Day 5: B.O.D. P90X3

I love a good ab workout! Although my core has decent strength...there is definitely much more to be had.  I was impressed with the P90X3 Ab Ripper because it took a different approach to a core workout with many slow motion isometric movements.  Most ab workouts that are 10-15 minutes try to cram as many exercises into that time period as possible, and while I don't dislike that approach at all, it was neat to experience something different.  There were also a few fun exercises that I hadn't done yet like the "Dolphin Hops" in a forearm plank position.  Trainer Tony Horton was his usually funny self (he definitely cracks himself up ;) ) and I actually liked the layout of the participants (they all faced each other into the center).  All in all I can definitely imagine that my core would benefit greatly from that workout!
   So for the last 5 days I have tried new Beachbody workout programs that are available NOW on Beachbody On Demand. For less than $3/week you can choose form 11 different Beachbody programs that you can stream from anywhere that you have Wifi!  Next week I will review a few more but am soon to get back to Insanity Max:30 for 21 days of my next Challenge Group!  If you're interested in BB On Demand or any other info/programs I would love to get you the details you seek and would revel the privilege to have you join me in a challenge group that begins March 30! :)

Day 4: B.O.D. 10 Minute Trainer with Tony Horton

   Today was a 10 minute exercise type of day.  The kind where you really don't have the time but need to get something accomplished.  So this review of the 10 Minute Trainer Program came at the perfect time! I chose to do "Total Body" and I have to say it was a good pretty decent workout.  On camera is just the trainer (Tony Horton) and one other person who actually did the exercises while Tony critiqued and encouraged her.  I liked the fact that the trainer walked you through the technique of each exercise as they were done so you at home could check your form based on what he was teaching.  I chose to use 8lb weights for the majority of the workout except for one exercise where I needed to use 5lbs.  The one critique I do have is that there is NOT a warm up built in (which isn't surprising given the 10 min. time) but it would be important to make sure that you get a little warm up and wrist stretch in before beginning; likewise it does NOT have a cool-down... so same suggestion applies.
    One awesome thing about this program is that there are 14 different 10 minute sessions! That's a lot to choose from.  For quicker results I would suggest that you choose to do 2-3 sessions a day (spread out if needbe).  There is a workout calendar, weightloss plan, nutrition guide, on the go work out cards and more available for download to compliment the program.
   This one I definitely encourage my 11 year old ball player to do on the days he needs to condition and is a perfect start for anyone who is easing themselves back into a workout schedule.

This is an example screen shot of the different tools to help you succeed! 

Day 3: B.O.D. Turbo Fire

The picture says it all! Today I did Turbo Fire HITT 25 it was some fun energy! It was a class-like setting with Chalene Johnson leading the show.  I appreciated the explaining of the exercises and the intensity in which all the participants conducted themselves.  For each "set" of exercises we did them slower once or twice which was follow by about 3 sets of "FIRE" speed.  The time passed quickly and after it was over I definitely felt like I had completed a great workout.  The best part was Chalene's high energy and encouragement. It made it easy to keep going as well as made the time fly!

Something awesome about Beachbody On Demand is that with so much variety in programs you have the ability to search by type, by trainer, by skill level.  When you begin a program there is lots of good information like the skill level, equipment needed, length of each exercise, etc. This is great to help you decide which program is best fir for your needs and goals...and of course a Coach is a great source to help you narrow it down as well! Until tomorrow... :)

   

Day 2: B.O.D. Brazilian Butt Lift

Day 2 Brazilian Butt Lift Review

Today I chose to do the Cardio Axe and it was about 28 min long.  The workout consisted of Latin dance moves, particularly Samba.  Now coming from a Zumba background, I LOVE to dance to Latin music and I have to say that the workout was fun! Just moving my arms in crazy directions while trying to get my hips to go the other way was a workout enough and I definitely felt like it was a decent workout for my cardio system.  Despite his accent, the trainer was easy to understand and the assistant dancers had great, fun energy. Soon I will try one of the workouts that focuses a little more on the glutes but for my first Brazilian Butt Workout I give it an "A"! The best part was I go to do it with my BFF/longtime Zumba buddy!

Day 1: BOD Chalene Extreme

For the next 5 days I plan to try a new workout on Beachbody's new On Demand website and blog about my experience.  With BOD (Beachbody On Demand) Club members have access to tones of effective Beachbody fitness programs including Insanity, P90X, Turbo Fire, Chalene Extreme, more Tony Horton Workouts, Hip Hope Abs and more.  Additionally, you have the opportunity to truly preview other popular programs before you buy.
       

DAY 1- Chalene Extreme: BURN CIRCUIT 3

First of all I have grown to love Chalene Johnson as a trainer and personality so I felt like Chalene was true to her encouraging and explanatory self.  I appreciated that there was an intro to the program and techniques involved so that you can do your best to be doing each move correctly.  I thought the pace was on the slower side compared to 21 Day Fix, but it made sense that the pace would be as such since in this workout you utilized hand weights a lot and needed to focus on form.  The music was fun and upbeat  and there was some interesting and eye catching motivational videos going on in the background. My 5 year old thought it was neat that I was working out outside so he decided to join me for a bit! Tomorrow will be Brazilian Butt Lift!

Oven-Poached Salmon with Cucumber Sauce

Total Time: 32 min.

Prep Time: 10 min.

Cooking Time: 22 min.
Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients for Poached Salmon:
2 4-oz each raw wild salmon fillets
3 fresh dill springs, chopped
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Sea salt and ground black pepper (to taste; optional)
Water

Ingredients for Cucumber Sauce:
¼ medium cucumber, finely chopped
4 fresh dill sprigs, chopped (reserve a small amount for garnish)
¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
½ tsp. finely chopped lemon peel
Sea salt and ground black pepper (to taste; optional)

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
2. Place salmon, skin-side down, in baking dish. Top with dill and drizzle with lemon juice.
3. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
4. Add water to cover salmon. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
5. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork.
6. While salmon is baking, make cucumber sauce by combining cucumber, dill, yogurt, lemon peel, salt (if desired), and pepper (if desired) in a medium bowl; mix well. Set aside.
7. Gently remove poached salmon from baking dish with a slotted spoon or spatula and place on a serving plate.
8. Top salmon with cucumber sauce. Garnish with dill.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 184

Fat: 7 g

Saturated Fat: 1 g

Cholesterol: 64 mg

Sodium: 353 mg

Carbohydrate: 3 g

Fiber: 0 g

Sugar: 2 g

Protein: 26 g

Coins and Cursive

As a homeschooling mom, I often get asked how do I know what to teach my kids?  The answer is, I don't always know...but much of what they learn comes from wanting them to be "life smart" vs "test smart".  Although many of our schools are deleting subjects like music and health, and not teaching skills such as cursive and counting real American money, since all are things I am exposed to everyday I think it not only necessary, but a wonderful privilege to be able to educate my children on them.  Now I'm no expert but I think deleting these treasures from our children's education might have some unexpected and  negative repercussions.  When traveling, I want them to be able to read the painter's signature inside an Italian museum or be able to harmonize with their favorite songs with the piano.  I want them to know and understand different health concepts and not be so easily swayed by the fads of our day.  I want them to be able to count out their coins as they pay for little treasures they choose to buy with their hard earned money.  Don't get me wrong, they are also learning the value of the secrecy of pin numbers and passwords as I allow them to swipe the debit card at the register...but there are some things I choose to instill and teach my little team despite the lack of their current popularity.  Its not always easy, in fact its rarely easy, but I pray and hope it will be worth it.