Just Start Somewhere

Starting a new journey can be tough.

Starting over can be tough.

Getting back on track can be tough.

Planning to succeed but failing can be tough.

 

 

I have to be honest, I have been lazy with my blog posts. I haven't been keeping you in the loop with my progress, my life, recipes, tips, etc. LAZY is all I can say. And I was slacking because I was looking for that perfect topic and I didn't want it to be a dead end. But you know what...my personal development for the month - John C. Maxwell "Failing Forward." has really kicked me in the butt. This book is teaching me to fail, it is teaching me to take bigger risks, and never gives up. So, if one person reads this blog or 150 people read this blog I am happy.

 

Where have I been, well let me just start by saying February was an EPIC month with beachbody. They released the 21 Day Fix and this program did so well that they just couldn't keep the program on the shelves. I decided that this was going to be my first challenge group where I joined the challengers! The results were AHHHHH-MAZZZZING!! I had great results, i lost six lbs and i didn't even think i needed to lose weight. And as much as this program is awesome I needed something else, because I was just going for the ordinary. (which BTW is NOT okay).

 

 

So now what? Where do I go what program do I start. I highly believe you have to love what you are doing or why do it. But then I got to thinking, not everyone loves to workout. BUT if you want to lose weight, tone up, etc. You have to put in the work CORRECT. 

But you also can not look for that "perfect" program. Your journey in life just begins....it starts with decision of you putting one foot in front of the other. Maybe you know where you are going & maybe you don't but all that matters is you just START! 

Don't look at where you need to go, look at it as a new journey. A new start to your new beginning. 

Don't get discouraged when you fail. Failing is part if the journey, embrace it & soak it all in. 

 

Beta Phase: Week 1-3

If you have been waiting for my weekly update on Beta I am apologizing to you RIGHT NOW! I have NOT made a weekly post since the last week of Alpha. My mistake, I had both week one & two completed but just NEVER published them! And now it is time for week 3 as well so your getting a whole lot of information all in one!

Beta is WOWZERS!!! It is a notch up from Alpha for sure, but in a good way. You certainly do not start off slow with knee raises, rather jump right in and get to breakin' a sweat! Your speed is increases from the second Shaun T says, "your focus starts now." And it does not stop until he says TIME. 

I will officially say it is time for me to buy new shoes. I am the cheapest girl when it comes to buying new workout sneakers as for me to say this they must be bad. The one way I knew right away, was when I started to do speed kicks. For thirty seconds you are kicking as fast as you can while one leg acts as a base leg. And that base leg the outside part of my foot/bone was really starting to hurt. It felt like I was putting too much pressure on it. So new workout kicks here I come! 

Remember from the last round how spider lunges were just not my favorite at the beginning and I really needed practice? Well in Beta you do running spider lunges !!!! And nope I don't need practice I feel like these are the coolest thing ever!!!! You are constantly moving, not stopping which makes it better. I feel like I am running away from someone or something. Get yourself in the act, and just have fun with your workouts. I know it sounds crazy and you may not understand why I like these, but just give them a try for me....please?

With Alpha you were at least a lower pace not always nonstop/going. There were places even if the timer kept going, you knew the exercises were starting slow where you could sneak in a quick drink. Honestly with Beta, it seems that if you do want to take a drink you miss the whole thirty second exercise! Get my drift?? And hey sometimes a girl just needs her drink...right?! Beta is just in a whole new world!!

Week 1 Schedule:

Monday- Core Cardio

Tuesday- Speed 2.0

Wednesday- Rip't Circuit

Thursday- Dynamic Core

Friday- Upper Focus & Core Cardio

Week 2 Schedule:

Monday- Dynamic Core

Tuesday- Core Cardio

Wednesday- Rip't Circuit

Thursday- Upper Focus

Friday- Rip't Circuit & Speed 2.0

Week 3 Schedule:

Monday- Core Cardio

Tuesday- Upper Focus

Wednesday- Speed 2.0

Thursday- Rip't Circuit

Friday- Dynamic Core & Speed 2.0

I have to say out of each workout in this round there isn't one that makes me a little sluggish in the morning knowing that it is on the schedule for the day. I truly love each of these workouts and I think it is because they are fast paced, always on the move, sweating up a storm kinda workouts. Sounds fun right? Can you truly sit and think for a minute of something that is your stress reliever. Something that just gives you a natural rush of energy and you feel like you can conquer the world after. Something that you are just truly truly passionate about. You know this will always make you feel good, it is your "go" to?? I have to say working out is MY "go" to. I can count on a good workout, for stressful days, just when I feel like working up a sweat, just for something to do, or to let go of some frustration. I love how I feel right after working out. I feel like I get up, go workout, and when I am done it is like a fresh slate. A clean start to the day.

Speed 2.0 is my number all time favorite workout. I did not like Speed 1.0 because I could not get my feet and hands to move together. This one there is just something about it. It is set up different than speed 1.0. There are two different rounds,  three different levels-each level increasing with speed over time. The last round is straight from the top. You combine every exercise from rounds one and two as a last final go around.

 

I love the program...not just because this is twenty-five minutes. But it is quick and effective. I have been at this program for eight weeks and I can feel my stamina increasing as before even thoughtI was in shape, some exercises really pushed myself hard and sometimes I needed to stop and catch a breath. I can feel my muscles getting stronger & slowly but surely I am getting my abs!!

 

So moving forward to week 4 and the program is almost over. I can't believe it. It's amazing how fast these programs & challenges go when you find something that you love and stick with. It takes 21 days to create a habit. The rest is dedication and commitment.

 

Are you looking for more accountability & support. Want to be apart of a group of individuals who are just looking for the extra encouragement. Ready to learn about clean eating & a healthy lifestyle change? Or if you are just looking for more information and want to discuss anything at all please feel free to email me at alyssayourish@gmail.com and I would be happy to help!!!

 

MyHealth- less stress

I want to first start off with by saying HAPPY THURSDAY! 

Next, this post has NOTHING to do with beachbody, tips, promos, recipes, etc. 

I wanted to share with you a program I am going through right now with my work. This wasn't a mandatory class, it was optional. But I decided to take it to see what it could offer. Let's be honest. Who doesn't feel overwhelmed sometimes? Angered with road rage? Get so flustered you could cry? I will be the first one to tell you, that this is me. So this class is perfect. 

                       

                   

So for the next six week health coaches will be coming to my office building for the first time ever group setting of teaching us how to deal with stress, techniques to try, and exercises. They have taught this stress class before, but it has all be done through one on one phone calls. It will be interesting to see how the in class group goes. We are like the guinea pigs. 

Every Thursday from 12-1 we meet. We were given a workbook and each week we have to complete it for next weeks class. This is a class designed to see what causes you to stress out, how to cope with it, what works & doesn't work for you, and what other people have tried. Because it's nice to hear other peoples opinions. 

Today, was just orientation but I can already tell that this class is going to be great and filled with LOTS of information!!!!

The reason for this blog post you may ask?? Because we did a deep breathing technique before class ended. We had to rate ourselves on a scale of 1-7 (one being not stressed; seven being beyond stressed) and then describe a little how we were feeling or what was bothering you. Next, we uncrossed arms/legs, closed our eyes and did the exercise. After we were told to open our eyes we had to write a "post" technique number down and our feelings. Everyone's number dramatically dropped down ad everyone was feeling super relaxed. 

But anyways, I was thinking to myself after the exercise. If I felt so relaxed that all the thoughts in my mind before this technique were now GONE, this really worked! And it is possible to relieve some stress! If I could feel like this, than I am sure there are many people who would like feel like this. 

I decided to track my journey and keep a journal about it. That way if people want follow along they can. I can't talk about everyone's experiences, but I can talk about mine, give you the beneficial tips, the techniques to try, etc. Some dont get opportunities like this at work,but I'm really glad we do have it. Stress is a big thing out in the world today that really puts a damper on our health. 

Feel free to follow my stress less journey!! And even participate along with me.  I will post every Thursday night on what I felt was useful, not useful, and my own opinion!! If you have any questions feel free to email me

Hope your day was a great!!!!