also contains anti-dioxidants. By eating dark chocolate, you will actually be decreasing your risk of developing cancer.

2. A recent study has shown that dark chocolate has the ability to lower your blood pressure, since it contains flavonoids. The experiment consisted of two groups, one of which who ate dark chocolate and another who ate the same amount of white chocolate once a day for fifteen days. The group who ate the dark chocolate did have a decrease in blood pressure.

3. The flavonoids which are found in dark chocolate are also known to help the blood flow more smoothly through blood vessels, as well as increase the amount of blood that can flow to the brain. This will decrease your risks of having a heart attack in the long run.

4. Dark chocolate also contains phenylethylamine, which is known to work as an aphrodisiac. It works by stimulating the nervous system, which ultimately will give people sensual feelings, along with the feeling of being in love.

5. The truth is that chocolate is actually known to be very beneficial to your teeth, which is probably the exact opposite of what you always been told. There are certain substances in the cocoa of chocolate which are known to actually kill off the bacteria that causes your tooth decay, resulting in cavities.

*Keep in mind that, when it comes to any of these health benefits, the only type of chocolate that will be able to provide you with them are dark chocolate.

Why is Dark Chocolate Healthier than Milk Chocolate?

Although many people tend to prefer milk chocolate, the truth in the matter is that it does not have the healthy benefits to offer that dark chocolate does. The main reason is because chocolate which contains higher levels of cocoa offers the highest number of healthy advantages. What this means is that chocolate containing higher levels of cocoa such as dark chocolate can provide you with more health benefits than milk chocolate, which mainly contains added sweeteners, can. White chocolate, on the other hand, does not even contain any levels of cocoa. This is great news for dark chocolate lovers though!

Should You Eat More Chocolate?

Although you know that dark chocolate can provide you with many health benefits, one of the main questions that you may have is how often you should actually eat chocolate. The most important thing that you should keep in mind is that, regardless of the health benefits it can provide you with, you should never overdo the amount of chocolate that you eat. While everything in moderation is okay, chocolate will make you gain weight if you decide to eat it too frequently, just like any other food will. Eating a small piece of chocolate each day will not hurt as much as you would have thought though!


Jody Morse, Health & Wellness

A first

The end of Week 5 is here. Ran on the treadmill for the first time for 20 minutes, a definite accomplishment for me. A true sign that team training is worth the time and energy, especially at 5 am.

they fit

went shopping....bought a new pair of pants....one size smaller. throwing away the receipt! Thanks FFY!!!!!!!

BRING IT ON!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, it's been a long day since I found out at 2:15 am that our vacation flight, scheduled to depart Logan at 5:45, was cancelled. Our entire vacation was over before it started! Needless to say, it has been very stressful. But, on a good note, my Five for Fighting teammates (and leader, too), I have one more week to work towards my bathing suit readiness! We were able to rebook the whole thing for the following week, so I'll see you all Monday night! I will definitely have some stress-energy that I'll need to burn off, so, Lisa, bring it on!

WEEK 5

Ok so all is going great with the workouts - loving the variety we are getting with the team workouts the only problem now is that i have developed plantar facitis! Painful left foot but am determined to work through the pain...however I need to learn to listen to my body more, I did take yesterday off (feel guilty though) but managed to do body pump this morning with no adverse effects. Love doing step but that will have to take a sideline this week I think since my foot was killing afterwards and the next day...ho hum ...all in the name of Team Training! That's dedication for you ....or madness...not sure which?! Have a great Valentine's Day everyone and Aya watch out for that chocolate!

Week 5 - Legless

Alright everyone, this has been a crazy week. My lovely and perfect wife, Denise, has been in and out of labor for the better part of this week. As such, I am torn between cheering her on ("PUSH! Wait, no, STOP!") and driving back and forth to the hospital. The doctors were kind enough to send us home at 2:30 AM on Sunday morning, and during the trip home we hit a f&^#$ing deer. Standing above our unfortunate victim, my wife looked down at her belly and stated "You'd better go to college." My progeny responded by kicking and sending my wife into another contraction. Such is life.

Meanwhile, OBC has been killing us at the gym. Presently, I have no legs. None. They are gone. I am one walking lunge away from double amputation, but she just keeps on going. The results are beginning to show, and for that I am grateful and happy. But, while I push through the pain and lack of lower extremities, I will take solace in the fact that one doesn't need legs to hold a baby. I cannot wait to welcome Mr. Drake Jefferson Glover into this world.

Six Packs!

Yesterday we used the wheel to cruch the stomache...that was hard. Looking forward to spinning again. Everyone on the team is looking great. It is so much fun to exercise with my team.

vacation?!?!?!?

OK, Five for Fighting teammates, I'm getting nervous now. I'm hoping I can keep up with our progress when I'm away next week. The support we've been giving one another will be missed, and I'm hoping my son can do a good Lisa imitation and push me to: 1) workout daily and 2) push myself.

See you tonight for one final treadmill/bike session!

AB-TASTIC!

So my abs are sooo sore from this week's work outs but I know it is all worth it! I'm worried though that as we head into the Valentine's Day weekend, my willpower and ability to bypass (well, almost) most chocolate on a daily basis will be tested to the extreme. Looking forward to Zumba class this Sunday which I haven't been able to do this winter because of my kids' ski team commitment. Happy Valentine's Day to all...

wow - 5 weeks and seeing a difference

I must say that I struggled with the first 4 weeks - just in getting into the gym enough but now after 2 of Charleene's Body Combat classes and weekend yoga I am fully in the swing of things. Looking forward to getting team RK2 back in first position!!!

halfway there!

Can't believe we're going into Wk 5 already. I don't want week 8 to get here....in fact, I'm freaking out about it. I don't want to stop our sessions (it would be awesome if my team just kept meeting and doing the workouts on our own - what do you think ladies - you up for it?????) I don't want to lose ground, this has been so great (and incredibly motivating). Well, gotta get some sleep (ok, not right now....after Lost!) so I can be ready for our workout tomorrow. TEAM ROYALTY ROCKS (but thanks to Kristin we're loosing the ROLL :):):)!!!!!!

Team Five for Fighting!

Great work out tonight. I especially liked the exercises with the resistance bands and the warrior lunges..... Let's keep it going!

Team Royal-ty

Great work out today team Royal-ty! Let's keep up the great work.

working hard works

So, we had a super bowl party yesterday. As I was running around hostessing, my husband kept stopping me to tell me how great I looked. He can't get over how much my body has changed. Parts that were sad and defeated after having two babies, are now firmer and stronger. Kristin....my husband thanks you for the five hundred and fifty million squats you have made us do. Seriously....I don't even think that is an exaggeration. I'll see team Fired Up tomorrow morning....you guys are so much fun.....yes, even at 5:00 am!

wow i've made progress

First, I would like to say that I have the best team mates! Kristin and Team Fired Up are such an inspiration and keep me motivated even when I am not at a team session. They are always with me in spirit. This past weekend I spent about 7 hours frying up homemade tortilla chips. (side biz) Typically when making batches of these I sample more than just a few times but I resisted those spicy, greasy temptations. I snacked on grapefruit, yogurt, cliff bar and drank lots of water. I just kept thinking how far myself and my team had come in just 4 weeks and my usually irresistible chips did not hold a flame to my will power. Thank you Team Training and FFY for this great opportunity! Thank you Team Fired Up for your commitment to yourselves and our team!

I'm ready for a SIX-PACK!

So this was a crappy week...broke my phone, craziness at work, but the bright spots were my workouts with the Dean and the Six-Packs...so while I was at first disappointed with the numbers on the scale (and thought - this just figures with the week I've had), I know that my body is getting stronger and I am building more muscle and losing some pudge. So although I'd like to reach for a cool, frosty six-pack, I am working hard to create a six-pack...and it's all due to team training that I feel motivated and accountable. Thanks Team!

HALF TIME!

Wow we have made it to week 4 no problems! This has been a wonderful experience and I am feeling really great at the moment. Hopefully the motivation and dedication will continue for the rest of the team challenge and beyond! Team Six Pack rock - great fun and great motivators and we really do work hard during our workouts with Dean. Watch out Ricky we are hot on your tail! Look after yourselves- remember to listen to your body and eat well and rest well.

Six Pack Weighs In!

I reached my 4 week goal and I am so glad. However, I have lost these pounds before so I consider them my "stalker pounds". Putting more pounds between us will really confuse them...that I have never done.

Week 4 - Fired Up!

Team FIRED UP we are half-way there. I cannot believe it has been four weeks since we started Team Training, seems and sometimes feels like yesterday.

Thanks team for the support and inspiration. I could not imagine doing this without you.

Thanks Kristin for your help on this rewarding journey.

Remember, it is not hard, it is challenging!

Week 4 - Am I Falling for Spinning?

The Team Training experience has been amazing thus far. My team is awesome, hella funny, and motivated. I feel great, hella good, and motivated. And I've stumbled upon the upstairs of the gym and its classes (literally - I almost bit it big time in BodyStep due to condensation issues).

The biggest surprise for me has been spinning. I freaking love it! I'm not sure what it is, but something in the combination of the music, the camaraderie, and the crazy crazy sweatiness (this should be noted: You WILL sweat in spin class. It's unavoidable. And it's not job interview sweat or "did I forget the milk?" sweat, it's hot desert stroll sweat or sweating sickness sweat. True story.) just works for me. As such, I, in all my (four week) experience with said class, officially endorse this practice and recommend it to all my fellow team trainers. Have fun!

Team FiRED up!

Get ready!

OK, teammates of Five For Fighting, Lisa gave me the big warning tonight that she is really going to put us through our paces tomorrow. You know if it's a work out that made her tired, we're really in for a challenge. Get some good rest tonight- we're going to need all the energy we can muster to make her proud tomorrow!

Six Packs!

Half way to the big goal! Everyone is looking great although we all are finding new reasons to complain about aches. Wonderful to be so active and eating right. Can't wait to see the girls this afternoon.

Recipe

South Beach Diet Veggie Quiche Cups To Go:

1 pkg. (10 oz) frozen spinach
3/4 cup liquid egg subsitute
3/4 cup shredded reduced fat cheese
1/4 cup diced green bell peppers
1/4 cup diced onions
3 drops hot pepper sauce (optional)

Microwave spinach (C-pkg). Drain. Line 12-cup muffin pan w/ baking cups. Spray cups w/ cooking spray. Combine all the above in a bowl & mix well. Divide evenly among muffin cups. Bake @ 350 F for 20 mins, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Quiche cups can be frozen & reheated in micowave.
Any combination of appropriate veggies and reduced fat cheeses may be used.

Serving Size 2 cups

Amount Per Serving
Calories 77
Calories from Fat 0
Total Fat 3.0 g
Saturated Fat 2.0 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 10 mg
Sodium 160 mg
Total Carbohydrate 3 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Sugars 1 g
Protein 9.0 g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Week 4!

Way to go Team Royal-ty! We are still in the top 2! I feel like L've lost inches and feel great!
Thanks for the great new workouts Trainer Kristin!