Clean Eating Transformation

Transformation photos helped motivate me to start eating clean and lifting weights - I thought "If they can do it, so can I".  I know that you have all probably seen this transformation photo but the picture below is a more recent "after" photo (taken June 2012).

Find what motivates you.  Getting started is the hardest part!

Do you have a clean eating transformation you would like to share?  Leave a comment below and share your story!  YOU can help to inspire and motivate others!

Are you ready to get started?  Read this post to help make it happen!

- Scott & Whitney

Sunday Shred :: Shape Up September Outdoor Circuit

Let's celebrate the beginning of Fall with a little circuit workout that will get your heart rate going and get you outside enjoying the beautiful cooler temps (and the lack of humidity in GA!). Grab a towel, some water and head to a nearby park (with stairs, a park bench and a hill).

The Shape Up September Outdoor Toning Circuit Workout

Warm Up -

3 minute light jog

30 seconds mountain climbers

30 seconds jumping jacks

Repeat 1x.

Workout - 

Hill Sprints - 5x

60 seconds high knees

30 Tricep Dips on Park Bench

40 Park Bench Step Ups, alternating lead leg - 20x each leg

60 seconds burpees

20 incline pushups on Park Bench

40 sets Park Bench Taps, alternating legs, fast pace (tap toe on bench reaching leg up each time)

2 minutes continuous stair climb, fast pace

Repeat Circuit 2-4x depending on fitness level and available time.

Cool Down - 

4 minute light walk/jog (include hill)

1 minute walk

Stretches (personal choice)

Enjoy! Don't forget... The She's of H&S will be brining you their workout routines over the next few weeks. Check out the facebook page and let us know which body part you want us to focus on first!

Why it's OK to Fail

Over the past few weeks, I have received several phone calls and emails from readers and friends who have either fallen off the wagon or are doubting themselves. I wish that I could tell them and you that there is some magical formula to reach your goals, whether it's fitness goals, work goals or life goals. But, there is NOT.

Let's talk nutrition right now...

The way our bodies respond to different foods and different exercises is trial and error. It is imperative that you try something and stick with it for more than a week! You may see quick changes in your body within a week from a change in diet, but for real change to occur, it takes a little time. If you begin to plateau 2-3 weeks later, no worries. It's OK to fail! Think of yourself as a science experiment - you don't always get the outcome you are expecting on the first try. It takes constant refining to produce the results that you want. As our bodies age and respond to stimuli within nature, stress and family situations, you will need to adapt by changing your diet to suit your altered lifestyle.

Let's talk workout routine right now...

Ok... so it seems right that what we always do, what our bodies are used to, won't work forever, right? Well then why do so many of us fall in a rut of only doing certain exercises, only certain cardio machines? Perhaps, because it is comfortable... we know what we are doing and it doesn't make us sore afterward. If I can't say it enough, CHANGE IT UP!! You will NOT be a failure if you change up your exercises and feel like a fool doing them because they are awkward or you are unsure of proper form. Ask a trainer to help you with proper form - 9 times out of 10, they will help without charging you or pressuring you to sign a contract with them.  (Just don't ask them for a workout plan and expect them to do this for free.) It takes change in your workout routine to "trick" your body and produce positive results. Update: Try one of our workout plans here.

There's my pep talk for today! Don't be afraid to fail! If something doesn't produce the result you want the first time, you can only refine it and try again! This is not failure! It's simply finding a way NOT to do something.

When you just can't get it together read this.

Good luck!