4 weeks already!

I cannot believe I am already 4 weeks into Hammer & Chisel. I LOVE this program and will be doing another round when I'm done. These results are amazing for my challengers!!! The best part is Autumn's motivational advice in the daily workouts. They really hit home!!

What is Happening?

I'm still going strong on Hammer & Chisel and I absolutely adore this program. I love switching up the trainers daily and even better is that I am seeing RESULTS!!! I have not stepped on the scale since it hit 119.9 and I still haven't. But tonight after a long day I was dying to bust out the tape measure and I took a t.i.ny sneak peek AND drum roll folks....my areas that need spot work where showing a decrease in 2 inches EACH!!! I am on to something here with this program so keep expect me to be working hard on it. 

Hammer & Chisel: Week 2 - Friday

Friday is here! Hip hip horary. And to celebrate Friday there is a 40 minute workout called Hammer Power workout with Sagi. All with weights...you start with one light set of reps and then move to a medium set of reps. In the second round you do a light set of reps and then move to a heavy set of reps. 

There is a lot of shoulder work so by the time this workout was done by shoulders were burning! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Hammer & Chisel: Week 2- Thursday

Today is a REST day on the program but I wanted to do something. So I chose the 16 bonus free DVD that came with the challenge pack purchase. It was fast paced and cardio. Perfect workout for a rest day. Not too much and nothing strenuous. 

My rest was a 2 hour fantastic nap with my sweet little boy. 

On a side note, I am really disappointing myself with my diet. I cannot stick with a meal plan. The containers are so easy to use but I let my cravings get the best of me. So here is my honesty video. I'm not perfect! I can't believe you all thought I was. I am known in my family as the bakery girl. I love cookies, soft muffins and certain donuts. My vice. What is yours?

Week 2: Hammer & Chisel - Wednesday

I was prepared for today's workout, Chisel Agility because I feel like we are lifting, lifting and lifting and then all the sudden today is the first true cardio. It reminded me alittle of P90X3 cardio but without Tony's corny jokes. If you truly take the time to listen to Autumn you will realize how motivating she is. Dead on true everything she says!

The workout was about 38 minutes but really probably closer to 30 with all the breaks and warm up/cool down. I liked the moves and once I got going I was easily in the swing of things. But then there is the dreaded break and you have to repeat it all again. I wish it was just do it once and get it out of the way.

Today my kids decided to join in the fun with their big wheels and bikes and giggles and it made my agility work much more fun. 

Tomorrow is a program "rest day." I am going to take this opportunity to try the "free bonus workout" the program comes with. 

Week 2: Hammer & Chisel - Tuesday

Max Hammer Strength features Sagi and is 37 minutes long. I'm really enjoying switching up days with Sagi one day and Autumn the next. I feel like I have a personal trainer in my own house. 

Today I couldn't get into the workout room in the morning when I like to. It is so much harder doing it later in the day but I got into there around noon. 

Think...Lunges, push up, bench press, sqats, pull ups, lateral back with weights, deadlifts, abs, 1 arm row, sumo squats, shoulder press, split squats...all doable. Nothing crazy but a full total body workout. I also went heavier on my weights and realized I still could go heavier. Not bad for a girl!

And the bonus is look at my cute little workout buddy who joined me!

My favorite part was that we did one set of each exercise and then we were done with it! How good does it feel when you are done? AMAZING!!!!

I am feeling sore everyday but not so bad that I can't walk up the stairs. Just really tired! But that could be from all the shoveling I have been doing!

How is my nutrition? Well I would say it is about 50% good and good still use some more work. What do I need more of? Vegetables. What could I use less of? Probably carbs. Perhaps the increase in exercise has left me hungrier so I did have alittle more pasta noodles and soup yesterday and today than I should. 

Tomorrow is a drippy, sweaty cardio day with Chisel Agility. Wish me luck!

Week 2: Hammer & Chisel - Monday

Starting week 2 already. Monday starts with Chisel Cardio, a 39 minute workout with Autumn. This workout was intense. There are two rounds and you repeat the round when you are completely done with the first round. Later on in the day you will feel fantastic so work hard and enjoy later!!! Also, walked 3 miles on the treadmill...

On another note....I swear Autumn is watching me through her tv. Does anyone else feel that way? When she say’s, “no, you cannot stop at the last few minutes I put these moves in here for a reason” I feel she is talking to me. I am notorious for stopping workouts during the last 5 minutes but NOT this time. I pushed through. Workout done!

As we begin week 2 a few things:

-are you going heavy enough with your weights? Autumn said you should not be able to do more reps when the set is done or you didn’t go heavy enough

-don’t get discouraged by other’s progress. Our bodies have all been traveling different journeys. Some of put on (or lose weight) quickly while others have a tough time. Do you know it will take me 8 weeks to consistently lose 5 pounds while some will lose 20? Everyone treats their body different so no two results will be the same. 

-shut your door! Close your kitchen down by 7:00 pm. No more late meals or snacks this week!!!

Review of week 1: Hammer & Chisel

What happens when you make it through 1 week of Hammer & Chisel? You congratulate yourself and your challenge group on a successful start to their 60 days.

In review of the first week here are my best tips:

• Drink tons of water. I ate much better when I was hydrated.
• Preview the workout the night before so you know how long the workout is and what to expect. I found this really set my expectations appropriately and I did better in my workouts.
• Don't over plan your meals. When I cleaned my fridge today Sunday I found I didn't eat as much I planned and I had too much food waste. I thought I would eat more than I did. 
• I used containers from Monday-Friday late afternoon. Friday night-Sunday I just did my best and ate healthy portions but I did have some things that are probably not great for the meal plan. I am okay with that because the only person I am hurting is myself. I didn't go crazy with food just ate not as healthy as I did when I used the containers. 
• A silly, but effective tip I have is doing laundry on Sunday. I have all the clean socks and clothes I need for the week and just mentally feel better when this time consuming chore is completed for the week (think 6 people and the quantity of laundry I do).
• I added some cardio (because it is cold in my state currently) by walking on the treadmill. This helped me feel less sore and get me ready for my workouts.
• Close the kitchen by 7 PM!
• Reward yourself with a massage! You earned it.

I can honestly say that I really enjoyed the first week and am looking forward to tomorrow.

Day 6: Hammer & Chisel

Day 6 (of 60 that's right) and I wanted to share some information that I hope will help you!

First, if you have a piece of equipment in your house collecting dust now is the time to use it. I love warming up (and catching up on my favorite tv shows) while walking on my treadmill. I am logging miles that I wouldn't otherwise have since the weather here is not ideal for being outside.

 Your station...I love seeing my progress on a monthly chart. I keep the calendar and track how many miles I walk as well as use the Beachbody tracking sheets with the cute clipboards (blue for hubby and pink for me!).

Water!Water is so important. If I keep up with my water intake I find I am not hungry or having cravings. 

Today's workout was Chisel Endurance and it was TOUGH!! Autumn's turn today and it was 2 sets of torture. The first set included about 10 moves and then when we were done we repeated it. It was only 34 minutes but it felt like a lot longer. This could be because I was not well rested which leads me to my next bit of advice.

REST...if I sleep good my body feels good and I am ready to work out. Looking forward to some good sleep tonight so I am ready to tackle tomorrow.

Almost done with week 1!

Day 5: Hammer & Chisel

Today's workout was a-m-a-z-i-n-g! But I think I am in a good mood because the workout was 22 minutes long and went by super fast. Sagi was the trainer for today and his format was one set of 10 reps (slow) followed by one set of 10 fast reps. Great way to kick off the weekend!

I used 15 lb weights for most of my reps and when we did some shoulder and tricep (my weakest parts) I decreased my weight to 5-7.5 lbs. 

Sneak peek alert...I hopped on the scale because I am curious what one week of having proper portions will do to my weight and I was so happy to see I was down 3 pounds. I always weigh myself first thing in the morning as I usually find I could fluctuate pounds towards the end of the day.

3 more pounds to my goal weight (which is 114) and then hopefully I will start leaning out more. By not indulging in my nightly eating (the kitchen has been closing around 6:30-7 pm) I am noticing a difference in the bloat in my stomach and that I am sleeping better (I thought you were supposed to sleep better on a fully belly!!!)

I'm not tracking my foods for today and this weekend. I want to see how I do without taking pictures of all my food. I do plan on not having all my meals perfect this weekend. 

Looking forward to tomorrow's workout!

Master's Hammer & Chisel Day 4 Rest Day

Every Thursday on the Beachbody Hammer & Chisel program is a REST DAY! I think it is a little strange that Thursday is the assigned rest day (and yes you do need to work out on Saturday and Sunday). 

So when you have a rest day what are you supposed to do:

a) sleep all day, lounge in your pjs and eat bonbons

b) do something active to stretch you muscles

c) pick a brand new workout to do

B of course! You should do yoga, stretch, pilates, walk on a treadmill or get some fresh air. Since it is the middle of winter here in Chicago I will walking 4 miles on my treadmill and preparing for Friday's workout.

Meals today are going to be leftovers so I am going to skip sharing them with you. I am still going to be using the containers of course!

Day 3: Hammer & Chisel

Day 3 and it feels so great to be so sore. That's great, my whole body aches! My shoulders are especially sore. 

Today's workout looked so easy. BUT don't let looks fool you. This was another tough workout. Autumn was the trainer today and I was sweating within a few minutes.

I tracked my reps and just kept them all in one column rather than using the whole page.

 The layout of the 35 minute workout...you do 10 reps, hold the move for 10 seconds and then repeat and repeat again. Yup, 3 sets of 3 exercises!

I have been doing amazing on the meal plan. I really see why it is easy to get off track and put on a few extra pounds. If I don't have my meals planned out than I know I more tempted to grab something that is not great for me to eat. I like knowing (or having an idea of what I am going to be eating for the day).

Here is today's meal plan:
Breakfast: 1/2 english muffin (y), sausage (1/2 r), egg (1/2 r), cheese (1/2 b)

Snack: assorted berries (p)

Lunch: baked sweet potato (2 y), shredded chicken (r), black beans (r), cilantro

***NOTE: make sure you rinse your black beans really good. I didn't rinse them as well as I should and they turned the chicken dark.

This was super easy to make. I pre-cooked chicken breasts and then shredded it. Then while my potato was cooking I missed together a dash of himalayan salt, black beans and chicken. I chopped up some cilantro and topped it all of with it. 

Snack: Shakeology (r) with banana (p) and pineapple (p)

Dinner: (2 g) lettuce, (r) chicken mixed with lime juice (free), (a few red) some black beans, (a few yellow) tortilla strips. 

I was trying to make a Mexican salad and it tasted delicious.

Another trick I have done to wean myself off the huge quantity of junk is to allow myself a small treat daily. I am not talking about a donut...yesterday and today I allowed myself 3 small squares of a high quality chocolate (and that is not even one serving).

It's 6:30 pm and the kitchen is closed for me and I'm still hungry. Thank goodness I am shutting it down! No junk!

Also combining the program with treadmill walking. Lucky that Dance Moms is back on so I have some great shows to watch! Another 2 miles walking today!

Master's Hammer & Chisel Day 2

Day 2!

After my kids being off school for the last two weeks and one child having her tonsils out over break (nope no school yet for her) I know today is not going to be pretty. So I did as much as I could ahead of time to get us ready for the day (clothes are laid out, toothbrushes are pasted, lunches, snacks and water bottles are made and filled). My goal is to run to the workout room the second I get the kids on the bus and hit play. I was happy to see that tomorrow's workout is only 26 minutes. That means I will have time before I have to take my son to preschool in the morning. 

I just previewed the workout (I try to do this as it get's me an idea of what equipment I need and what I am in for) and it looks super intense. I am not going to stress because I know it is my first time doing this one. It won't be pretty or perfect!

People ask me...how can I work out first thing in the morning?

For me, it just feels great when I can wake up, take care of the kids and then take care of ME. If I don't work out right away I will not do it later on. My favorite way to warm up is to walk on the treadmill first for 1/2 mile or a mile. I get warm (I hate taking off my pjs's) but since I am warm I don't mind putting my workout clothes on and starting my workout. 

On to day 2 which is Hammer Plyometrics featuring Sagi. Isn't my pink clipboard so cute? It makes it more fun to track my reps. Well I tracked today's reps and I KNOW I did the best I could but some of those reps are so low! Something to improve on for next time this workout pops up.

So the big question is how was the workout? It was just as bad as I thought it would be when I previewed it. Maybe it's because it is fast moving and intense. I don't have a workout bench so I used my step bench and modified the pull-up and chin-ups. Here is a sneak peek of "crazy horses."

 So when I created my meal plan, I didn't take in account the leftovers. I don't want to waste food so I made some modifications to my meal plan (yes, I would love to modify it so I can just eat junk!!). Nope, what I am doing is changing it around so I am using up some of the leftover food.

Breakfast: 8:20 am oatmeal packet (y)

Snack: 9:30 am fruit (p)

Lunch: noon tortilla (y), chicken/leftover from last night (r) and lettuce (g)

Snack: 1:30 pm Shakeology (r), banana (p) and pineapple (p)

Snack: 3:00 pm - I wanted to use up this convenient pre-packed nuts/cheese mix so this was today's snack. I think the portions are right on.

I sure am craving the snack/junk food that I love to eat. But that is the slippery slope because one bite or one portion is not enough for me. So I am chugging lots of water and staying committed. 

Snack: spoon of peanut butter (allowed and better than reaching into the pantry for something not great).

For me the eating plan is one million times harder than the workouts.

Dinner: lettuce (2) greens, pasta sauce all natural (1) green and meatballs (actually it was 8 of them...2) reds. I sprinkled alittle parmesan on the sauce and it was delicious.


Calorie Target:
4 greens=1 left
3 purple=ate them all!
4 red=ate them all!
3 yellow=ate them all!
1 blue=gobbled up!
1 orange=eaten!
spoons=could have had more

Day 2 is a SUCESS!!! Experts say it takes 21 Days to create a habit so let's keep going strong!

Hammer & Chisel...how many workouts?

12 brand-new, 30- to 40-minute workouts that combine Sagi and Autumn’s proven techniques for 60 days of hardcore resistance training. 

Master Hammer & Chisel - Meet the Trainers

About your Trainers

Co-creators Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese are experts when it comes
to incredible physical transformations. Sagi has been crowned Mr. Israel— twice—and is a Master Professional Personal Trainer, IFBB Pro, member of the IFBB Propta Hall of Fame, Certified Nutrition Specialist, and Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist. Autumn Calabrese is a celebrity trainer, best-selling author, and working mom who has held certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA), and has competed at the national level in various
bikini competitions. 

Hammer & Chisel planning on the first week of workouts

Hammer & Chisel is a 60 day program that is Monday through Sunday with Thursday as a rest day. I plan on sticking to this schedule as much as I can. 

Successful workouts call for planning what time of day you are going to do be doing your workout. You cannot just wake up and not have a plan for the day. So here is mine:

Monday:
7:30 am

• Chisel balance

Tuesday:

7:30 am

• Hammer Plyometrics

Wednesday:

7:30 am

• ISO Strength Chisel

Thursday:

7:30 am

• Day off

Friday: 

7:30 am

• ISO Speed Hammer

Saturday:

9:00 am

• Chisel Endurance

Sunday:

9:00 am

• Total Body Hammer AND 10 minute Ab Hammer
• Massage is scheduled for noon as a treat for one week of hard work!

Until I planned out my week I didn't realize that every day as soon as I get my kids on the bus at 7:30 am it is the best day for me to do my workout. Then I either have to rush and get a child to an activity or school so I plan on showering mid morning. Remember it is all about the planning! I feel like I have a great plan for week 1.

Master's Hammer & Chisel what's included in the Base Kit

What’s included in The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Base Kit?

• 12 workouts on 6 DVDs
  
• A set of 7 portion-control containers and a shaker cup
  
• The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide
  
• Quick-Start Guide
  
• 60-Day Calendar
  
• 2 bonus workouts: 10 Min Ab Hammer and 10 Min Ab Chisel 
  

Hammer & Chisel Eating Plan

Sagi and Autumn make eating for your goals simple. That’s why they included their easy-to-follow and completely customizable nutrition plan, along with 7 portion-control containers that show you how to portion out the right amount of food to help you reach your unique fitness goals. 

Flexible nutrition that allows you to lean out, sculpt and maintain, or build muscle. 

I am using the containers as much as possible for my first round here and I hope I can stay on track. I am not going to stress if I cannot one day but my goal is to do it at least Monday-Friday.

Hammer & Chisel Before pictures and measurements

Eek! It has been only a few short months I finished all my 1/2 Marathon Training   and last race in November. After the race I went on a few vacations and recovered. I rarely worked out and did not pay any attention to my meal planning or nutrition. So with that said here is the cold hard truth of what happens when you give disregard for good nutrition or a 30 day work out. Oh yea and I ran out of Shakeology and didn't have it for about a month. 

Measurements:
chest 34 (no sports bra on)
arms 10.5
belly button 32
hips 35.5
thighs 19 (7 inches from my knee)
weight 119

I don't plan on measuring or getting on the scale again until after the full 60 days. So stay tuned for how I do...

PS I took high resolution photos on my camera that are better than these but these are just my starting point before photos so I can share them on my blog.

1.4.16 Day 1

It is with so much anticipation that I start the Master's Hammer & Chisel 60 day Beachbody program featuring celebrity trainers Sagi and Autumn Calabrese. This program combines the strengths of both of them. I knew when I saw this program that I would be able to give this program 110%!

Today is day 1 and I am going to blog my entire 60 day journey. I am COMMITTING to the workout plan and more importantly the nutritional plan. That is the hardest part of this program for me. So on days when I can I will be using the meal portion containers and planning out my meals. This doesn't mean that I will not be flexible with myself but if I can stick to the containers I will. 

So on to day 1!

I was very well rested when I woke up since I went to bed early yesterday. Woke up with energy and excited to begin. I warmed up by walking 1 mile on the treadmill (I am only walking right now and doing zero running). Then I hit play on my DVD player and began with Chisel Balance which features Autumn. 

Chisel Balance does not have any cardio only weights. BUT that doesn't mean you won't sweat. I had to take my shirt off and only wear my sports bra because I got hot (and I don't like getting warm when I work out). 

Equipment needed...weights, mat and bench (I don't have a bench so I just followed the program's modification). 

Each move is repeated twice. It is tough because you are trying to tighten your core and appropriate body parts. 

The toughest move was towards the end and called pistol squats. Innocent right? Nope, they are a killer. 

I had to laugh because the last 6 minutes when Autumn says, "don't think you can stop that you did enough"....that is exactly what I was thinking and would have done but I am 110% committed! Those pistol squats were killer! I used 12.5 lbs weights for the workout except for the second set of squats I went to 7.5 lbs. 

You can see my body flaws in this video but maybe in 60 days it will be tighter and toner!

Today is a cold, snowy day home where we have no where to go but stay home. So I am incorporating treadmill walking as much as I can. I walked another mile before lunch (and this is a great chance to get some walking in and catch up on my favorite recorded shows). I was able to walk 3 miles today which was a success!

Now on to my meals...

Before and during my workout I made sure to drink lots of water. Check!

My meals were all planned out but the best of plans get tossed aside. I decided to change it up alittle.

9:00 am egg/sausage/cheese muffin first rather than as a snack. 

 11:00 am Shakeology (Greenberry) with small banana and pineapple (the few grapes on the top are to eat:)

1:00 pm Mexican Chicken Tortilla soup (I didn't have enough for the serving size recommended so just had alittle less)  

Green salad with assorted berries

3:00 pm Peanut butter (spoon) with whole grain toast (this is when I am starving and would normally scarf down a big handful of cookies or other not great for you stuff.

At this point, I am only left with one red and one green container which I am saving for dinner. I am going to try some green tea with honey to hep with the hunger which I know is my stomach adjusting from overeating during the holidays.

3:30 pm cup of green tea with alittle honey

 I think I am the worldest most inadequate cook. I made the Almond Chicken from the new Hammer and Chisel meal planning guide. They made it look so easy and delicious. I probably messed it up somehow because it didn't look or taste like the book. 

 I fall in between containers so I was able to have alittle after dinner snack without feeling guilty. I decided to use some of my orange spoons I have left to eat some peanut butter.

 Also, the 21 Day Fix meal plan allows you to use a yellow container 3 times a week for a treat. Since I could have one more yellow and orange I had some popcorn and chocolate covered raisons. 

The kitchen closed by 6:30 pm and so did my eating. Can't wait for day 2!