Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Les Mills Combat - What is it?

 
What is Les Mills Combat?
As you may have heard, Les Mills Combat is one of the newest and most anticipated programs Beachbody has produced.   But what exactly is it?   Les Mills Combat is a 60 day program that combines MMA inspired work outs and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training).  This program synthesizes explosive moves from six martial arts disciplines to trigger lean muscle and burn fat.  They use moves from  
  • Boxing
  • Muay Thai
  • Kickboxing
  • Tae Kwon Do
  • Karate
  • Jiu Jitsu
The secret to this programs results is fast twitch integration training.  This means that the moves work fast twitch muscle fibers, which have the greatest capasity for change.  Les Mills Combat is designed to burn massive amounts of calories and maximize lean muscle definition in a short amount of time.

Who is Les Mills Combat For?
Les Mills Combat is for anyone!  It will help those with beginning fitness levels looking for fun, to burn fat and add lean muscle.   People of moderate athletic abilities can use this to take their bodies to the next level.   For those who are extremely fit, this is great to burn away the last few pounds and reach a higher potential.   Included with the program are three calenders to help with each group.  The basic Les Mills Combat calender will be good for those who are new to fitness or at a moderate level.  The Supreme Warrior would be good for those who already work out on a regular basis.  Would be especially good if you have done Insanity or P90X.    The final calender is the Ultimate Warrior calender.  It follows the Ultimate Warrior Kit. Modifications are also shown for all work outs.

What's in the kit?

Basic kit includes:
  • 7 work outs on 5 DVD's
  • Calender
  • Fitness and Nutrition guides
  • BONUS: Bonus DVD and Free shipping when you order through me!
Supreme Warrior Kit:
 
 
  • Everything from the Basic kit is included
  • Gloves
  • Free Bonus DVD and Free shipping when you order through me
Ultimate Warrior Kit:

  • Everything from the Basic kit
  • Gloves
  • 2 extra DVD's with 4 additional work outs
  • Bonus DVD and Free shipping when you order through me
Why Pre-order?
When you pre-order, you will get the free shipping and bonus DVD.  This offer is ONLY available when you order through your favorite Beachbody coach!   When you pre-order by December 3rd, you will receive this before Christmas.  There is no guarantee that if you don't pre-order you will receive it before Christmas.   One more bonus - You do not pay until it ships!  Pre-order now, pay later!  :)

How can I get it?
EASY!  Click on the photo below!  Looking forward to pushing play with you!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Exercise and Mommy Guilt

Working out in itself is hard.  Working out with a toddler - well that becomes a great big challenge some times.   Like last week when I was trying to do Les Mills Pump.  My son would not let go of the bar and screamed "No! Mine! No! Mine!"  while gripping the bar with a strong enough grip I could lift him.   
Then there is today.  Today was one full of mommy guilt over exercising.  How does one continue working out when their child wants attention?   It was hard.  Today I did Rockin' Body.  I wanted to see if it would be a good work out to use while on vacation.  The program I did today was approximately 40 minutes so not too long.   It was apparently too long for my son.   At first he did great.  He was even "working out" with me. Then he moved onto toys and doing his own thing.   His time limit expired when I had 5 minutes and 38 second left.   He was done.   Trying to climb on me, crying at my feet, and obviously not wanting me to finish.  But I had too.

My son had been fed, had a clean diaper, and had plenty of toys in his room and the living room to play with.  Even still, I felt guilty for putting my exercise ahead of him.  Even if it was just 5 minutes remaining.  My son is my inspiration.   I want to show him that I am a fit, healthy mom and one he can look up too.  So for today, my desire to be healthy took over my role as a mom.  I'm still feeling a little guilty for it.  But as I told my son, now we have the entire day to play and hang out - I just needed a work out.

I think finding time to work out and be a mom can be hard.  It's all about balance.  It isn't always easy.  But I can rest easy knowing that my son is seeing me be a fit and healthy mom.   Despite days like today, working out with him awake is usually a bonus.  I get my work out in early and he watches me do something healthy.   So moms (and dads!),  that one hour work out may make you feel a little guilty, but think of the benefit you are giving yourself and your family!  Have a great week and keep working out! 








Thursday, November 8, 2012

SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder



Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, currently affects 6% of people residing in the United States alone.  I am one of those people.  As soon as daylight savings starts it's like a switch.  My depression (which I have been battling for a while now) gets worse and my anxiety goes through the roof.  This year I decided to do a little research.  

SAD occurs around the same time every year, usually in fall and winter.  In rare cases it occurs in spring and summer months.  It affects more women than men.  In fact, 3 out of 4 women between the ages of 18 - 30 are typically affected.   Those affected commonly live in the Northern and Southern hemispheres.    If you already suffer from depression and anxiety, SAD my worsen it. 

If you experience these symptoms the same time every year, you may be one of the 6% - and you should seek advice from your doctor.
  • Weight gain
  • Difficulty concentrating at school or work
  • Craving foods high in carbs, like breads and pasta
  • Low energy, tired
  • Social withdraw
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Hopelesness
The causes of SAD are currently unknown.  However, some scientists believe it has to do with the short day light hours and lack of vitamin D.   So what can you do about it?

First, if you think you suffer from SAD, you should seek medical help.  There are several options your doctor may suggest.   

Light therapy for one, may be an option.  Light therapy, or phototherapy, is a light box that mimics natural light.  This may change brain chemicals to enhance your mood.   It may even start working in 2 -4 days.

Antidepressants may be option for some, especially if your suffering is extreme.  

Talk therapy may help as well.  You may learn to change your negative thoughts, learn healthy ways to cope with SAD and manage stress.  

In addition, you may also try some home remedies.   Open blinds during the day.  Sit near bright windows.  Get outside.  Go for a walk, take your kids to the park or just sit on a park bench.  This is especially affective within two hours of waking up.   

Exercise regularly and eat healthy.  Studies show that a healthy diet and regular exercise will reduce stress and anxiety.

Some homeopathic options may be acupuncture, yoga, meditation or massage. 

I hope this provides you with some useful information.  If you suffer from this, I would love to hear from you.  How you deal with it, what works, what didn't, your experience over all.   Once again, if you suspect that you may be suffering from depression, anxiety, or SAD, please contact your doctor for proper treatment. 

References: 

http://www.webmd.com/depression/tc/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-topic-overview?page=2

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195