Hammer & Chisel - Week One Review

I am LOVING these new workouts - let's just start there. Chad and I started The Master's Hammer and Chisel program on Monday and today completed our first week. I had been doing random workouts since my knee surgery and it feels so good to be doing one program, following the calendar, and doing NEW things. Sagi and Autumn created such great and effective workouts. I couldn't believe how sore I was at the beginning of the week. Thankfully I had my performance supplements, Recover and Recharge or my muscles would have really been screaming.

Let's run through each workout for fun.

Monday: Chisel Balance --> a total body workout creating stabilization, muscular endurance, and core strength. This one wasn't easy for either of us. Looks like we have a lot of work to do in the whole balance department.

Tuesday: Hammer Plyometrics --> this jump training workout uses your entire body to create force, strength and power.

Wednesday: ISO Strength Chisel --> intense resistance workout using isometric holds and flexibility to increase strength.

Thursday: REST Day - and it was much needed.

Friday: ISO Speed Hammer --> tempo training workout that uses speed and isometric holds to create strength and grow muscles. This one was the shortest and we weren't complaining :) But I felt like I need to push myself a little more so I did the 12 minute Ab Hammer workout too. YIKES is all I can say.

Saturday: Chisel Endurance --> this is a time-under-tension workout that increases muscular endurance and strength. Probably my favorite one of the week!! Autumn is seriously my favorite trainer. I was DRIPPING in sweat.

Sunday: Total Body Hammer & 10 Minute Ab Hammer --> total body hammer is a hypertrophy workout focused on pyramid style sets to maximize strength and muscle growth. This one was a longer workout but I loved the moves and really challenged myself. Let's just say that Chad wasn't exactly please when he thought we were done and I said we needed to do the 12 minute ab workout now :)

I've also been following the nutrition guide to a T and you guys, it's seriously the best nutrition plan ever. You actually eat a lot of food - and you're not super restricted which I like. It's NOT a diet. You just are making sure you are eating balanced, so all the different types of foods that your body needs for fuel....and most importantly, the right PORTION SIZES. This is the biggest thing that most people struggle with....and probably just don't even know about. Portion size is everything people.

I was super good all week and then Saturday we had our first Christmas party. While I stuck to the plan all day and planned well, I did allow myself 2 glasses of wine and a few Christmas treats. Little more than I should have - but you know how that goes. I'm definitely not perfect and the struggle is real for me too. But do I shoot myself in the foot and give up? No - you just keep moving forward. There are going to be setbacks and you can't be perfect all the time or you would go crazy and you wouldn't be able to keep up with the healthy lifestyle. That's why all this works so much. You DO NOT DIET. You eat according to your goals. My goal is to be super healthy and for me to be super healthy that means that I eat foods that my body needs. When I eat crap, I will feel like crap - both physically and emotionally.

So yesterday and today is all about planning for the week ahead! Scheduling my workouts, making sure I have all of the food I need to stay on track, and making a general meal plan for the week so I'm never let just picking things to eat on the fly. Planning is KEY for me!

I can definitely say already with just a week under my belt that this is going to be one of my favorite programs I've ever done. I LOVE feeling challenged and like my body is changing and getting stronger.

Level

It's been almost a month since my last post about accepting help. I just wanted to give an update on all that because like I've said a million times before, I truly thing sharing things like this helps not only me but possibly other people who are going through similar situations.

So I tried one medication that made me really depressed. Like balling in the doctor's office depressed when he asked me how I was doing. So we swiftly changed that and tried something else and it's been over a month now with that and I'm feeling so.much.better.

I feel like myself again. Like I can focus, like I can breathe, like I can just enjoy life. I feel much more leveled and balanced which makes it much easier to go throughout the day, let me tell you that. I don't feel the intense anxiety and get crippled with it. I don't feel like I need a xanax so my heart doesn't explode.

I know there are so many opinions on medication, and there are so many alternatives and therapy. I understand all of that. And I've been through it all. I went a LONG time trying to handle it on my own, but I also know myself better than anyone else does and I knew something wasn't right.

I am so glad I chose to explore this direction because I feel like ME again. And most importantly, I feel like I'm able to be a much better Mommy and wife - which is always my number one priority.

My heart breaks for anyone who suffers from depression and/or anxiety and I pray for those of you who are very near and dear to me every day. <3

Master's Hammer & Chisel Low-Down

The day is almost upon us....something so many of us have been anticipating since we found out about it in July!! Tomorrow Dec 1st - our newest program is going to be released - The Master's Hammer & Chisel!! I will literally be checking the website all day tomorrow and will be ordering my copy as soon as it launches. I cannot wait to get my hands on it and to get started. It's going to be something so different than any other program I've done and I can't wait to see some amazing changes in my body. I want to go INTO the New Year feeling great and not WAITING for the New Year to think about goals and resolutions.

I've been in a sort of limbo doing random workouts from my programs such as 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme, T25 and Insanity Max 30 - so I'm so looking forward to starting a program and completing it from start to finish. To following the workout calendar provided and to follow the nutrition guide. I LOVE strength training and I was hoping we would have a new program that could spice it up for me! When we found out about this NEW program at coach summit in July - I about screamed out of excitement. My husband Chad is going to be doing the program with me, so this is extra special over here...since he hasn't done a program with me at all yet! I'll also be running an exclusive Hammer & Chisel test group for all of my coaches and clients so we can do it all together.

Let's talk DETAILS!?!

Hammer & Chisel is an expert workout system that delivers breathtaking, body changing results in 60 days. Trainers Sagi Kalev (Body Beast) and Autumn Calabrese (21 Day Fix) are amazing experts at sculpting bodies and earned many awards to prove it. So this program has been designed by both of these experienced trainers - sharing their strategies for resistance training to shake powerful muscles, shed body fat, and build a ripped physique. For me - I'm not looking to compete in any competitions, but I do what to look and feel my best and I want to challenge myself. And as I've learned - muscle burns fat and we all want to keep that metabolism fired up! So anything with weights and strength training plus cardio is what I'm all about. This is a 60 day program and each workout ranges from 30-40 minutes which is perfect because I've gotten real used to my short workouts :) Busy mom with lots to do - this is right up my alley.

This program is an innovative resistance-training system that includes all three phases of muscle sculpting—known as SSP Training— to rapidly build, chisel, and refine a masterpiece physique in just 60 days.

• Sculpt your ultimate physique with 12 brand-new workouts that incorporate the three phases of SSP Training— Stabilization, Strength, and Power—that are essential to building a powerful, perfectly defined body.
• Includes options to adapt certain exercises if you have limited access to equipment.
  
• Includes a modifier who demonstrates some moves at a lower intensity.
  
• Fuel your body for demanding workouts and achieve your best results with a straightforward portion-control nutrition plan that you can customize to meet your goals—whether you want to lean out, sculpt and maintain what you’ve got, or build muscle.

What do you need for the program:

You don't need a ton of space but you do need a few things as far as equipment goes. You need a few sets of dumbbells (5-20lbs) for women depending on your strength. You'll also want a pull up bar or an over the door attachment for your resistance bands. And last - you'll need a stability ball or a weight bench. I know many people who use the stability ball for workouts like this and it works just fine. So don't feel like you NEED the bench.

Optional equipment would be the Team Beachbody Club Membership so you can access On Demand streaming of your program. Maybe you go to a gym and would want to use their equipment for the program? Just take your phone, tablet or computer and you can stream the workout there. I would also suggest the Beachbody Performance Line Supplements so that you can maximize muscle recovery, performance, and results. I LOVE this supplement line!

What makes this program different than Body Beast or 21 Day Fix Extreme?

Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese combined their own effective body-sculpting techniques into one comprehensive resistance-training program.

Body Beast is a bodybuilding program that focuses on muscular hypertrophy. The Master’s Hammer and Chisel includes aspects of bodybuilding, but also focuses on improving endurance, power, agility, strength, balance, and range of motion to sculpt a powerful, defined physique.

21 Day Fix EXTREME is a shorter, goal-specific program, whereas The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is a full 60-day program with slightly longer workouts. 21 Day Fix EXTREME focuses on getting you shredded in the shortest time possible, while The Master’s Hammer and Chisel also helps you improve other aspects of your fitness, such as muscular endurance, power, strength, and agility. It’s a whole new approach to helping you achieve a strong and chiseled body. 


How Can You Be a Part of My Exclusive Coach Test Group??

*I must be your assigned coach. If you are not currently working with a coach, that is great - you can head over to my site and create a free account. If you already have an assigned coach, please reach out to your coach to see what groups they will be running.

*The requirements to participate in this exclusive test group are that you commit to the Hammer & Chisel Challenge pack which includes the following at a discounted price and shipping! **Price to be announced soon!!

• 12 workouts on 6 DVDs that rapidly build, chisel, and refine your body using SSP Training.
  
• A set of 7 portion-control containers and a Shakeology® shaker cup to help you master the art of nutrition— and sculpt your ultimate physique. As well as a 30 day supply of Shakeology!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide, with your straightforward eating plan, easy-to- make recipes, and Sagi and Autumn’s expert tips for getting the most out of your workouts.
  
• Quick-Start Guide lays out your 3-step blueprint for building the body you’ve always wanted.
  
• 60-Day Calendar that shows you which workout to do each day for efficient and effective training.
  
• PLUS 2 FREE BONUS WORKOUTS
  • 10 Min Ab Hammer: Carve definition into your core while strengthening your entire ab complex.
  • 10 Min Ab Chisel: This core-crusher will transform your midsection, without ever getting on the floor.
  

*When you order through me as your coach, you'll get an additional FREE bonus workout, The Master's Cardio!

*You must commit to being an active member in the online support and accountability group. It will be a closed group so nobody can see what is posted besides the individuals in the group. You must be willing to show up every day, log your workout, rate your nutrition check in for accountability and support and be present! In return, I am going to share with you how to meal plan, how to prep your meals, how to make it easy and simple to get results. I'm also going to help you along your journey by providing daily accountability, motivation, tips and tools to help you get the best results possible. I want you to see value if what you're investing in. Investing in YOU is the best investment you can make,...especially when it comes to your health.

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If you'd like to get on the list to be the first to know when the program is launched, please send me a message on Facebook or email me! This program is going to be AWESOME!!

Accepting Help

So I don't even know where to begin this post, but it's one that I've been thinking about and wanting to write for a while now.

But I've been scared. And ashamed I guess.

You see - I've talked a lot about my struggles with anxiety and depression throughout my life and I have also talked about how my healthy lifestyle has helped me to overcome so much of that. So it's been really hard for me to admit - even to myself - that the anxiety had crept back in and taken over so much of my life. Not because I want to hide it. Mostly because I want to be a positive force in the world. I want to inspire people and I want to be a great leader to my team and a great coach to my challengers. I don't want to let people down.

Defeat. That's what I've felt. Why can't I handle this on my own? If I just change my way of thinking. If I'm just more thankful. If I just try harder. If I could just learn how to calm down better. Try harder. Be better. You are stronger than this. Pray harder.

Defeat.

Defeat.

And Krysta loses.

It went on for too long and it was starting to cripple me. Short fuse. Very bad social anxiety. Not wanting to make any plans because it all just seemed too overwhelming. Feeling like a bad mom. Then feeling guilty for not being happy all of the time. And cycle repeats and repeats.

I have everything to be happy about. My life and my world is amazing. I have the most incredible husband on the face of this world. Seriously - the best. I'm not trying to be super corny, but I couldn't ask for a better person to share my life with. I never thought I would actually be in a relationship with someone like this ever. Where we actually respect each other 100%. Lift one another up. Don't fight. Really? I thought everyone just kind of fought a lot. Turns out it doesn't have to be that way. Anyway - I digress. I have an amazing husband who is way more than I could have ever asked for. And he's the best Dad too. He is the Dad who comes home every day from work and plays with his kids. Gives me breaks because he knows I'm with them all day and knows how hard that can be. He is always present and helps me with everything. I have beautiful, smart, funny, loving, insanely fun girls. SO BLESSED.

I get to be home with my girls and be present in their lives. I get to be my own boss and work on building my own business FROM HOME. In yoga pants. Every day. How could I possibly be anxious or depressed?

There isn't anything about my life that I would want to change. Nothing. So when the anxiety and sometimes depression sneaks in - I think WTF, seriously - why do you feel this way. What is wrong with you. Then I feel a little crazy. Like seriously loco. What is wrong with me.

So I finally decided to ask for help. Because nothing was making sense to me and it wasn't fair to my family or to myself. I wasn't doing an ok job on my own. Something in my brain isn't working right. Chemical imbalance. It's in the genes and just like someone with a health issue - it's OK to ask for help. So I went to my doctor finally and started taking something to help me. Still working on getting it all right. But for now - I guess I just wanted to share my story because I always want to be transparent. And it's hard for me to sneak this into a Facebook post. But I'm not going to post about this all the time on Facebook because I want to spread positive vibes.

At first I absolutely felt defeated because I so badly wanted to just deal on my own. But after time and lots of prayer, I am ok with the fact that I asked for help. It's ok. I put a lot of pressure on myself and the stress can be debilitating sometimes. I want to be everything to everyone and I never want to let anyone down. That's my biggest fear. Most of all - I never want to let my family down. I want to be the best Mom and that's SO HARD. Because as any other parent knows - you feel like a failure so much of the time and that's just normal.

But anyway - that's whats going on with me. I feel very exposed posting this, but thats ok. It feels kind of freeing too. I am so thankful that exercise helps me and it definitely still does....but now I just need a little extra help too. work.in.progress. always.

October Specials Are Here!!

On the last day of every month I get so excited to receive my Diamond Insider email giving us an early peek at what the specials are going to be for the next month. And honestly - every single month I think "ohhhh please be the program I want it to be!!" This month - it definitely is.

Soooo....my favorite & soul mate programs 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme are going on special for the month of October. Why do I get so excited about this? Because I am obsessed with the workouts and have been doing them for a long time now and I never get bored of them. The nutrition guide that comes with the program - with the color coded portion control containers just makes balance, clean eating effortless. This program is just the best package we have in my opinion. Especially for those people who are just started on their fitness and clean eating journey. 

Since I have seen such great success with the program, I can't help but share it with everyone I talk to. So you can understand my excitement when people come to me wanting to get the program and join my challenge group and I get to tell them they can save lots of $$ because it's the special for the month. And when you get your 21 Day Fix Challenge pack you also get a free insulated 21 Day Fix tote bag!

Never heard of the 21 Day Fix? Go here and read all about it and check out my personal journey with it when I did my very first round --> MY 21 DAY FIX PAGE

And if you are a 21 Day Fix graduate and are ready to step your game up, seriously go to the 21 Day Fix Extreme program now. The workout intensity are brought up a few notches and they get you serious results. There is also a more extreme nutrition guide that you can follow to if you really want to push yourself. Go here to learn more about that program --> MY 21 DAY FIX EXTREME PAGE

How do you get the special for the month and join my next online health and fitness accountability group? Just send me a message on facebook or send me an email and I'll hook you up. If you can devote 21 Days to making yourself feel better than you have in a long time, this is your program.

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And that's not all!! They have also put another program on special for the month. They are offering a special challenge pack on Body Beast and offering a free sample of the new performance line with the challenge pack. I have tried 4 out of the 5 products and LOVE them!

So what is Body Beast?

• 12 cutting-edge workouts that fuse the best of old-school resistance training with a new breakthrough in sports science called Dynamic Set Training®. 

• Designed to help you shed fat, pack on lean muscle, build strength, and get incredible definition in just 90 days. 

• Developed and hosted by the champion bodybuilder and clinical nutritionist Sagi Kalev who’s helped professional physique models, actors, and bodybuilders get cut fast. 

Who is Body Beast for? 

• Men and women looking to build a head-turning physique 

• Graduates of other extreme fitness programs who want to focus on weight loss and building lean muscle mass 

• Men and women who work out but aren’t getting the results they’ve hoped for 

• Weight-lifting enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive at-home program 

The exciting part of these specials is that the creator of Body Beast and the creator of the 21 Day Fix have teamed up to create a brand new program called Master's Hammer and Chisel that is set to be released in December and I am SO excited to do this one once it comes out.

I got to meet Autumn Calabrese again a few times at our Coach Summit in Nashville in July, got my 21 Day Fix Cookbook signed by her, had a few photo ops with her and also with Sagi Kalev!! I have fallen in love with weight training over the last year and these two know how to give you an incredibly effective at-home workout where you see amazing results.

So message me to get yours and join me in my next accountability group! Get yourself feeling great before the holidays hit. Don't wait until after they are done :)

September Customer Specials

September Specials are here!!

I think the program that they decided to have as the monthly special is perfect for this time of year. Kids going back to school, fall sports starting, lot of teachers going back to work. Having a program like PiYo would be great for the busy Mom to focus on herself for 30-40 minutes a day!!

Let's dig into the specials and what the programs are about!

PiYo

This was the second program I did after I finished T25 and let me tell you - it really works. Coming from an intense & fast workout routine to this was really good for me because it forced me to slow down and to work on my strength, flexibility, and balance.  Not to mention, it was extremely good for my mind and helped to relax me.  The thing I loved about it the most - you didn't need any weights and it was low impact.  So many people have problems with high-impact workouts and this one just fit so many people's needs.  With PiYo you use your body to shape your body!

First of all - I love Chalene Johnson!! Not only is she an awesome trainer, but she's an incredible motivator and I've become a huge fan of hers since I did PiYo back in July.

So a little facts - what exactly is PiYo??

• PiYo is a low-impact, high intensity body-transformation program that uses the most effective Pilates and Yoga inspired moves to sculpt long, lean muscles and burn fat
• Trainer Chalene Johnson uses fluid movements, keeping you in constant motion to give you a dynamic cardio workout that typical Pilates or Yoga workouts lack
• It is low impact so you won't have to jump around or strain your joints
• It's high intensity so you get the fat-burning results of a more extreme program
• It's designed to help you get an intensely defined, long and lean physique

Who is PiYo for??

Women and men who:

• Want to lose weight and burn fat without the high-impact jumps or complex choreography found in some cardio programs
• Want to build lean muscle but don't want to lift heavy weights or bulk up
• Want to get the results of an extreme program without straining their joints
• Like the benefits of Pilates and Yoga, but also want the calorie burn of a cardio workout
• Don't have time to go from class to class to do separate cardio, strength, and flexibility workouts
• Want a workout that doesn't require a lot of equipment
• Want to give their body a break from extreme programs but keep getting results and improve their performance in other sports by restoring their flexibility and core strength

3 Day Refresh

The 3 Day Refresh is a 3 day program of specially formulated shakes, healthy snacks, and delicious, easy to prepare meals that have been scientifically designed to help you lose weight and break the cycle of bad eating while dramatically improving the way you feel

Unlike juice fasts or liquid cleanses that are high in sugar and low in protein (which can leave you feeling weak and sluggish), the 3 Day Refresh is scientifically designed to help support your metabolism while nourishing your vital organs  Plus you actually get to eat delicious, real food during this program.

Some reasons to do the 3 Day Refresh:

• You need a clean break from a period of unhealthy eating (like a holiday or vacation!)
• You used to eat pretty well but you have recently fall off the wagon a bit and need some help getting back on.
• You want to jump-start healthy eating habits for a new workout program (like PiYo above!)
• You want to quickly lose a few pounds for an upcoming event
• You've never been a healthy eater, but you are ready to kick-start better nutrition for the first time
• You want your clothes to fit better and you want more energy
• You love food and want to feel satisfied while you lose weight and get healthier

before/after 

How do you get the deal?? 

To purchase the PiYo Challenge Pack - click here
To purchase the 3 Day Refresh Challenge Pack - click here

To purchse the PiYo Kickstart with 3 Day Refresh Challenge Pack - click here

     *the Kickstart includes the PiYo program, the 3 Day Refresh Program and Shakeology!

After you've chosen your program, you not only get me as a FREE coach, but you secure a spot in my next exclusive online challenge group. My September group starts "preseason" on September 14th where we will spend the first week going over our goals and measurements and getting prepare for our challenge together.

I would love to help you get all signed up. Message me on facebook or Email me so we can get you started. 

Arms & Abs Chisel Challenge

As many of you know, I'm a Beachbody coach and a huge part of my job is that I run monthly online health and fitness groups for my customers and coaches on my team. Learn more about those challenge groups by clicking HERE

But every so often, I like to do FREE groups that are mini 30 day challenges focused on different things. I am currently running a super fun group filled with lots of people who are doing amazing! I typically like to run a free group once every 3-4 months - but since my recent group has gone so well, I really wanted to continue on with the fun.

Yesterday I had arthoscopic surgery on my knee to remove part of my meniscus that was torn. So because of that - I'm going to be recovering and healing for at least 3 weeks and won't be able to do my regular Beachbody programs. I normally have been doing my 21 Day Fix or 21 Day Fix Extreme workouts because they are my favorite but I have to put those on hold for now.

So I am going to be focusing on 3 things over the next month or two. Arms, Abs & Laser Focused nutrition. I'll be picking my favorite arm and ab workouts from some of my favorite Beachbody programs that I have: 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme, T25, Insanity Max 30, PiYo, Body Beast, ChaLean Extreme, Les Mills Pump, and Brazillian Butt Lift. In addition to that - I'm going to do this 30 Day Arms & Abs Chisel Challenge as part of my new FREE group. 

Anyone and everyone is welcome to join the new group. We will start on Tuesday, September 8th! I'm sure everyone will be looking to get started with something after Labor Day. Lots of changes going on in most people's lives - summer is ending, school is starting, life is getting busy.....but it is SO IMPORTANT that we don't lose focus of our own health and fitness through the process.

So this group can be a way for you to start, continue, or supplement to your current exercise routine. We will have certain workouts posted for each day. I'll be including workouts that require no equipment as well as workouts that will require hand weights (dumbells or kettlebells). I'll also be posting clean eating tips, favorite recipes, and motivational posts along the way.

The one key factor that most people are missing when they start a new exercise or clean eating lifestyle is ACCOUNTABILITY. That is the beauty of a challenge group. When you are part of something where you have a place to check in every single day and you have a group of people doing it with you - it really keeps you on track and you are less likely to throw in the towel like you would if you were attempting to do something on your own.

Requirements to join:

1. We must be facebook friends. If we are not - send me a friend request.

2. Click on this link and request to join the group --> https://www.facebook.com/groups/1488015861517001/

3. Be ready to commit for 30 days!

4. Invite family and friends who would like to join in on the fun. I will be doing an initial prize giveaway to the 3 people who invite the most friends who end up joining!

Can't wait to start with you all on September 8th!

How Did I Become a Coach and Why I'm So Glad I Did

Made this video today for my Coach Sneak Peek group going on right now but wanted to share here too smile emoticon

Some of my personal story on how I got started as a Beachbody Coach and what I love most about it!

https://youtu.be/t0HCtasdAiw

If you want to learn more about coaching - message me on facebook and I can get you added. Or send me an email to krystajmeyer@gmail.com

Broken

in the middle of the night

when worry finds me

in the middle of a fight

when strength is gone

in the middle of a fire

when fear is closing in

You are, You are my song

You're my hope - when hope is gone

i will cast my cares on You the almighty

i will cast my cares on You 'cause You're good

i will cast my cares on You 'cause You love me, You love me

oh, oh because You love me

Do you have certain songs that just do something to you? This is one of them for me. Last night we were at Camp Geneva for a huge One Baptism event that our church was a part of. This was one of the songs we sang during worship. And I seriously don't know why - but it makes me cry. Every.single.time.

I think it's God working on me. For some reason this song reminds me of the way I used to feel. The word to describe the way I felt for most of my life is "broken". I always felt a lot older than my age and I felt the need to take care of everyone and try to fix any situation I could get my hands on. That started at a VERY early age. It's just the way God wired me to be, and it was the way I learned to be because of certain situations. My parents divorced when I was 6 and I know a lot of it started then. I wanted them to be together. What kid doesn't? I would watch the movie Parent Trap with Hayley Mills and try to imagine a way I could get my parents back together just like the little girls did on the movie. I didn't like having to see my parents less because we had to go from house to house. I still remember the tears and I can literally still feel them deep down in my soul.

I felt guilty all of the time. For everything. Things that weren't even in my control. Things that nobody made me feel guilty for. I would make a craft at school and they were supposed to be for your parents. Well, I had sure better hurry up and try to make two because I can't make mom or dad feel bad if I didn't make them both one.

I couldn't stand to see anyone unhappy or hurting. Especially my parents. And unfortunately I saw a lot of that for a while.......

ok. just broke down crying. need to regroup and get ahold of myself.

Ok. Moving on.

So I was like that pretty much my whole life. Trying to make people happier. Trying to fix situations. Slowly breaking down inside as the years went on. I would tell everyone I was fine because the last thing I wanted to do was to make people worry about me and have something else on their plate. I didn't want to be a burden. I know now that I wouldn't have been, but I sure didn't know it then.

Years and years of pretending to be ok does a number on you. It's lonely.

I'm thankful that I always had a pretty good head on my shoulders and had goals. My parents always taught me the important things in life. They taught me how to treat people and they taught me how to work hard. All of that coupled with the fact that I wouldn't ever want to disappoint them - kept me on the straight and narrow path for the most part. That is not saying I didn't make my fair share of mistakes. Maybe one day I will have the courage to share those.

But just because I didn't act out - doesn't mean I didn't feel like I was dying inside.

I won't make this post any longer than it already is. I have so much more to share about my journey, my mistakes, my triumphs - but for today I just wanted to share what was on my heart about being broken.

Because there is redemption and restoration.

I know that God made me. And that He DOES NOT make mistakes. Every path we go down in life, He knows it before we walk it. And He is right there beside me. Every step of the way. Most of my life I didn't understand it. I always looked to other people for my happiness. And I always felt alone and broken.

But God takes our brokeness and makes it beautiful. So beautiful.

And even though you might follow my blog or follow me on facebook and see me happy and smiling and posting motivational quotes all the time - I want you to know that everything just didn't come easy for me. I have had to work for everything and to get to this spot emotionally.

And why share it? Why spill it all out here for even strangers to see? Because I want someone out there who might feel absolutely broken and alone to know that it doesn't have to be that way. Things can change and you can change. And if I can help even by just talking with you or praying with you - I would love to do that. And if you're too scared to talk about it - that's ok. Maybe one day you will be ready.

And you can remember that you are NOT alone in this. Ever.

WHY

So as a Beachbody Coach - we talk a lot about our "WHY". When we start at challengers, we write our goals down and are asked to dig deep into our why of being a part of the challenge group and starting the at-home workout program and Shakeology. It's not about "oh I want to lose 20 pounds". That is not deep. Why do you want to lose 20 pounds? Because I want to put clothes on and not want to cry because I feel so uncomfortable.

How many times have you had somewhere to go and you try on 5 outfits and none of them feel right and you just want to cry? Or throw your clothes and make up an excuse not to go out?

I've been there. Or maybe it's because you want to play with your kids and not feel like you're drained of all of your energy. Or you want to go to the beach with them and not wear a sweatshirt and jeans. Or you want to actually be in one of the 100 pictures you take of them so you are in part of the memories. Those are the WHYS we help people dig down deeper to get into.

When you dig seriously deep into your why, you much more likely to want to succeed because you let that drive you. When you let only a dumb number on a scale drive what you do - you will give up and get frustrated. It's so much more than a number on the scale.

So moving on.

Then as you get into coaching - we are asked a lot what our "why" is for wanting to be a coach.

Every coach starts with "I want to help people" or "I want to make money so I can quit my job to stay home with my kids". I'm pretty sure every single coach has as least one of these that they think is their main why. But it's not the real why.

Of course we all want to help people. If that isn't your main driving factor that keeps you passionate about this business - then you will never see long term success. You might fool people into buying the programs and Shakeology and joining your challenge groups because all of these things really do work. But you will not be in this for the long term.

Our whys are what define us. What keep us pushing harder and harder, especially when times get tough.

I started coaching because I saw such a drastic change in my life just by joining my first challenge group. When my eyes were opened to what could happen when you focus in your health - both physically and mentally - I couldn't wait to just share it with the world.

I will share my why sometime. I'm not ready to share publicly yet because it's very personal to me.

But I write this post because I want anyone reading to re-evaluate some things in their life. Whether it be fitness/health related.....career related....or whatever. Write down what drives you. Then keep asking yourself questions.

I want to lose weight. Why?

Because I want to feel more confident. Why?

Because I want to live my life to the fullest and not hide anymore. Why?

Because life is short and I know that I have so much to offer if I just feel my best. Why?

Because when I feel my best I'm a better wife, mom, friend, daughter and friend. Why?

Because I'm able to really be myself and share myself and my blessings with others.

You catch my drift by now I'm sure.

What is your WHY for the things you do?

Changing Focus

I haven't been blogging as much as I want to and I have been making excuses. There is always the excuse of being busy and not having enough time to do everything I want to do. And while that is true - I do completely believe that we make time for the things that are important to us. So here I am, blogging...because it's something that makes my heart happy.

Work is always going to be there. It's a never-ending to do list. Housework will always be here. Let's be honest - I could do a lot more of that. But you have to pick and choose your priorities and not get upset at yourself for not being able to do everything ALL the time.

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I've been thinking a lot lately about my challenge groups, my challengers and their results, and how I can get out there and reach more people to help.

When I first started coaching - my focus was on helping people lose weight. Because I just kind of figured that it was something that most people would want. There is an obesity epidemic in our society and it really is causing a lot of health problems for so many people. How many of you reading this would like to lose at least 10 pounds? I'm guessing 90% of you. I used to be there too. Focused on the scale. How low can I get that number? For me, it never could get that low because let's face it - I love food. I've completely changed my diet to be 90% clean so it's ok that I love food - but I'm never going to cut calories so low just to get that dumb number down on the scale. And because two words. Peanut butter.

What my focus has turned to is HEALTH. How can I help people just get healthy. Because if you think about it - if you just focus on the right steps to make your lifestyle as healthy as possible - the weight is just an after-effect. Definitely a nice one if you have weight to lose..but you get what I'm saying.

When I started my journey with Beachbody as a challenger over a year ago, I decided I would do T25 beacuse it seemed like a good cardio program. Before I started my first challenge group as a challenger myself - I was watching what I was eating, but I was definitely doing it all wrong. I thought low fat and low calorie foods were the answer. I had no idea what clean eating was and what artificial ingredients in all those foods were actually doing to my body. I have learned so much through my challenge groups and the MOST through following the 21 Day Fix nutrition plan.

Let's back up a little bit. My whole life I ate like complete garbage. I don't even know how I wasn't 200lbs. I guess my younger self had a higher metabolism than I thought. Lots of junk food, always ate out, never drank water - only diet coke, high sugar coffee drinks, and alcohol. What a nice combination, right? Then I would complain about being sick all the time, blaming it on my genetics and stress. I'm sure the stress part was dead on - but I wasn't aware of the stress I was putting on my insides just by filling it with absolute trash all of the time. A diet coke and a s'mores pop tart is not a healthy breakfast it turns out.  I almost want to gag thinking about the things I used to eat on a regular basis. But anyway - I digress....

So in May of last year, I started my first challenge group and learned about clean eating. And just as important - I started drinking Shakeology every single day.

Life.changed.

When I started noticing the drastic improvements in my HEALTH - both physically and mentally, I cared less about the scale and way more on how I could continue this journey to being the healthiest me.

My husband is still amazed that I NEVER get sick any more. I'm talking never. I used to be someone who suffered from horrible migraines all my life, always had a cold or stomach flu....to now - never getting sick.

I don't think it's a coincidence.

So this is my focus and this is what I want to share with the world.

When my challengers come to me and tell me how much the program they are doing, the challenge group and their support has completely changed their life and that they have never felt better both physically AND emotionally - I feel like I did my job and served them right as their coach.

I want people to feel amazing. I want other Moms to have the energy and health to be super active with their kids. And I want them to teach the next generation what it means to really take care of yourself - through being active and through proper nutrition. The proper nutrition piece is so incredibly important, especially in this day and age when we have 90% of our grocery stores filled with food that is horrible for us.

I am so happy that I have found Beachbody  - because it has truly changed my life and given me the ability to help so many others change theirs!

Beachbody Performance Line

When we were told about the new performance line a few months ago - I was super pumped! I've been using Beachbody's Energy and Endurance formula for a long time now and have loved it. It's a great pre-workout drink that always gave me that extra pep in my step and helped me to push harder and focus. Now I'm switching to the new product in the Beachbody Performance line because it's supposed to be even better. Just like anything else - we learn more about how the body works and these products were made to work with the body even better than the current products.

So what are each of the new products in the line and what can they do for you?

Beachbody performance is a line of premium performance supplements designed for people to use with their Beachbody fitness programs (or any fitness routine), which will improve performance and recovery, and will help anyone reach their fitness and health goals faster.

The system consists of five powder drinks that are formulated with key ingredients scientificaly shown to be effective:

1. Beachbody Energize Pre-Workout: Help ignite your energy and sharpen your focus by taking Energize before workouts. It's specially formulated to help you push harder and last longer, because every ounce of extra energy means better results. Key ingredients include beta-alanine, low-dose caffeine from green tea, and plant-based quercetin scientifically shown to delay exercise-induced muscle fatigue, improve performance, and help you push with maximum intensity.

2. Beachbody Hydrate During-Workout: Hydrate your body more effectively than water alone for all-out performance by drinking Hydrate during workouts. Typical sports drinks have too much sugar and artificial ingredients that can actually dehydrate you. And water alone doesn't effectively hydrate or replace what you lose through sweat during workouts. Hydrate is specially formulated to give you an optimal balance of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and water, which quickly replaces what's lost and helps improve your endurance, so you can work out longer and feel better.

3. Beachbody Recover Post-Workout: Take advantage of the critical post-workout window to help speed recovery and reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness with Recover. Key ingredients include high-quality time-released proteins to support muscle recovery, an optimal ratio of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to help build muscle, just enough carbohydrates to stimulate muscle glycogen recovery, and a powerful ellagitannin-rich pomegranate extract to help improve strength recovery and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness.

4. Beachbody Recharge Nighttime: Help accelerate recovery, combat exercise-induced muscle soreness, and promote muscle growth when your body is primed to accept it: while you sleep. Recharge is specifically designed to help support your body at night, with key ingredients like micellar casein protein to support overnight muscle recovery and repair while combating breakdown, an optimal ratio of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to help support muscle growth, and a powerful anthocyanin-rich tart cherry powder to help reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness.

5. Beachbody Creatine: Blast through high-intensity exercises and turn your last rep into the second or third to last rep. Creatine can help you push that much harder in every workout, for ultimate performance and quicker results. Creatine monohydrate is the purest, safest, and most effective form in the world--it's scientifically shown to help boost muscle strength and power, improve high-intensity performance, and enhance the effects of resistance training.

**For those already drinking or interested in drinking Shakeology - it is perfectly fine to use the Beachbody Performance supplements in addition to Shakeology. However, for best results - do not mix Shakeology with any of the Performance formulas.

Designed by Harvard-trained scientists and based on cutting-edge sports science, exercise physiology, and nutrition research, Beachbody Performance contains scientifically proven ergogenic (performance enhancing) ingredients and plant-based nutrients to help maximize exercise performance and recovery safely, effectively, and NATURALLY. No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

The new line is set to Launch July 22nd and the awesome news is that they are offering FREE SHIPPING with the new launch.

Message me on facebook or send me an email if you're interested in learning more!

Ready to order yours??

Click HERE for Performance Line Pack + Beachbody On Demand Discounted Challenge Pack
Click HERE for Energize Pre-Workout 
Click HERE for Hydrate During Workout
Click HERE for Recover Post-Workout
Click HERE for Recharge Nighttime
Click HERE for Beachbody Performance Creatine

Or take advantage of the Stack Packs - buy in bundles and save $$

Click HERE for Performance Stack which includes Energize and Recover
Click HERE for Advanced Performance Stack which includes Energize, Hydrate, and Recover
Click HERE for the Ultimate Performance Stack which includes Energize, Hydrate, Recover, Recharge and Creatine

There are also SAMPLE PACKS available HERE

30 Day Money-Back Guarantee: The Beachbody performance system of supplements is guaranteed to give you the incredible body transformation you're looking for. Try them for 30 days and if you don't experience better energy, stamina, strength, focus, and speedier recovery - simply send them back within 30 days for a full refund of the purchase price.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegear

Some of my favorite benefits from this awesome stuff!

Thrive Market

So if you know me at all, you know I love finding good foods at a great cost. I checked all the prices to my other favorite site Amazon - and they were all cheaper and that was before my 25% off.

Enter Thrive Market. I've been hearing about this and seeing ads for it all over the internet lately but hadn't had a chance to really check it out. I'll be honest, when I first saw it - I thought it had something to do with another company that sells patches. I was happy to see that it wasn't :) Then one of my challengers mentioned it in our challenge group this morning that she just signed up and it was great so I thought I would give it a whirl!

So anywho - not only is everything already marked down to wholesale prices, but on your first order you get 25% off and there is free shipping on orders over $49 right now. I stocked up my friends.

What did I get?

1. Once Again Organic Sesame Tahini >> I'm going to use this to make hummus and some dressings, but I'm also going to be researching other great ways to use it. There are lots of benefits to eating Tahini and I'm excited to try it!

2. Navitas Naturals Organic Trail Mix - Goji, Mulberry, Goldenberry >> this premium trail mix contains high-energy goji berries, sweet antioxidant-rich mulberries, and vitamin packed goldenberries.

3. Bob's Red Mill Organic Coconut Flour >> I'm trying to move to a more Paleo way of eating and a lot of the recipes that I've been looking at have called for Coconut Flour - so here we go!

4. Nutiva Organic Black Chia Seeds >> There are tons of benefits to chia seeds and I plan to add them to my Shakeology from time to time. I'll make a whole separate blog post on the benefits of Chia Seeds soon!

5. Paleo People Apple Crisp Gourmet Grain Free Granola Clusters >> Like I mentioned before, I'm trying to move to a Paleo way of eating for the most part and I find my biggest struggle is when I get the itch to have a snack. I wanted to have some special things to have on hand that I could have a small handful of to at least take care of the craving but still be mindful of how I want to be eating.

6. Paleonola - Grain Free Granola, Chocolate Fix >> Because same reasons mentioned in #5 and who doesn't need a little chocolate and granola in their life?

7. Braggs Organic Apple Cider Vinegar >> I drink this on the regular and it's amazing stuff. Once again, a whole separate blog post on the wonders of this stuff. But this is an amazing price and I'm almost out so it was way worth it.

8. Gaia Herbs - Adrenal Health Formula >> Working out all the time can put a lot of stress on your body and I've heard of so many people who have gone into adrenal failure and things kind of spiral after that. I want to try this out to see if it makes me feel any different and just want to be proactive about stuff like this. I like to be able to speak from experience and experiment with things!

9. Organic India - Tulsi Peppermint Tea >> I've been meaning to get some peppermint tea for a long time now and keep forgetting. There are a lof of health benefits associated with it, especially dealing wtih digestive health, bloating....all that fun stuff.

10. Coconut Secret - Organic Raw Coconut Aminos >> When I was doing the Beachbody Ultimate Reset program I was introduced to Braggs Liquid Aminos which was actually really good. It's a super good alternative to soy sauce and puts a lot of good flavoring in your food without all of the sodium and added junk. This is kind of like that but has coconut too! Can't wait to try it. Since I don't use condiments or any store bought dressing or marinades, I'm always looking for new things to try out.

On Perfection && Grace

I've been thinking a lot about the idea of perfection and how it relates to grace.

Being a health and fitness coach, I feel like I'm expected to be on my "A" game all of the time. I know I put a lot of the pressure on myself and that nobody really expects me to be perfect. But I always want to be the good example for people. If I can show people that I'm doing a great job - then maybe that will help motivate them to do the same so they can be healthy!

But I think its very important to talk about imperfections because being perfect is never attainable. And why would we want it to be? Our Pastor said some really great things in his sermon yesterday and it got my mind just racing thinking about how it relates to so many areas of our lives. When God created the world and everything in it, it was "good". The Bible never says it was perfect. Perfect is static and never changing. But "good" allows so much opportunity for things to be better. For things to keep improving. We were never designed to be perfect creatures. Rather, we were made in His image, with free will.

Doesn't that feel so much better than dealing with the guilt of never reaching that "perfect" place you feel like you're always striving for?

With health and fitness - I'm never going to eat perfect. There are delicious things in this world like chocolate and wine and I'm not going to forbid myself to enjoy those things once in a while. I think the important thing to remind ourselves is that as long as we are putting in an effort to make good choices like 80% of the time, you're doing a pretty darn good job. I always tell my challengers that they should just be proud of themselves for showing up and caring about their health. Getting down and hard on yourself because you screwed up for a few days is not going to be productive. It leads to feelings of guilt and remorse and then things just snowball.

When you look at life, and goals, and dreams as merely a journey and not a final destination - things just get so much easier. Or...maybe just more enjoyable at least.

This leads me to GRACE. We need to offer ourselves a little more grace. In this fast-paced world where we feel like we are expected to be the best and greatest and fastest at every single thing we do - it's so hard to feel like we measure up. We need to just stop for a minute and think about all the things we are doing right. And for the mistakes we make - forgive ourselves and offer ourselves grace. Guilt and worry do nothing positive in our lives except drive us down further.

So join me today. Stop trying to be perfect and forgive yourself more. Be the best you can be...and be happy with "good". Make one more good choice today than you did yesterday. And if you don't - it's ok. There is beauty in the way our world was created. 24 hours in a day. Days separated by the night. The ability to wake up every single day to start fresh. It's up to us how we want to view each day.

Yes - this IS a Real Business.

This post was not easy to make, but I think it's very important so I'm just going to push publish and share away. Yikes.

I am not one to talk about money because I do view it as something private. But I also want to be able to share this business with all of those women who are just like me who could benefit from this opportunity in the many ways that I have so far.

I am a year into my business. I have worked VERY hard at building my business through working early mornings, through nap time and all night after my kids go to bed. I have been able to be home with my kids every single day for the past year while working my business during the hours that it works for my family.

And what is my business exactly? I help other people to focus on getting healthy, fit, and comfortable in their skin. ummm...pretty sure this is the dream job/career that I was always looking for. I'm able to be my own boss, work the hours that I want, take vacation whenever I want, be with my kids all the time without having to cart them to and from daycare. And not only do I get to help other people start their own journey towards health - but I get to help my coaches on my team see success in their own business by sharing what I've learned and what works for me. I cannot tell you how many lives I've seen changed by joining this company as a coach and I just want to share it with the world.

Will you get rich quick? Nope, probably not. It's just like any other business. You start slow, you do a lot of training, and you invest TIME into yourself and your business. But the rewards are AMAZING. This week was my highest commission check yet and let me tell you, it was pretty exciting waking up to see what the number was.

What is so cool about $900 earned in one week? Well - it's more than I made per week at my professional job as a full time financial analyst. I also didn't have to pay $450 to a daycare center for the week to watch my kids. I'd say that is enough to make anyone excited. I've also earned a free 5 night all expenses paid CRUISE for both Chad and I along with extra spending money while we are there!

I share this because I want people to know that this IS REAL. If you have a passion for health and fitness, want to get into the best shape of your life, are driven, are ready and willing to learn, want to work at home  - as much or as little as works for you....JOIN me! I'm starting a NEW coach apprenticeship program soon and I'd love to have you join me on this fabulous ride. Message me or email me at krystajmeyer@gmail.com if you want to learn more.