With the release of Shakeology from Beachbody, numerous questions have surfaced regarding this new meal replacement shake. Fortunately for us, we have a fitness expert to address these questions, Steve Edwards. As more questions become available, I’ll post them as well.

I have personally started Shakeology. I’m starting another round of P90X on Monday, my 9th round actually. I plan on doing my own Shakeology experiment during this next 12 weeks. Although, I have only tried each flavor once, I must say I like Chocolate the best. But I have heard more people reporting back that Greenberry is their favorite. You’ll just have to try both.

Before I turn it over to Steve Edwards on the Q & A, let me address the biggest question (comment actually) that I hear the most: Shakeology is expensive.

True Shakeology is $119.95 for 30 days. Which breaks down further to about $4 a day. If we looked at that fact ONLY, we could say, “You’re right, it is expensive.” But Shakeology is a meal replacement. Now imagine if you will what it costs to get a meal, or some of us, a Starbucks. Just about the same. The exception is, Shakeology is good for you! Starbucks will fill you up with caffeine and sugar. Fast food will fill you up with fat, and vast amounts of calories. If you take a look at Shakeology from the meal perspective, and that it’s improving your fitness and nutrition, I think you will find that the price is fair, and also in the same ball park as what you would spend for lunch, a meal, or Starbucks.

If you have been thinking about signing up for the Beachbody Club, you can save 10% and pay only, $107.95. Ask me if you have questions about that. And if you’ve been considering becoming a Beachbody coach on my team of coaches, you can save 25%, and pay only $89.86! Again ask me for details, and check this article for more info: The Beachbody Revolution..

For more information about Shakeology, read this article: Shakeology, the Healthiest Meal of the Day.

Shakeology, Q & A. By Steve Edwards.

Should I continue to take Activit, Peak Health, or other multi-vitamins along with Shakeology?

While Shakeology contains a lot of vitamins and minerals it’s still recommended that you take a multi-vitamin, especially if you’re working out. In fact, Shakeology will help increase the bioavailability of your vitamin if taken together. If you skip your vitamin your nutrient bases will still be covered but an active person—especially doing a workout like P90X—will always be struggling to meet the nutrients requirements placed on the body. Combining Peak Health Formula and Shakeology can keep you charging through even the most intense exercise program.

More detail to this question can be found in this article: Shakeology and Activit or P90X Peak Health Formula

I already have some Meal Replacement. Should I throw it out and switch to Shakeology?

You shouldn’t throw it out but Shakeology is a far more thorough formulation. Use your old Meal Replacement at times when you’re active or as a “poor man’s Recovery Formula”. The higher sugar and lower fiber content of Meal Replacement make it better around the time you are exercising.

Can I take this and Results and Recovery Formula?

Yes but not together! Recovery Formula should only be taken during or after exercise when you’ve been exhausting your body’s blood sugar. At any other time Shakeology would be your preferred option.

Should I still take an omega supplement?

Yes as there is no EPA/DHA (the two omega fatty acids in fish oil) in Shakeology.

How about Cal/Mag?

One serving of Shakeology has 500 milligrams of calcium, meaning that you can cut your dosage of Cal/Mag in half. It’s recommended that you take your Cal/Mag with Shakeology as it will help your body absorb its nutrients.

There is no food coloring. How is one green and the other brown?

The ingredients (herbal powders, grass powders, vegetable powders, and some fruit and berry powders) make color green. The base of chocolate blend is also green, but the chocolate and cocoa powders turn the color “chocolate”.

Why does the chocolate have more protein?

The serving size for chocolate is 8 grams higher than for greenberry. The extra ingredients added for the chocolate blend (mostly chocolate powder and cocoa powder) add an additional 2 grams of protein for the serving size.

Does this mean I don’t have to eat any more veggies?

Not that we recommend it but, yes, you could get away with skipping your veggies if your drink Shakeology daily. Keep in mind that you still need to fill out the rest of your caloric needs and veggies are the best source of both nutrients and fiber you can eat. The healthiest diets will still contain vegetables.

What kind of protein is it made with?

The primary source of protein is from whey, which comes from milk. Whey is one of the most bioavailable protein sources. Translation: it speeds to its work of repairing your muscles and its amino acids are readily used by your body.

Is it a good source of fiber?

At 3 grams per 140 calories Shakeology is a balanced source of fiber. More importantly, its fiber sources are varied, coming from apple pectin, flax, chia meal, and yacon. The latter also happens to be one of the best prebiotic sources known to man.

Can I drink this right before a workout?

Shakeology would be much better than a meal prior to working out. If it’s immediately before, however, you’d be better served by something with more sugar and less fiber for rapid absorption, such as Recovery Formula or Meal Replacement.

Can I drink this right after a workout?

Again, it’s better than many other options available but less perfect than something designed primarily for this purpose, such as Recovery Formula.

Does it contain caffeine?

Shakeology contains no caffeine. It does contain green tea extract but the caffeine has been removed.

Is it vegetarian?

The only non-vegetarian ingredient is whey protein, which comes from milk.

I am a diabetic. How will it affect me?

We aren’t your doctor so we can’t give you an official word on this but we’re working on trying to get Shakeology approved by the American Diabetes Association.

Can I give it to my kids?

Once again, we’re in a legal realm, which we’re working on. But considering that kids are “approved” to eat Ding Dongs and Cocoa Puffs and whatever other godforsaken junk we’re pretty certain that it will clear the regulatory radar.

What about pregnant and nursing mothers?

And, again, we may run into legal stumbles but c’mon, this stuff is nothing but healthy natural foods.

Can I mix this in with food I’m cooking/baking?

While possible, cooking would upset the nutrient balance of Shakeology’s ingredients and it’s highly recommended that you drink it at room temperature or cooler.

Will it mix OK in my shaker cup?

Shakeology mixes at least as well as most meal replacement shakes and can be hand mixed easily. For a drive-in style creamy shake, however, a blender is preferred.

Is it OK to drink more than one shake per day? Or to replace more than one meal per day?

Yes, but it is not recommended to replace more than 2 meals per day.

Thanks Steve!

Today’s 10 Minute Trainer Reviews focus is going to be on the Lower Body workout. Of course, it is based on the trademark 10 moves in 10 minutes. You will need only 2 items for this workout: a set of resistance bands and a mat. If you choose to add the 2 minute warm up and 2 minute cool down, you are looking at 14 minutes total.

In my opinion, lower body workouts are typically not so hard on me. My lower body muscles are the strongest muscle group I have, therefore they are the largest. This is usually the case for most people. I’m not saying that I don’t get tired or sore, but it’s not nearly as bad as upper body. My upper body muscles, most especially my shoulders and chest, stay so sore for days on end after a good, hard workout.

Ok, here is the line-up for the 10 Minute Trainer Lower Body workout, like many others before, these names are fairly easy to figure out:

Move #1: 3 Part Squats
Move #2: Alternate Lunges
Move #3: Front Knee Front Kick
Move #4: In Out Hop Squats
Move #5: Pendulum
Move #6: 3 Way Jockey Squats
Move #7: Side Lunge Side Kick
Move #8: Tip Toe Squats
Move #9: Band Hip Raise (you’ll need your resistance band for this one)
Move #10: 4 Direction Iso Lunge (you’ll need your bands for this one as well)

That’s it. I think that is my favorite thing about the 10 Minute Trainer series, what you see is what you get. It’s all wrapped up in a nice, neat little package. It’s simple, beautiful, but challenging. You can modify all of these workouts to make them as easy or as hard as you want. This particular workout is the last one I chose to review in the 10 Minute Trainer series. There are still several more to come that are included in the 10 Minute Trainer Upgrade series. I will be writing bits and pieces on these in the days to come. My very next write-up in the 10 Minute Trainer Reviews will be about the “Getting Started” schedule that is included in your 10 Minute Trainer package.

Thanks for checking in with us, I hope you enjoy reading these reviews as much as I like writing them. Come back in a day or 2 for the next one! Remember, it’s only 10 minutes…..

P90X Clothing, Bring It!

If you have been doing P90X, you know it’s an Extreme Workout! That’s why you need P90X Clothing, it’s Extreme too! Not to mention the t-shirts and tanks are just cool! I just got finished doing one of my Tony Horton ab workouts, while sporting my P90X tank top, so I thought what better time to get in here and give you a quick review on the P90X Clothing line.

I personally purchased the P90X T-Shirt (black) and the P90X Tank Top (black and grey). What can I say, I’m a fan. When I do something, I have to go all out! Ask my wife, that’s why I have to have everything Beachbody makes!

I really like my P90X Clothing. They’re all 100% cotton, they’re soft, and very comfortable. I’ve used my P90X Clothing for both workouts and also some casual wear (riding my Harley). I’ve had a couple people throw me the “X” sign, and others ask me about the program because they have seen it on TV.

They way I see it, I have to have clothes to workout in, and clothes to wear out and about, so I might as well be sporting a t-shirt or tank top from my favorite workout. P90X!

Jump on over to our product page(s) for more details. I’ll also post some pictures below for you to take a look at. I hope you enjoy wearing your P90X Clothing as much as I do mine.

Talk to you soon, I have to get back to writing my next article, a P90X vs. ChaLEAN Extreme comparison.

The benefits of drinking water, speak for themselves. But I might be able to encourage you to drink more water by just saying, “Drinking water promotes weight loss.” It’s true. But what are some other reasons, how about: Healthier Skin, Helps Your Body Flush Toxins, Reduces Your Risk Of Heart Attack, Cushions and Lubes Your Joints And Muscles, Energy, Reduces Your Risk Of Disease And Infection, Regulates Your Body Temperature, Burns More Fat And Builds More Muscle, and Keeps Well. So now, if you are sold on the idea that water is good for you, take a look at this article. You might have trouble drinking just plain ‘ol water. This article by Dennis Faye may help. Thanks Dennis!

Thirsty? You should be. If you’re reading this, it probably means you’re working your tush off every day with Slim in 6, P90X, ChaLEAN Extreme, or another fine Beachbody program. And when you do that, you perspire. And when you perspire, you need to replenish the water in your system.

Sadly, you may be one of those lost souls who can’t stand the taste of water. Sure, you could hydrate with juice or sports drinks, but then you’d be adding a bunch of sugar or artificial sweeteners into the mix. Yes, these drinks can play a role in a healthy diet, but 8 glasses a day of orange juice would be far more vitamin C than you need, as well as hundreds of sugar calories that you shouldn’t be consuming—calories completely unchecked by the fiber you get from eating actual oranges.

Actually, water is the way to go, so to help you get the stuff down, we’ve come up with a few simple tips. But before we get started, we’d like to make a preemptive response to all of you who will write in to “inform” us about that widely touted 2002 study in the American Journal of Physiology that discounts the old 8-ounce-glass-of-water, eight-times-a-day rule. According to the study, a normal, healthy adult just needs to drink when he or she is thirsty to stay hydrated.

Well, before you hang up your squirt bottle, keep in mind that the study includes a huge disclaimer: the light-and-easy hydration rule doesn’t apply to people with medical conditions requiring fluid control, athletes, people living in extreme conditions, and people involved in prolonged physical activity. The way I see it, if you’re doing P90X, that’s going to put you in at least one of those groups, if not two or three.

In other words, here are seven ways to make water more palatable. Use ‘em.

1. Get fruity. A squish of lemon, lime, or orange goes a long way toward giving water a little zing. It’s almost calorie free, and you get a bonus blast of vitamin C. Furthermore, if you happen to be doing our programs while you’re out at sea, it can help with any unwanted scurvy.
2. Herbify yourself. Make yourself a big tub of caffeine-free, herbal tea, or “tisane,” as the French call it. Technically, it isn’t made from the Camellia sinensis (aka “tea”) plant, which means it doesn’t have the antioxidants of tea, but it tastes good and has no negative effects. There are hundreds of flavors to choose from. Mint and raspberry are a couple of our favorites.
3. Bubble up! According to a 2001 study out of the Creighton University Osteoporosis Research Center in Nebraska, the notion that carbonated water leaches calcium from your bones is completely untrue. So, if you want to hydrate with a big glass of Perrier, go for it.
4. Minty fresh. Crushed mint is another great way to liven up your water. If you want to get the most out of the leaves, put them in the glass first and grind them down. This will release a ton of flavor. Mint is also known to soothe upset stomachs and, more importantly, freshen your breath. Mix the mint with the lemon for a real taste sensation!
5. Filter flavor. It’s a subtle shift, but sometimes the filtration process can alter the taste of tap water. Get yourself a Brita filter or similar brand and give it a go. Even if the flavor doesn’t change, you’ll be drinking purer stuff.
6. Brush your teeth. A good scrub of your teeth and tongue overpowers the taste of almost everything you put in your mouth for several minutes afterward. Take this opportunity to knock back a glass of H2O. You won’t taste a thing.
7. Cuke you. This one is a little wacky, but if you like new tastes, give it a shot. Chop up a cucumber (yes, a cucumber). Add it to a pitcher of water and chill it for 2 to 3 hours so that the cucumber flavor can permeate. Serve the water with ice. It’s the perfect refreshing drink for a hot, summer day.

A meal replacement shake is a great way to give your body the nutrients it needs to become stronger and healthier. However, creating the perfect shake can be a challenge. Some people choose to make their own recipes from scratch, but it can be nearly impossible to get the right balance of ingredients from the products in your kitchen. A better choice is to buy a premade blend, but then the question becomes, “which one?” With hundreds of options available, from powders to pre-made blends, to gel packs, finding the best one for your body can seem quite daunting.

Perhaps the most promising option on the market is Shakeology. Developed by Beachbody Nutritionals, Shakeology is both delicious and nutritious. Shakeology can boost your existing fitness routine by providing you with the energy you need to perform at your peak. Plus, it bolsters your immune system, sparing you from bothersome illnesses that can impair your workout and your lifestyle. Shakeology also eliminates toxins from your body. Unlike a harsh cleansing drink, though, it will remove these harmful elements gently with no side effects. The key to this toxin reduction is the meal replacement shake’s digestive enzymes and helpful bacterium, which are also key players in the absorption of vital nutrients.

Shakeology is also an effective weight management tool. Composed of whole-food ingredients, this meal replacement shake delivers a hefty dose of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Thus, your body’s nutritional needs are fulfilled and cravings for high-fat or high-calorie foods are diminished. The fewer cravings you have, the less likely you are to indulge in foods that can lead to weight gain. Plus, Shakeology contains a balance of protein and amino acids specially designed to build and repair muscles. This promotes muscle growth, and the more muscle on your body, the faster it burns calories.

This meal replacement shake can also improve your mood. As mentioned, Shakeology contains ingredients that provide energy. It also includes a balance of natural foods that regulate blood sugar. Stable blood sugar levels mean fewer mood swings. Additionally, the vital nutrients in Shakeology help your body produce healthy hair, strong nails, and clear, smooth skin, and, as everyone knows, when you look good, you feel good too.

So, what ingredients make Shakeology both effective and unique? Well, with more than seventy ingredients, the product is packed with some of the most promising super-foods on the planet. For example, it contains both acai and goji berries, the two fruits highest in antioxidants which combat free radicals. Free radicals are a major culprit in a variety of diseases associated with cell deterioration and premature aging. Antioxidants also reduce inflammation, which is extremely important if you participate in regular physical activity.

Shakeology is also loaded with whey protein isolate. A common feature of meal replacement shakes, this supplement is one of the easiest sources of protein for your body to absorb. Whey is also a complete protein, meaning it contains essential amino acids. Thus, this ingredient is the optimal protein choice for muscle healing and growth.

All in all, Shakeology contains twenty-three vitamins and minerals in an easily absorbable formula. Thus, this one meal replacement shake can make up for other dietary deficiencies and ensure your body gets exactly what it needs each and every day. However, it is not necessarily a replacement for your regular multivitamin. For a variety of reasons, your body can benefit from a combination of this meal replacement shake and a quality vitamin product. For more information on this, visit the following article: Shakeology and Vitamins.

Shakeology is also notable for what it lacks. Unlike other meal replacement shakes, this product is not loaded with refined sugars or artificial sweeteners. This means your shake won’t be loaded with empty calories or cause your energy levels to “crash” later in the day. Shakeology also has no caffeine and is gluten-free, making it an ideal choice for those with dietary restrictions.

Of course, all these health benefits would be useless if Shakeology didn’t taste good enough to drink. However, the makers of this product have truly perfected its flavor. The meal replacement shake comes in two varieties: chocolate and greenberry. Both have the same great nutritional benefits, but each one’s unique taste has a distinct appeal.

Those who hear Shakeology’s claims for the first time are likely to be skeptical. After all, there are plenty of other product claiming supposed miraculous health benefits. However, few have been objectively evaluated like Shakeology. In a 90-day study overseen by a medical doctor, participants showed some major health improvements. Most notably, levels of disease-causing oxidative stress diminished by up to 90%. Additionally, cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk factors were significantly decreased.

Shakeology is designed to be consumed once daily for optimal benefits. It is backed by a thirty-day money back guarantee and is among the most proven meal replacement shakes in the industry. This, combined with all the information above, makes it clear why Shakeology is not only a top meal replacement shake but can become your healthiest meal of the day.

Hey everyone, back with another one of my almost famous 10 Minute Trainer Reviews. Today, is ab day. This ab workout is tough. I’m thinking to myself, this will be a breeze, I can hang with 10 minutes. This ab workout is crazy. If you want to work your abs fast and hard, this is the one for you. I didn’t think the 10 minutes would ever end. There are 20 moves in 10 minutes. Yes, I said 20 moves. They are 30 seconds each. And, I am convinced that every fiber of every muscle in my abdomen was worked over. Almost all of these moves have some sort of modification for those just starting out or nursing an injury. There is no warm up or cool down. All you need is a mat, and some serious will power. This 10 Minute Trainer ab workout is an awesome addition to your routine, 3 times a week. Here’s our long and scary list of ab moves:

Move #1: Cross Crunch
Move #2: Bridge Crunch
Move #3: Iso Bike
Move #4: Speed Bike
Move #5: Golden Gate
Move #6: Side Arm “O” Crunch
Move #7: Side Arm “O” Crunch, opposite side
Move #8: Hip Lift Kick
Move #9: Hip Lift Kick, opposite side
Move #10: Plank “O” Crunch
Move #11: 3 Point Plank Crunch
Move #12: 3 Point Plank Crunch, opposite side
Move #13: Lolasana
Move #14: The Dawn
Move #15: Mountain Climber
Move #16: Superman Crunch
Move #17: Tick Tock Lift
Move #18: Peek a Boo
Move #19: Scissor Crunch
Move #20: Scissor Lift

I think it’s safe to say that this ab workout has more crunches than a bag of potato chips. It’s amazing that a person can cram all of that in during a 10 minute workout. The names of the moves all make perfect sense once you see them, and begin doing them. There is really not much else to say, other than it’s hard, but effective if done in conjunction with the other 10 Minute Trainer workouts. That’s all for now, check back in a few days, I’ll be talking about 10 Minute Trainer Reviews: Lower Body. Thanks for stopping by….like I always say, it’s only 10 minutes.

One of our most popular products is the P90X Chin Up Bar. Since this is such a popular product (with good reason), I thought I would write up a review regarding this chin up bar. I’m going to try my best to remain objective. I see this product from two different view points. The seller and the buyer. Some of you may read the review, and say, “Well sure he’s giving it a good review because he wants us to buy it.” Well, of course I want you to buy it. It’s a great chin up bar! But I also own this chin up bar, and it has served me well for 3 years!

The P90X Chin Up Bar requires assembly. It comes in eight different pieces, and requires you to bolt the chin up bar together in about ten different locations. Inside the box, you should also receive a hardware box (that contains your two wall brackets and the bolts and nuts). You should receive installation instructions inside the box. But if not, don’t worry! If by a slim chance you don’t get the instructions, you can view them from our product page. Or, alternatively, you can visit the following link for the P90X Chin Up Bar Instructions and P90X Downloads page. On this Download page, you may find some other P90X goodies you may want to download as well.

So you take the P90X Chin Up Bar out of the box, assemble the eight pieces with the included ten bolts/nuts. Now you should have the bar assembled and ready to use! Now all you need is a door frame.

Important Requirements for the P90X Chin Up Bar:

Fits doorways up to 32″ wide (sturdy doorframe with trim required—minimum 5″ width, maximum 6.5″).

So if your door frame is in the “standard” or “average” category, you’re more than likely in good shape. But please make sure. I don’t want you to get stuck with a chin up bar that doesn’t work for you. We’ll help you return it for a full refund, but since return shipping is not included by Beachbody (the manufacturer), please double check!

Now you have the required door frame and the assembled chin up bar. Inside your hardware package, you should find two wall brackets. These brackets will go on the inside of your door frame at the top. The brackets come in an “L” shape, so the bottom of the “L” will rest on the door frame trim. With your chin up bar, you should have eight screws and eight wall anchors. You’ll drill into the sheet rock, and tap in the wall anchors. Then place the bracket over the holes and the anchors and screw both brackets into place. Simple. Easy. I’d say “easy as 1,2,3″, but it’s actually 1 through 8.

So now the assembled chin up bar will slip right into the brackets and use the door frame to secure it into place. On my P90X Chin Up Bar product page I have two videos. One shows the bracket installation, and one shows the actual use of the chin up bar. Be sure to take a moment and check those out as well.

The chin up bar is rated to hold up to 300 lbs. I have personally used this bar at 205 with no problems at my home. I’m no longer 205 (P90X tends to cause weight loss). But even still, I have been known to use a weight belt and add 35 lbs back onto my chin ups. Which makes up for the 30+ lbs I lost using P90 and P90X

This chin up bar has multiple hand positions, which makes it more convenient than a straight chin up bar. The multiple positions are important, because the P90X program has you performing multiple exercises, suing all of the positions. After all, it’s call the P90X Chin Up Bar for a very good reason.

Each hand position has a nice foam grip. Not all chin up bars come with the softened grips. Which is nice, when you are doing numerous pull ups.

You can easily remove the chin up bar when you’re done. It slides into place in SECONDS. So the only thing remaining is the brackets. Since mine is mounted on the inside of a bedroom, these brackets go unnoticed by everyone that visits. So don’t think you have to look at a chin up bar every day. Although I have tried to leave mine up, so I could knock out a pull up or two while walking down the hall. But my wife put her foot down! So mine is only mounted on the days it’s needed.

Now, being objective, there are a couple of things I don’t like about the P90X Chin Up Bar. One, the black handles that rest on the door trim, can leave some slight (non damaging) black marks. I’m a VERY observant person. So this may not be enough to matter to anyone. It may also depend on the color of your trim. This is an easy fix, just take some old wash rags, and when you mount the bar, slide them between the trim and your chin up bar.

Two, I like the old feeling of jumping up and grabbing a chin up bar, and allowing my legs to remain straight. Since I’m tall, 6’3, I have to bend my legs a little to keep my feet from touching. My legs never touch while doing the chin ups. Again, this is a personal preference and may not matter at all to you. I think most people bend their legs anyway.

Overall, the chin up bar is great, I’ve used mine for 3 years , and have had no problems. Not to mention it’s convenient. I work out in my home, like most of us will/do, and this allows me to workout and go to the “pull up station” within ear shot of my television where the P90X DVD is playing.

Chin ups are a part of P90X, so you need a chin up bar or a place to do chin ups. This is an excellent option, and when you look around, it’s rather affordable. Not to mention the shipping price for a longer, heavier box (as this comes in) is amazingly low, which starts at $5.95 for standard UPS here in the store. It comes with a 30 day money back guarantee, and I am readily available if should have any problems. We are happy to help you with your products, whether you have questions, problems, or just need some fitness advice.

On a closing note, if you are using a chin up bar, whether it be a P90X Chin Up Bar or other bar, you might be interested in an article I wrote entitled, How Chin Up Exercises Can Be a Complete Upper Body Workout. Thanks for reading my P90X Chin Up Bar Review! Good luck with your training and nutrition. Talk to you soon!

Here we go with number 3 in the 10 Minute Trainer Reviews series. I think I’ll take a bit of a different approach with this review. Today, I’ll be describing each of the 10 moves that are featured in the workout. It is still the same concept, 10 moves in 10 minutes. This workout is a little different in that it is working your total body, instead of just focusing on one particular area. As with each of the 10 Minute Trainer workouts, you have the optional 2 minute warm up and 2 minute cool down, making this a total of 14 minutes. The only thing you need for this workout is a resistance band of your choice. Use the band that works for you. You might start off with a lighter band, and work your way up to the heavier bands for more of a challenge and faster results.

Ok, here’s our 10 moves:

Move #1: Chuckups - These are push ups with a twist, actually 3 twists. The first set you have your thumbs facing inward, second set you move your hands back to the traditional postion but with your elbows out, and the third set you place your hands and arms wide.

Move #2: Switch Wrist Lawn Mower - Starting with your resistance bands in a lunge position, make a movement like you are starting a lawn mower. You’ll do 2 sets on each side, moving fast and then slow.

Move #3: Corkscrew & Military Press - Starting with one foot on the floor, the other leg knee up, use your bands to stretch your arms up high and straight over your head.

Move #4: Crazy Eights – Start with your bands, holding your arms bent at the waist. Bend one arm for a count of 8 slow, then a count of 8 fast. Then switch to the opposite arm. Repeat.

Move #5: Tricep Kickback Throws - I think that this one is pretty self-explanatory. Use your band.

Move #6: Band Crunch - Also, like move #5, self-explanatory. Use your band.

Move #7: Cyclone - This one is all you, no band needed. I personally think this one doubles as an exercise and a stretch. I think it feels kind of good. Start with your legs apart, arms straight up. You begin twisting at the waist in one direction. Do this for 30 seconds, then switch and turn in the other direction. The trick is keeping your arms straight and still while you turn at the waist.

Move #8: Rocking Iso Lunge - This one is with the band, works your gluts, quads, and shoulders.

Move #9: Deep Seats - Using your band, squat with your legs together for 20 seconds, then squat with legs apart and arms bent (hands should be even with and in front of your shoulders) for 20 seconds, and then place your hands on your back at hip level and squat for 20 seconds. This is a tough one thrown in at the end, my legs are pretty tired by this point.

Move #10: Carlito Push ups - This is definitely the closer. I was thinking “stick a fork in me” by the time I finished this one. These are 20 seconds each: Start in plank position, step up, reach up, no push up with this. Then, push up and jump up. Finally, plank and jump up.

This one is short and sweet. So far, this one seems to be the toughest I’ve written about. Thanks for reading, and check back in a couple of days for the next in my series of 10 Minute Trainer Reviews. It’s only 10 minutes, I know you’ve got it.

One of the benefits of being a fitness coach, is hearing from a customer that has had great results using programs we sell here at Extremely-Fit. This particular customer, Mari, has had some results that she has termed “nothing short of a miracle”. Read her P90X Review below. It just goes to show, that with the right mind set and positive attitude, there are no age barriers with P90X! Great job Mari!

My results have been nothing short of a miracle. I am a 57 year old woman. My son encouraged me to do the program. I have run seven 26 mile marathons since turning 50 years old so he knew I could do the program (I know how to push through pain.) However, on Dec. 30th, 2007, I tore a ligament in my right ankle and went from running 19 miles one day and unable to walk the next.

I gained weight and turned into jelly. My son said to start it out easy and to do the best you can, well Robert, I am on week 11 and I am stronger than I was when I was In my 20′s 30′s or even my 40′s!!!

I can already do 15 push ups and all together in the chest tricep workout a total of 40 – 60!!! Wow, and I am 57 years old!!! I have lost 4 inches in my hips and 3 inches in my waist! And all this in 10 weeks. I have been doing the lean version and can’t wait to do each version of P90X. I plan on doing the doubles next. Fantastic!

Best regards,
Mari

If you have a P90X Review, please email me. If you would like to have them considered for the website, please let me know that too. Even if you don’t want them posted, I would enjoy hearing about your results!

With the much anticipated release of Shakeology from Beachbody, the big question is:

Should I continue to take my multivitamins, such as Activit or P90X Peak Health Formula in addition to Shakeolgy?

Before we answer that question, let me tell you briefly about Shakeology. Shakeology can be considered as a meal replacement shake, or better yet, as the Healthiest Meal of the Day! It’s packed with everything you need, that you may not be able to get from the foods you eat. Shakeology provides your body with nutrients that help you maintain healthy body weight, support your immune system and well-being, protect your long-term health, and give you energy.*

It may not be as inexpensive as other meal replacement drinks, or “green drinks” etc, but you get what you pay for! You can consume a drink for less, that does less, or you can consume a drink that works! The price of one shake a day is about what you would spend on a cup of coffee at Starbucks, or a quick trip through the McDonald’s drive thru. But at least with Shakeology, you get something that contributes to your health! Check our product information for all the details of Shakeology.

So now, let’s answer the question. Should we continue to take a multivitamin along with Shakeology, that is already packed with nutrients.

This question is best answered by one of the fitness experts at Beachbody, Steve Edwards.

The short answer is yes, but since Shakeology has a lot of vitamins in it already, this requires further explanation. First off, taking your vitamins with Shakeology will improve their bioavailability. It’s a perfect transport vehicle for most of your supplements. All of them, really, except for creatine, Recovery, and other sports specific supplements. As you’ve probably heard, you don’t get all the nutrients on the label of a vitamin, nor do you get all of the nutrients in the foods you eat. The better your diet is (more balanced, pH-wise, in short) the better it can utilize nutrients in the foods you eat. Shakeology will help with both. Next we need to address the RDA. It’s important to keep in mind that the RDA for everything is targeted for a subsistence level. An active person needs more, and it can be a lot more. When we try and decide how much more we should use the example of an extreme athlete. When you’re involved in something like the Tour de France, you CAN’T consume enough nutrients in a day to recover from what you’ve done. This is why drugs are used and why doping in sports is such a problem. With this in mind it’s easy to see how someone working construction would have a vastly different RDA than a computer programmer. So you can see how RDAs have little relevance to you, especially if you’re doing something like P90X. This is why you’ll want to continue to take your vitamins. As you get into better and better shape your nutrient needs continue to grow. The cool thing is that you get to eat more. The downside is that the harder you train the more you’re at risk for over training. And the best way to keep from over training is to eat well. The more nutrients your calories contain the better you are eating. There’s an old sports adage that states, “There is no such thing as over training. There is only under eating, under sleeping, and failure of will.” With Shakeology as a component of your diet you stand a better chance of checking off, at least, one part of this equation.

A big thanks to Steve Edwards for clarifying a question that I even asked myself once Shakeology was made available. If you haven’t tried Shakeology yet, you should! It tastes great. Here’s what others are saying as well.

• “I felt full and didn’t struggle with hunger.”
• “I felt a better sustained energy throughout the day.”
• “I have tons of energy. I feel so healthy!”
• “I replaced all my vitamin supplements. I felt healthy and energized.”
• “I was able to think more clearly and stay focused.”
• “I have more energy, less cravings, more endurance, and feel more youthful.”