Burpee Schmerpee

I knew the bad boys those in the fitness world refer to as burpees would be back in my life someday. Sure enough, they reentered my world yesterday during Les Mills Combat Power Hiit 1. I first met the burpee back when I started Turbo Fire. We were not fast friends. I've yet to find another exercise that elevates my heart rate or kicks my butt quite like the burpee.

So yesterday, in that cute little Australian accent of his, Dan preps us for the burpee. I stood there for a moment before pausing the DVD, literally, to think: "I hate these. They hate me. Do I do them? Can I just stand here or even fast forward? I've done everything else, am dripping sweat, making progress... I don't HAVE to." Then I realized that I was setting myself up for failure, that if I talk myself out of this, I will start talking myself out of anything else that challenges me. That could be a lot of stuff!

Well, I pushed play and pushed myself. I did some all out with passion and, by the end, I did have to modify and move a little slower, but I did the darned things. And I will do them next time. And the next time. I will never love them, most likely.

The moral of the story? Change doesn't come until you move out of your comfort zone and take on challenges that come your way.

Time for a system reboot...

Been awhile! School just sucks the life out of me. I let it consume me. I always say I'm not going to let it happen and then it does. Give up the things I love, the things that make me happiest. I grow frustrated and tired, turning to chocolate and then whining. Yep, that's me as a teacher. Pathetic, right? Being a teacher should not define me.

It's a new year, 2013, and time for those resolutions. I'm not much on resolutions, but I will say that I've been working since Christmas break started to refocus and reboot my lifestyle and priorities. I want to come home from work and leave the stress and drama behind. I want to workout FOR ME, enjoy my family, cook a healthy meal and get some much needed sleep. I want those things and deserve them. No more being a slave to my career. I'm more than that and worth more than that.

Now that I've made my bold declaration, time an update. I quite roller derby. I felt I didn't have the time as I was staying up at the school late and then coming home and working some more. I brushed my priorities and things I loved to the side, as you see. But I don't regret it much as, although I miss it, because my body was taking a beating. I don't want to feel old before I am! And I learned so much about strength and challenge through derby. Yep, fond memories made.

What is the new year ringing in? A rededication to my health and fitness, primarily. I started a 90 day wellness challenge that focuses on clean eating and habit-forming. It's going to be tough, but I can do it! I've also ordered one of the newest Beachbody workouts... Les Mills Combat! I'm dying for it to show up on my doorstep!!! I'm also focusing more on my business as I know it can change the quality of my life and that of my family in general.

So... I declare this a system reboot! Starting fresh because I deserve it!

Hello, Old Friend

The black bag is back... Chocolate Shakeology! I've missed this old friend! After months of Tropical Strawberry, I was just ready to go back to a flavor that brings comfort and richness to my tastebuds. Anyone who knows this flavor knows it is full of decadent, bold chocolately deliciousness. I'm looking forward to sharing some of my old recipes and hopefully come up with some yummy new ones.

I was bummed to discover I was out of coconut as I really wanted to whip up an Almond Joy-inspired shake in my nifty Ninja. Instead, I settled on my Tangy Black Cherry Chocolate shake.

Tangy Black Cherry Chocolate

1 scoop of Beachbody's Chocolate Shakeology
1 T chia seed
1/2 container of Chobani Black Cherry Greek yogurt
1/2 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze
water and ice

Blend and sip. Or chug. Whatever works for you! Enjoy!

Bringing back this healthy friend really helps me refocus on eliminating those unhealthy habits I have gotten into. I'm excited to go "old school" with some HipHop Abs and throw down some Turbo Fire before derby practice. I also have the Roller Derby workout I need to get into. I'm loaning my classic pound-dropper, Turbo Jam, to a dear friend and hope it brings her the same weight loss ass-kicking joy it did me.