Beasting up to become a stage-worthy beauty

Now, before anyone starts worrying about my self-confidence because of how I phrased that title... Don't worry. It's taken a long time and I still have my shakey moments but on the whole, I'm pretty confident in my physical appearance and even my physique. That being said, my next challenge and goal for myself is going to require a level of confidence I haven't had to gather before. What started as a joke now has a workout schedule, meal plan, and timeline... That's right - I'm preparing for my first ever Physique Competition (assuming they hold it again next year - for now, I'm assuming they will!). Sparkly bikini has yet to be acquired.

Those who have known me for a long time can tell you that I'm not one for bikinis and when I do wear them (that's even only been the past few years!), I'm super conscious of how I move and I'm constantly adjusting my suit. Parading around on a stage in a show suit is going to be a whole new level outside of my comfort zone but hey, that's where amazing things happen!

As of yesterday, my accountability partner and I started a hybrid that he (I can't take credit here!) cleverly named "Bulk BeasT25". Anyone familiar with the Beachbody program line-up will quickly - and accurately - deduce that this will be a blend of the bulk cycle of Body Beast and workouts from ShaunT's (yes, of Insanity!) awesome program Focus T25. I'm also going to be cleaning up my eating habits and continuing one super healthy, nutrient rich, Shakeology per day (at least) ... and I should work on sleeping more regularly too because my body is going to need the recovery.

I'll log my progress, adjustments, and thoughts as we go through this and share it with you here. Feel free to ask questions and I'll be sure to cover them! Oh, and before you ask, yes - this will be all natural - no insulin, steroids, or other artificial performance enhancing drugs. No judgement but that's just not for me!

In order to show progress, I suppose we need to know my starting point, huh?

As of Sunday, October 20.
Weight: 176 lbs
Body Fat %: 27.6%
Waist:  34.75 inches
Chest: 40.75 inches
L Arm: 12 inches
R Arm: 12.25 inches
Hips: 42.25 inches
L Thigh: 24.5 inches
R Thigh: 24.5 inches

Starting pictures

#100GoneOrCubsOn - Let's get this started!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to one of my awesome #TeamAddictedBB coaches - Scott Montgomery! I met Scott through Twitter thanks to some friendly sports banter between our beloved baseball teams, the Cubs and the (can't believe I'm going to type this) Cardinals. For those who don't know, Cardinals and Cubs is one of those classic rivalries, like Michigan and Ohio or Green Bay and the Bears. Through our conversations, we got to know each other and found out that we could have more in common than our devotion to our baseball teams - we both want to be in better health so that we can be our best for those we love.

Scott got started on Shakelogy and T25 along with the P90X he already had which got him going on healthy habits and good progress! As a diabetic, Scott has been well aware of how food and exercise could improve his quality of life and by making the right changes and consistently eating smart and working out, he has already been able to cut his insulin needs in HALF on a regular basis! How cool is that?!?

Like so many of us, making these lifestyle changes isn't always easy for Scott. The father of two (adorable!!) active children, he's often on the go, traveling for kid activities on the weekends, and it's tough for him to always stick to his plans! Oh, and have I mentioned he has a full-time job too? Yeah. Because of these challenges, he felt he needed a challenge - some accountability. That's where I and these blog posts come in.

Since our friendship started over some good-natured sports banter, we've made a baseball related deal! If (when!) he loses 100 lbs from his starting weight of 300 by September 2nd, 2014, I will wear a St. Louis Cardinals jersey to a Cubs vs. Cards game. Should he come up short (which I doubt will happen!), he will wear a Cubs jersey to the game. (These are my favorite kinds of bets - the ones that inspire you to become better!)

We'll track and share his progress, keep him accountable, cheer him on, and I have no doubt that he is destined to be an inspiration to many! Look for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and blog post updates with the hashtag that is sure to remind him of the bet - #100GoneOrCubsOn - and feel free to use that when you share notes of encouragement!

I'll be sharing his weekly updates here (think we can convince him to write a few notes for you guys?) and every month, we'll work on having updated photos as well!

Here's the starting point and first update!

August 15
Weight: 300 lbs
Waist: 48 inches
Hips: 49.5 inches
Chest: 50.5 inches
Right and left arms: 15 inches
Right Thigh: 24.5 inches
Left Thigh: 23 inches

October 2 (when the bet began!)
Weight: 298 lbs
Waist: 45 inches
Hips: 48 inches
Chest: 49.5 inches
Right and left arms: 15.5 inches
Right thigh: 27.5 inches
Left thigh: 25 inches

Help me with this fire hose, I'm going in...

On Friday, Beachbody CEO Carl Daikeler posted a blog challenging Team Beachbody Coaches: "Are you REALLY a first responder in this battle?" which I diligently read, got fired up about...and then closed. The thoughts kept with me all day but I'll be honest... the gravity of the situation didn't sink in until I looked at the numbers and listened to Carl speak yesterday. 

Let's start with the numbers (most people find those boring so let's get them out of the way!). According to USA Today

"About two-thirds of adults in Mississippi and several other states will be obese by 2030 if the obesity trend continues to climb at its current rate, says a new analysis out today."

2030 is only 18 years away...that means that the child you're holding in your arms, the one your wife is about to deliver, the one who started Kindergarten this year...that kid...that bundle of potential and dreams and energy has a nearly 66% chance of being OBESE - not just overweight - OBESE before they even really start living their life. I don't know about you, but that makes me downright sick.

Even the lowest predicted obesity rates (in DC) is 32.6% - that's roughly ONE OUT OF EVERY THREE!!! Tennessee is predicted to have an OBESITY rate of 63.4%!!! 

That said, I see light in USA Today's statement. I see hope. Where??? 

"if the obesity trend continues to climb at its current rate"

That means we can do something about it!! 

 Beachbody coaches in Tennessee are already reacting.. check it out!

I got goosebumps when Richard was recognized at Summit and I get goosebumps and teary eyed every time I watch this video.

So what can we do?

Yesterday, Carl referred to this alarming trend as a slowly burning building and we're standing in it.

This trend isn't happening "tomorrow", "over the next 12 years", "in a couple months", or "someday". It is happening NOW. It isn't happening to "them", "those guys", or "someone else". It is happening to US. WE are the crisis. WE are the obesity rate. WE are the national health concern.

Take a good honest look around...see the fire? See the timbers that are feeding that fire? Each fast food, grease and bad-fat loaded, real food lacking, meal we feed ourselves and our loved ones adds another timber to that fire. Each day we say that we'll start being healthier "tomorrow", "next week", "next month", or "next year", we pour gasoline on the flames.

In this situation, I think you can be in one of three places... where are you?

Are you inside the building as the flames grow? You may be ignoring or putting off your health. You may not know where to start. Be honest with yourself...that's where your journey out of the house starts. I want to help you if that's where you are but you have to start with realizing that the roof over your head is on fire and going to collapse.

Are you outside the building watching the flames grow but not sure what you can do?

Or are you outside, fully aware of the flames and danger ... and feel anxious to run in and help? Help me with this fire hose...I'm going in. 

The only way we can change those numbers is by taking action. We all have to take responsibility and be aware of what is happening to US... and recognize that it's happening NOW! I won't accept anything less out of myself - will you? Who's with me?

Want to rush the flames with me? Let me know here or shoot me an email at gabriella@addictedwithgabriella.com.

Feel trapped in the burning building but don't know where to start? Check out my Power of 3 Challenge starting tomorrow or contact me at gabriella@addictedwithgabriella.com and we'll get you started!

#addicted2acure Shakeology and Breast Cancer

So this took a little research but so totally worth it. I preach about the benefits of Shakeology allllll the time. I love the stuff. I feel more energized, my stomach and "insides" feel better...not to mention it's an easy, no-thought-involved, healthy option for at least 1 meal each day.

As you all know, October is breast cancer awareness month and Team Addicted is doing their part with our Addicted2aCure fundraising and awareness program (to donate, click on the image below please!). One of the ways you can help contribute is by placing an order through one of our participating Team Addicted coaches - like me! 100% of my profits from home direct Shakeology orders and 50% of all other orders will be going straight to Susan G. Komen as part of our fundraising efforts.

Ok so what do those two paragraphs have to do with each other? Well it turns out that a number of the TOP breast cancer prevention foods and vitamins are in Shakeology! Surprised? I'm not... check it out (click to see it larger):

So what am I telling you? This stuff just keeps getting better! Now my favorite healthy, easy, no-thought-involved meal also helps ward off breast cancer!

Cheers to your health!

@Komenforthecure's recommendations #addicted2acure

I found this table and I knew I had to share it. Check out these lifestyle recommendations made by the Susan G. Komen organization to reduce your risk of breast cancer and improve your chances of early detection!

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recommends that you :

1. Know your risk Talk to your family to learn about your family health history Talk to your health care provider about your personal risk of breast cancer 2. Get screened Ask your health care provider which screening tests are right for you if you are at higher risk Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40 3. Know what is normal for you and see your health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes: Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast Change in the size or shape of the breast Dimpling or puckering of the skin Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast Nipple discharge that starts suddenly New pain in one spot that doesn't go away 4. Make healthy lifestyle choices Maintain a healthy weight Add exercise into your routine Limit alcohol intake Limit postmenopausal hormone use Breastfeed, if you can

from http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/BreastSelfExam.html

Want to donate to Komen's cause? (and help Team Addicted reach their $2,000 goal?) Please visit http://bit.ly/addicted2acure

#Addicted2aCure - our 1st Ta-Ta-Tuesday!

Our first Ta-Ta-Tuesday for our October breast cancer awareness and fundraising program was a success! If you haven't already RSVPed for next week, check out our page at www.facebook.com/addicted2acure and click "events". Make sure you like our page while you're there!

I promised to feature some of the smiling faces in pink...here they are! Can't wait to see who else joins us next week! Want to be in my blog next week? Check out our facebook page and post pictures of your pink workouts!

Julie's diggin' deep and goin' PINK!

Annette making it P(ink)90X!! Rockstar!! 

Of course I had the worst picture...taught my first Turbo class in pink! 

My Turbo Sister, Kristy, rocking out her pink duds! 

....and her husband showing that pink can be manly!

Chenoa looking rockin' in pink to get her sweat on!

oh and I had pink shoelaces with ribbons on Tuesday too! 

and last but certainly not least...Paula showin' off her pink (she told us she had pink socks and shoes too!) as she got EXTREME on Tuesday! 

You are cordially invited! #addicted2acure @komenforthecure

Note: If you haven't already, read more about our October breast cancer awareness and fundraising program, Addicted2aCure, check out my blog post http://gabriellah99.blogspot.com/2011/10/addicted2acure-starts-now-breastcancer.html and our page on facebook at www.facebook.com/addicted2acure.

You are cordially invited to join the Beachbody coaches of Team Addicted in our weekly Ta-Ta-Tuesday events throughout the month of October. 

Please join us in wearing pink during your workouts on Tuesdays to honor those who have fought and are fighting breast cancer. We wear pink in hopes of raising awareness, promoting prevention, and in hope that fewer and fewer of our loved ones will have to hear the words "you have breast cancer". 

Share a photo of you in your pink workout gear on www.facebook.com/addicted2acure in our Ta-Ta-Tuesday album or just on our wall - we'll make sure you're in the album! Team Addicted coaches will be selecting photos to highlight in our blog posts so make sure you share your pics! 

Want to ensure your picture shows up on my blog? Tag my facebook page (www.facebook.com/Gabriella.E.Harrison) when you post your picture on the Addicted2aCure page!

RSVPs are appreciated and event invitations to pass forward to your friends are available on the Addicted2aCure page!

Eyes on our goal and hope in our hearts! #Addicted2aCure

As I mentioned on Saturday, the month of October is all about breast cancer awareness and fundraising for my team of coaches - Team Addicted. We've set our sights on a fundraising goal of $2,000 and we need your help in achieving that goal! (and make sure you read to the end of the incentive Kristy and I are offering!)

There are a few ways to contribute to our team's efforts and increase the hope of finding better prevention and cure for those who are fighting breast cancer...check out your options:

1. A healthy lifestyle is important in preventing many diseases and breast cancer is no exception. Work on improving your healthy habits AND contribute to our fundraising by ordering a Beachbody product from one of our coaches (myself included). Each coach will contribute a portion of their profits to our Komen fund. I will be donating 100% of the profit from every Shakeology Home Direct order and 50% of the profit from all other purchases. To order from me visit: http://tiny.cc/ShopCoachG  and to meet other Team Addicted coaches and potentially order from them visit http://www.facebook.com/addicted2acure.

2. Donate directly to our Komen fund at http://bit.ly/addicted2acure in memory or honor of someone you know or just to help contribute to the hope!

3. Join our team and our efforts! If you've ever considered about joining Team Beachbody I'd love to bring you on board now! For every new coach who also goes on Shakeology Home Direct, I will donate $20 to our Komen fund!

So there it is! Feel free to mix and match options. Pick 1. Pick all 3. But please help us. We all are impacted by breast cancer in some way or another and every dollar brings us one step closer to better treatment and a cure. Every dollar is hope. No donation is too small and as the cliche goes...every little bit adds up!

Above all you can help by spreading the word! Suggest our page to your friends. Pass on our donation link to others who might contribute. Become a coach and pledge to make a difference with us this October.

So the incentive...oh goodness. What are we getting ourselves into Kristy? Ok...here it goes. On November 6th, Kristy and I will be taking Hip Hop Hustle training together ... with a couple dozen other wonderful people...in Chicago proper (not even the suburbs!). When we reach our $2,000 goal, we promise that we will wear PINK TUTUS to training AND post a video of us in this ridiculous...I mean amazing outfits! How's that for incentive? I know you've always wanted to see us in pink tutus....right? So let's get going! www.facebook.com/addicted2acure

#Addicted2aCure starts now! #breastcancer #komen

Many of you may remember that last year - about this time even - my mom was undergoing chemo treatments for breast cancer. It was an experience I wouldn't wish on my worst enemies but good must always come from the bad. I learned who my truest friends were, found out how many incredible people I have in my life, strengthened my relationship with my mom, and formed a lifelong bond to a cause bigger than myself.

Engineers by nature, Mom's news meant a binder was created, Google was exhausted, and link after document after stat after data after report after site after quote was circulated around my family. We had to know everything. No, not everything. ALL OF EVERYTHING. Obsessive, huh?

During this time, I leaned on my Turbo Sisters more than ever. Kristy, Jaime, and Beth were always there.. checking up on me, offering to make drives and spend time with me whenever I needed it, made me laugh, let me cry....they, along with my love Nate, were my anchor.

A year later, I have learned so much and am filled with gratitude....and the feeling that i need to pay it forward. That is why, a couple months ago, I starting talking to Kristy about how we could use our information, Beachbody resources, and our passion for this cause ....and out of our discussion came a month long program to raise money for he Susan G. Komen Foundation and share information about healthy lifestyle habits that can lower your risk of breast cancer so fewer have to experience the pain and struggle of fighting breast cancer - either personally or as a co-survivor.

Breast cancer is terrifying. The stats are grim. The facts are frightening. It can be an all around depressing topic. By now, you should all know I don't do dark and twisty. I may get down sometimes and I won't promise that you'll always see a smile on my face but overall I try to take the positive approach and Kristy does the same so we are on a missionand we're going to do it in the most fun, upbeat way possible!

So what's this program? How can you participate? Let's break it down:

- Visit the homepage of our program where coaches in our team, Team Addicted, will share everything we're  doing (include prevention tips, breast cancer news, and status on our fundraising goal!): http://www.facebook.com/Addicted2aCure. Like our page to always get the latest information!
- Keep watching my blog for videos and posts about tips on how tl lower your chance of breast cancer.
- Some of these tips will include information on how particular Beachbody products can help you reduce you risk. For the month of October, 100% of all new Shakeology Home Direct Orders and 50% of all other Beachbody purchases through a Team Addicted coach participating in Addicted2aCure will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
- If you'd like to give directly to Komen, please visit http://bit.ly/addicted2acure to donate directly to Komen.
- Join our fight! If you'd like to join Team Addicted as a Beachbody coach, I personally will give $20 to Komen for every new coach who also signs up for Shakeology Home Direct. ask me for info: gabriellah99@beachbodycoach.com.
- Celebrate and honor those who have fought or are fighting breast cancer by wearing pink for your workout on Ta-Ta-Tuesdays! I'll post more information about that tomorrow.
- Pass this information on to others so we can reach our fundraising goal! We've got a fjnny incentive planned....watch for information about that coming soon too!!

Most all of us know someone who has had their life changed in someway by breast cancer. Let's work together to make sure that all of those stories can become things of the path and bring hope to those in the future!

Time to go pink people!!!www.facebook.com/addicted2acure

You ready for this? #P90X2 available for pre-order soon!!

Just a little teaser vid! Remember that if you want to be ready to save 25% on your program (and all Beachbody purchases) and / or want to build your own Beachbody business, see the "End the Trend" tab and let me know! Enjoy!!

#P90X2 is on its way!!!

P90X2 is on its way and if you don't want to miss out you MUST order from a coach starting Sept 1st. By ordering from a coach between September 1st and 5th you will receive:

- FREE shipping and handling
- 2 BONUS workouts
- Guaranteed delivery by Christmas

...and as always you'll have a coach who is there for you to help you through the program!

You can save an extra 10 or even 25% by joining as a Club member of Team Beachbody or signing up to be a coach yourself! For my military / military spouse friends, remember that the coaching opportunity is FREE for you so that's a FREE discount and all the bonuses listed above.

So let's recap:

Who: you (or the lucky recipient of an awesome Christmas present!)
What: P90X2
Where: www.beachbodycoach.com/GabriellaH99
When: Sign up for your FREE profile now to get an email from me as SOON as pre-order opens
           Pre-order on September 1
           Receive by Christmas!
Why: to start off 2012 with an awesome new workout, to change up your workout routine and see new results, to keep up with your kids, to make a difference in someone's life....how many more reasons do I need to list??

FAQs Answered: FREE Coaching for Active Duty Military or their spouse!

I'm so excited to post this list of FAQs on the awesome program through Beachbody - the Beachbody Military program. Great savings available to all active military / their spouses! Check it out! (just a side note: I think this is an awesome program especially for military spouses who want to have a job and earn an income but struggle to really build a career because of the constant moving lifestyle of the typical military family!)


What is the Beachbody Military program for our Independent Team Beachbody Coaches?


Beachbody is excited to offer this great program for our Coaches who are actively serving in our military. If you are an active member of the military and newly enrolling as a Beachbody Coach, the cost of your business starter kit ($39.95) and your monthly business service fee will be waived for the duration of your active duty orders. If you are already a Beachbody Coach and on active duty, your monthly business service fee will be waived for the duration of your active duty orders. In either case, if your active orders have no stated end date, your business service fee will be waived for a minimum of two years.

I’m a Beachbody Coach and I’ve got friends in the military who would like to enroll as an Independent Team Beachbody Coach. What’s my next step?

It’s always a great idea to share as much information about this opportunity with your prospective Coach prior to their enrollment. Giving them a chance to review more about being a Coach can help ensure they’re well informed. Once they’ve decided to join our Coach network, you’ll want them to complete the Coach application, and submit the completed Coach application, together with a copy of their active duty orders, to our Coach Relations team for further review and processing. Paperwork may be submitted to our secure fax at (213) 201-7225 or by email to coachrelations@teambeachbody.com. If we need any further information to verify a new Coach’s active duty status, we will reach out to them directly.

I’m active military and I’d like to become an Independent Team Beachbody Coach. How do I enroll?

Please complete the Coach application, and submit the completed Coach application, together with a copy of your active duty orders or any suitable verification of your status, such as a copy of your military ID or your BIR, to our Coach Relations team for further review and processing. Paperwork may be submitted to our secure fax at (213) 201-7225 or by email to coachrelations@teambeachbody.com. If we need any further information to verify a new Coach’s active duty status, we will reach out to you directly.

Both I and my spouse are active military. May we both enroll as Independent Team Beachbody Coaches and have our fees waived?

Yes, if you and your spouse are both active military, you may each enroll as an Independent Team Beachbody Coach, and each of you is eligible to have your basic enrollment fee of $39.95 and your monthly business service fee waived. Both of you will need to complete our Coach application and submit the application along with the verification of your active status.

I’m active duty military however my spouse would like to enroll as an Independent Team Beachbody Coach. Is this possible?

Yes, absolutely. If you are active duty military and are not a Beachbody Coach, your spouse is welcome to take advantage of this benefit. If your spouse is enrolling as a Coach rather than you, your spouse will need to submit a copy of your active duty orders or other suitable paperwork, in order to qualify for this waiver. In this particular case, the name on the Coach account will be the enrolling spouse.

I’m active duty military. Can anyone other than my spouse enroll as a Coach based on my status?

No. As an active member of the military, either you or your spouse may enroll as an Independent Team Beachbody Coach to take advantage of this waiver of standard fees. If you and your spouse both wish to enroll as Independent Team Beachbody Coaches, and only one of you is an active member of the military, only one of you would qualify to have your standard enrollment fee of $39.95 and your monthly business service fee waived.

I’m active duty military and I’m already an Independent Team Beachbody Coach. What’s next for me?

Please submit a copy of your active duty orders or other suitable verification of your status, such as a copy of your military ID or your BIR (feel free to use the Coach Application Fax Cover page available HERE) to our Coach Relations team. Upon further verification of your active duty status, we will waive your monthly business service fee for the duration of your active duty orders. Please note that your initial business starter kit charges are not eligible to be refunded.

What do you mean when you say I have to be active duty military to qualify for this benefit?

At the time you submit your Coach application, we will also need you to include a copy of your active duty orders or other suitable verification of your status, from your branch of service. Your active duty orders will likely include a start and end date. Based upon the end date given, your monthly business service fee will be waived during that time period. If you are reassigned to active duty at a later date please contact our Coach Relations team for further instructions.

If you have more extensive questions regarding whether or not you are eligible for this program, please contact our Compliance department at compliance@teambeachbody.com.

If you are interested in joining TeamBeachbody as a coach please message me at gabriellah99@beachbody.com.

What number comes after 99,999??

...100,000! Com'on you knew that! So what's special about that number? It's how much you could win in the Beachbody Challenge!!! Check it out today and I want to help you with this! Let's help you get fit, inspire others, and win some dough! Worse case? You get a t-shirt to tell everyone about your success!!

And the winning just keeps on coming!

Beachbody always has chances to win...and this one will only take 10 minutes! If you have tried 10 Minute Trainer with P90X's Tony Horton, you have a chance to win a trip to LA!!  Check it out!

Special Coaching incentive...only from me!!

In case you haven't noticed....I love being a Beachbody coach and maybe not for the reasons you think. Yes, the little extra spending money is fun. Yes the incredible 25% discount on everything Beachbody is..well...incredible. But for me, corporate Beachbody, and the vast majority of the coaches,this business is about more.

This past weekend I had a blast at the 2nd largest Warrior Dash ever which was held in Michigan and imaginemy excitement when i saw a Beachbody tent! Excited, I pointed it out to my cheerleader / photog /support crew of the day....and not to mention amazing friend (a fellow coach!), Kristy, and we immediately ran over to say hi. We weren't at all surprised to see the top Michigan coach there with his team. We exchanged hellos and hugs and off I went to race!!! After I got cleaned up, we went back over and learned that he wasn't really "working" it that day (granted...to me, coaching never feels like work!). Instead he was there as support for his team. Yes, his business is stronger for his team being stronger but that was not his reason for being there. He was there to pay it forward..to support his team and help them like others had supported him. He didn't take home a single email address, phone number, or name despite the number of people he talked to or how many questions he answered. As I listened to him explain this, i realized I wasn't at all surprised....this is the culture of Team Beachbody! Further proof of thatwas standing by my side...my dear friend who is also a loving wife and mother of 2 adorable boys who, upon learning I lost my running buddies, dropped everything and went to Flint with me Friday night to be at the race with me first thing Saturday morning!

I had no idea how supportive and incredible of a network I was joining when I signed up to coach. I just knew that i would be saving money on my Shakeology by signing up. The $40 to start coaching and $15 each month to keep up my websites was a no brainer for me...and the friends and positive, supercharged network of over 60,000 coaches? Priceless.

I want to pay it forward and sharein this with you...this gift of wellness and support and chance to build your own business if you choose to work it. That's why this weekend I want to offer you a special welcome to the team. If you sign up as a coach with me and start on Shakeology Home Direct (a key to the biz you'll learn as we get you going) I'll help you get started with some products that will help you get started in your better wellness journey.

- Just for signing up, you will earn the President's Challenge PALA and I'll give you the lapel pin to display with pride.
- As an active coach, you'll recieve your first pin from Beachbody.
- I'll get you get up with our team's shirt to wear with pride and start conversations!
- PB2 for your Shakeology....a great mix in!!
- The Team Beachbody "End the Trend" t-shirt so everyone knows you are part of the solution to our country's fastest growing epidemic...obesity!

As anyone who joins me in this journey to be well and help others do the same, you'll be part of he largest and most respected teams in Team Beachbody - Platinum Presenters. Check out our website at www.platinumpresenters.com where, once you're signed up, you'll be eligible to full access to that site where top coaches provide training, documents, webinars, advice, and guidance for free. And did I mention the 25% discount on everything Beachbody including Shakeology???

Think about it. Ask questions. But don't delay. I want to get you started on this amazing path as soon as possible so this special offer closes at midnight on Sunday the 7th.

Help me End The Trend!! Let's make tomorrow better for all of us and reverse all the negative effects that our entire country will continue to feel if we don't start to sweat, eat, and repeat to be well!!

Earn the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award!!

So if you were on my shopping page right now you'd see this on the right hand side:

Earn your Presidential Active Lifestyle Award when you order! All Beachbody® fitness programs answer the President's Challenge to be physically active in everyday life. So, not only will you get in great shape, you'll receive recognition from the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition.

An Award?? From the President?? Awesome...right? So how do you earn it? Well President and First Lady Obama have recognized the work Beachbody is doing to END THE TREND so they have set a special set of qualifications through our Team!

To earn the PALA through Beachbody you just need to:
- become a coach! OR
- sign up for Shakeology Home Direct! OR
- order a Beachbody home fitness program!

....by August 17th!

To sweeten this idea some, I'd like to offer some suggestions!
- check out my coaching incentive coming to a blog near you (yes this one!) on Friday!
- combine Shakeology with coaching. You won't get two PALAs but you will save money on your Shakeology even if you don't see yourself "working" the business.
- do this with a friend - accountability makes a world of difference!
- sign up and let me know you did! If you sign up for Shakeology Home Direct or order a home fitness program and stick to it - I want to know and I'll make sure you not only get your certificate through Beachbody, I want to get you a PALA pin as well to wear with pride!!

So what do you think? Personally, I'm stoked about the recognition Beachbody is getting in their efforts to END THE TREND of obesity in our country! How will you earn YOUR PALA?

p.s. Parents - check it out! Kids can join too! Guide them through signing up at www.presidentschallenge.org and help them track their activity and see how the minutes add up!!

Numbers that will break your heart

I know I'm a data driven, logical, methodical engineer by training (and upbringing!) so I am always looking at the latest data, graph, chart, table...if it's got numbers relating to something important to me, I'm probably checking it out. You get the idea. Often though, when I read this data, my "engineer mind" takes over. For those of you who aren't engineers...let me explain.

Numbers, data, physics...these are all logical things. If you drop an apple (or round frictionless chicken for my engineer friends who know that joke) it will fall at a speed that you can accurately calculate given the right data. Engineers are trained to look at the raw, verifiable data and determine the best solution to a given problem. Emotion, feelings, and many human factors be darned! This is why so many brilliant engineers make (just being honest here) lousy managers. We have conversations many don't understand because we remove many human reactions or expectations. I can't tell you how many times my family, friends and colleagues have had conversations that would not be deemed appropriate in "normal society" because we consider ways to improve government, social systems, and other societal problems in ways that are completely logical yet would fail once you add "nusances" like jealousy, human desire, the need to feel needed, etc... It's not because we don't care about people...it's simply that we're thinking in terms of facts and logic.

So when I look at this data, even though I approach it as an engineer, I am heartbroken. I can't remove the human factor from these numbers! Across the country, there are only two states where less than 10% of children are obese. Most states report that 10-15% of children are obese! That means that in a child's class of 30 students 3-5 of them are obese...and this number has TRIPLED since 1980. If this trend keeps up, assuming you have young children now (or will have them soon), your grandchildren have a 1 in 2 chance of being obese!! That's sickening and heartbreaking to me! Isn't it to you? Do you want your children and grandchildren to experience joint pain, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and other health risks ...not to mention the self confidence and emotional damage that can come from weight problems? I didn't think so...but as an engineer I will tell you, math doesn't lie!

With this information in hand I implore you to think about those you love especially children who look up to you. What kind of example are you setting? Are you showing them that HEALTH is an option and balance between living fun and living healthy is completely possible? Are you showing them that their first priority and one of the most selfless habits they can develop is taking the time and energy to be healthy? How? How often?

I'm not going to tell you that you have to be a Beachbody coach to set this example but I will tell you that coaching keeps you accountable to your actions. You may have other ways of staying accountable...through your own workout programs, through fitness programs with your spouse or another loved one, or through a group of a friends. For me, Beachbody has worked better than any of these. Where else are you going to find 60,000 other people committed to the same kind of healthy, balanced lifestyle? Not to mention, 60,000 nationally recognized coaches! (see more on that soon!) Please think about coaching if you don't already have a good network around you...and even if you do! We need to end this trend...this terrible terrible trend. The next generation deserves better!

One last thought...a friend of mine recently posted a status on Facebook that I think can push us to think. She said "Those of you who complain about the habits and behaviour of this generation, please take a long look at the people who raised them". This is our call to action. I don't have children yet but I know that my behaviour and my actions are visible to those around me. A child may emulate one of my eating habits and pick up a healthier habit directly from me...or a parent may become inspired to go out for a walk every evening because of the choices they know I make and the success they see me achieve which in turn shows a child that it's never too late to learn a new healthy habit. This kind of influence is a great power and as Spiderman knows, with great power comes great responsibility. Seize and embrace that responsibility! Find a way to make an impact in the lives of those around you. I could go on for days about how a healthier community is a better community in so many ways but I'll put away my soap box for now and ask you to click on both of the links below.

The first link is the information from the CDC which shows these frightening and heartbreaking trends in the health of our children and the second link includes information regarding becoming a Beachbody coach. Please contact me for more info as there is a FREE webinar each week with the top coaches in this incredible company and I'd love for you to hear their point of view too!

This is your chance...will you seize it?

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/data.html

http://gabriellah99.blogspot.com/p/lets-end-trend-together.html

The Office...Beachbody style - hilarious!

This video cracks me up! I love working with this company!!

Putting this out into the universe

Next year I will...no, will, be at Team Beachbody's Summit that is taking place this week! I am so jealous of all of my friends and fellow coaches who are heading out to California for Summit this week and I know I will make this work. I will be there next year. This year, vacation stole a few more vacation days that I usually spend so going to Summit wasn't really an option this year.

I've said it before, I'll say it again, I love being a Beachbody coach. I love having the tools and network I need to help so many in my life find the healthy solutions they need to have a better life. I love having a business where I earn money just by sharing what I love - wellness. I love the Beachbody community and the way we support each other even though we're "competing" for business. I love that the CEO of Beachbody is on our call each and every Monday. How many of you can say that you hear your CEO's voice, live, each Monday? There are tens of thousands of coaches out there with me fighting to END THE TREND of obesity. Does it get any better than that? I'd have to say no.

I know that I post stuff like this once in a while - about how I love being a coach, how awesome Beachbody is, blah blah blah. Right? But I wouldn't keep posting this if I wasn't still in love with this. I get jazzed and feel invincible each time I meet with coaches...whether its just a couple of my close and dear friends I've met through this group, a class room full of Turbo-ers, or a room of 200 people - I love this group of people and their constant "We can do this and we can do it BETTER" energy. How could you not want to be better when you're surrounded by people who encourage you to do so?

I'd love to share more information about Beachbody with you! Not sure you're cut out to be a coach? If you think "Hey, that's me" to a single one of these ideas, let me know...I'd love to get you set up.

You could make a great Beachbody coach if...
- you love the idea of getting paid to share information with others.
- you want to make a POSITIVE difference in the lives of those around you.
- you have ever done a Beachbody program or tried Shakeology and convinced someone else to do the same.
- you have your own fitness and wellness goals you're working to achieve.
- you don't know the first thing about fitness but are interested in learning.
- you've thought about having your own business "just in case" or because you want something different than your current job.
- you're perfectly happy with your current job and have never thought about starting a business of your own but now that you mention it.....
- you want to make sure that your kids and grandkids grow up in a world where obesity is not the norm.
- you want to help END THE TREND of unhealthy living!

So now here's my challenge to you. Think about this...just for a minute ... and if you have even a little interest, email me (gabriellah99@beachbody.com). I promise I won't pressure you. I'll send you one email with information and then I'll follow up. Other than that, it's up to you. Don't feel like emailing me? Just jump on one of the weekly FREE calls hosted by my team, Platinum Presenters every Tuesday night. Go to http://tiny.cc/FreeFitWebinar, register, and call in - just let them know I sent ya! All I ask is that once you've called in, if you want more information, let me know!

Always here to help!

Gabriella

My "why" - a look back on the past year and how Beachbody has helped me approve my life.

A lot has changed in my life in the past couple years and I credit most of it to the new confidence and strength I have found in myself. A large part of that has been fed by the Beachbody community and the people who make this amazing network the powerful resource that it is. Hopefully this video will help you understand...