My flabby abs are going to be fabulous someday

My friend, Shawna, is a Beachbody Coach. She posted a link to a sale online and I thought I should support her, so I bought the Turbo Fire workout system. Little did I know that my "supportive purchase" would turn me into an eager exerciser, and get me so excited to see results.

I have had an elliptical in my garage (I fired it--it wasn't working). I used it. I could go for over an hour on that thing, music blaring in my ears from my tiny little ipod. Music motivates me. And even though I love my ipod playlist, my elliptical had to go. You see, I started Turbo Fire. I love those workouts! I love Chalene!

I also have had other workout DVDs: Denise Austin, Tae Bo, Cindy Crawford's workout, Biggest Loser workouts, and Mari Windsor Pilates. Some of the previously mentioned DVDs were rarely played because the hosts were either crazy annoying, or the music and host motivation was lacking. I surely thought the Biggest Loser DVDs would be motivating-- I mean, have you watched a season of that show? Those contestants (the successful ones) lose SO MUCH weight! Bob yells at them and they move. Not me so much. I mean, I tried. But I think the music was lacking, I just didn't stick with it. I do like the Pilates DVDs. They always make me feel good afterward, I guess I won't be donating those to the public library--I donated them to a friend instead. Cindy Crawford's workout is challenging, but she makes really silly faces and mangles her lips into duck lips while she's breathing--it's annoying. And I think Denise Austin ate a cheerleader--she's a nice lady I'm sure. She's really fit. But she is the ultimate in annoying.

Now Chalene, she is great. She is so motivating and positive without being too cheerleader-y, and she's real. She sings along in one workout to "Push It" and says it's the first rap song she learned. She is positive and upbeat, always asking for more from you and reminding you to use proper form throughout each workout. I really like her style.

The Turbo Fire soundtrack is amazing too! Many of the songs are actually on my ipod workout playlist.

Here are my so horribly embarrassing before photos:

I honestly did not think I looked that bad. Sure, I know about my varicose veins. They are one reason why I am really motivated to get into shape. But I didn't think my belly, arms, and butt were that flabby. I suppose it's a good thing that my body image (in my head) was positive--I'm not a person that thinks negatively, so I have that going for me. But I will admit, these photos were a wake up call.

Fast forward to one year later: 

I have lost 26.5 pounds and 33.25 inches! After I finished a round of TurboFire, I moved on to Focus T25. Man is Shaun T motivating! I love that guy! My favorite round of T25 is round 2, it's challenging and I love all the burpees! Yup, I said it. I LOVE BURPEES!

After T25, a new program that really interested me was The 21 Day Fix. Because really, who can't make a 21 day commitment? The day I received that package, I was so excited, but the tiny little food containers scared me a bit. I had a reality check when I plated my first meal. It was a lot of food! 

I love the workouts in 21 DF because anyone can do anything for one minute right? And since the workouts are comprised of simple movements and are only 30 minutes long, I handle them like a champ. But, some of them have me screaming for Shaun T. Autumn is a slave driver! I hate her while I'm dripping with sweat and my muscles are screaming, but the next day when my muscles are sore and I know I am getting the results I want, I am thanking her deep, deep down.  

After doing a few rounds of 21 Day Fix but having three vein surgeries mixed in there, I ordered PiYo, Chalene Johnson's newest program, because well, I LOVE Chalene! I am just getting started on PiYo--I tried to do a workout the other day after a 21 DF workout, but my hands were so sweaty I kept slipping. LOL! I've since completed Define Upper Body and I was very sore the next day. 

Here are my one year progress photos. I am very happy with the results. Especially my abs, and my lack of varicose veins. Oh, and my smile! I love that I have a smile that beams now! 

I love the new body I have. I love the energy I have. I love the example I'm setting for my kids. And I love the future I have--it's so bright, I gotta wear shades! (Corny I know!)  

Here's a little ditty about my journey.

Since my progress photos were taken (only two weeks ago) I've lost another 3 inches overall. Commitment works!

My goals for the next year are to get my legs in even better shape. I have a photo that is my inspiration. Now if only I could find it.......

www.beachbodycoach.com/stephaniepierce

www.shakeology.com/stephaniepierce

www.myultimatereset.com/stephaniepierce