"Drench"ed with PiYo

I always keep it real. I hate long workouts. Except for TurboFire... I love those long workouts (for the weekends only). But generally, I hate long workouts. As a SAHM, my "me" time is very limited. Even if I wake up early to workout and shower before my daughter wakes, I always run the risk that she will wake up early and then I need to rush through whatever I'm in the middle of. And I just don't enjoy working out at night. That's my time to relax and enjoy some quiet time with my hubby. Which leaves naptime... which is generally long enough for me to get in a longer workout and shower and have lunch, but not always... because if you have a kid at home, you know that "you just never know what to expect!"

So I'm back to my mantra of hating long workouts. I was excited to do "Drench" because of the name. I've enjoyed "Sweat" so figured that "Drench" would be along the same lines. The workout begins, there's Chalene and her crew... and the timer in the corner that says 48 minutes.... WHAT?! I literally groaned out loud in my living room as I began to take my shoes off when I saw them all barefoot, and figured I would suck it up.

This workout FLEW by. I wouldn't have thought it was 48 minutes at all. If you're following the schedule that comes with PiYo, you will see practically every move you've already done in all the other workouts in this one workout. And you know how when you go on a water ride at an amusement park, there's a disclaimer that you "may" get wet on this ride? I assure you that you WILL be drenched before you even reach the halfway point of this workout. I know everyone burns calories at a different rate but I burned 328 calories doing this workout (and that was with taking some child's pose breaks in between moves and not doing every push-up because I'm not quite there yet to hold myself up that long).

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I know I've told you how much I've liked just about every one of these workouts. If I had to pick my 5 favorite workouts of all time, Drench will certainly be on it. Yes, 48 minutes is a long workout, but it's an ah-MAY-zing workout. I couldn't believe how good I felt after I was done. I did feel a little sore in my shoulders when I washed my hair in the shower afterward, but that's to be expected. This is the longest workout in PiYo. Sweat (another one I absolutely love) is 35 minutes, and the rest are 30 minutes or less, so one long workout isn't so bad if it's a great one, right?

Have you done any of the workouts yet? What do you think? Want to learn more? Leave me a comment below or send me a message on my Facebook page!

~ Aly

3-Day Refresh: My Thoughts and Results

I was excited when I learned about the 3-Day Refresh during the 2014 Coach Summit. I wasn't able to attend but was following everyone's posts regularly to keep up with the latest and greatest news. I had been interested in the Ultimate Reset, but 21 days seemed like a long-term commitment for a "cleanse" like that. 3 days: totally feasible. I have been struggling to stay on track eating right so this was a great way to jump start my upcoming 21 Day Fix.

If you're not up on the basics of the Refresh, let me give you a quick overview. For 3 days, your meals will be as follows (note that you must wait at least 1 hour after each meal before having the next):

Wake up: Drink 8-10oz of water
Breakfast (within 1 hour of waking): Shakeology and 1 fruit serving (fruit can be in the shake or eaten on its own)
(Optional) Morning Herbal or Green Tea
Fiber Sweep Drink
Lunch: Vanilla Fresh Shake, 1 fruit serving, 1 vegetable serving, and 1 healthy fat serving
Afternoon Snack: 1 vegetable serving and 1 healthy fat serving
(Optional) Afternoon Herbal or Green Tea
Dinner: Vanilla Fresh Shake, plus one of the dinner recipes from the Refresh booklet, and 1 cup (optional) of organic vegetable stock.
(Optional) Evening Herbal or Green Tea

So here are my thoughts. I ordered the Vegan Chocolate Shakeology with my Refresh since I hadn't tried the Vegan Chocolate yet and Beachbody suggests the vegan with the Refresh since it digests easier. Personally, I wasn't a huge fan. From what I've heard from the Vegan Shakeology lovers, they are best when blended with almond (or other) milks. That's not allowed on the Refresh so to me, it tasted a little more gritty than the regular Chocolate Shakeology I normally drink. It was absolutely still drinkable, but I did taste a difference. If you have tried Shakeology in the past but not the Vegan, this Refresh is a great way for you to try the Vegan without committing to it for an entire month since the kit itself comes with 3 packs of the Shakeo flavor of your choice (if you order it with the Shakeo --- there's also the option of ordering it without the Shakeo if you already have it at home).

The Fiber Sweep surprised me the first day. It has a hint of lemon flavor to it. I wouldn't say it tastes bad, it's just a grittier texture than I expected. I struggled to drink it the first day until I remembered my favorite TV show: Friends. Remember the episode where Chandler and Ross are being bullied at Central Perk and make their own coffee in Chandler's apartment upstairs? They have to stir while they drink... and honestly, I found on days 2 and 3 that it actually worked best this way. Keep stirring in between sips so it doesn't settle at the bottom of the glass and it actually goes down much easier. (Honest!)

The Vanilla Fresh shakes taste very similar to Vanilla Shakeology. I added a few sprinkles of cinnamon as I had with Vanilla Shakeo in the past to give it a little more flavor. Overall, I enjoyed the Vanilla Fresh Shakes. I thought on the last night that I would try a dash of orange extract to change up the flavor --- it wasn't my personal favorite but you can certainly play around with different extracts since they're freebies on the Refresh if you're looking for more variety.

Personally, I tried to wait at least an hour and a half in between each meal/shake/tea. I didn't have the evening tea any of the nights, nor did I drink the optional organic vegetable stock with dinner since my dinner was at 7pm. I also stretched out my lunch (I'm not sure that this is suggested but I did it and still was successful): I noticed I was getting hungry in the 11 o'clock hour so I ate my fruit from lunch to help me push lunch to nearly 1pm. Then I had my 3 cups of lettuce with oil and vinegar (sounds plain but it seemed like the most filling/substantial option on the list of veggies to me) and shake around 1pm (after I would do my PiYo workout of the day).

My plain looking salad --- it was filing though!

Each day, my afternoon snack was carrots and hummus. I accidentally bought the petite carrots instead of baby carrots so I had 12-15 of them since they are super tiny in comparison to the normal baby carrots (I probably should have had 10-12, but I needed to finish my hummus!!) Haha

I drank a lot of water in between meals to help me feel full, not to mention I would squeeze some lemon in for flavor. As for my tea breaks, I opted for a decaf Blackberry Pomegranate Green Tea that Lipton makes. You're not allowed to add milk or sweetener to it (Truvia is allowed but for best results, they suggest plain). I probably should have had plain Green Tea but I'm not a huge fan so I drank this stuff which was pretty good. I never finished the whole cup, it was just something for added flavor in between meals for me.

They also urge that you don't drink coffee. If you MUST, it should be black. I made my morning Shakeology with half a banana the first morning and wasn't a fan of it without my usual PB2, so the second morning, I used chilled coffee and added a teaspoon of vanilla extract (one of my favorite recipes). I had been trying to wean off the caffeine but did feel a little tired so I used Half-Caff coffee. It tastes like a Starbucks Frap (just not as sweet).

My breakfast of choice: Vegan Chocolate Shakeo
(blended with coffee and 1tsp vanilla extract) and 2/3 cup blueberries

Dinner. There are 9 different recipes to choose from. I opted for a Spinach Salad --- knowing my body, it seemed the most substantial and filling, plus it didn't involve any cooking. I actually really enjoyed dinner with my Vanilla Fresh shake and felt very satisfied after eating dinner each night. I added more tomato and cucumber since I don't like peppers.

3-Day Refresh Dinner: "Spinach Salad" ( I added more
tomato and cucumber since I didn't add peppers)

A quick note on working out. I know that Beachbody has said you can still workout while doing the Refresh. I did fine on Days 1 and 2 with "lighter" PiYo workouts, but on Day 3, I was doing "Sweat" which is a 35-minute fast-paced workout where I usually burn 200+ calories. When I got down to the last 10 minutes, I did start to feel a headache coming on and had to turn it off before I could finish the last 3 minutes because I was worried I was pushing too hard and just needed food. I think if I had eaten something and then worked out 30+ minutes later, I might have been ok, but you may want to consider doing lighter workouts on your Refresh days. I've read plenty of people's reviews saying that they still did their usual P90X3 workouts and others of high intensity cardio, but I don't think I could have done it. You know your body best, use your own judgment. I just wanted to share my experience with you.

I'm not going to lie because I definitely pride myself on being up front and honest: I had random hunger pangs throughout the day. More so in the morning because you have Shakeology for breakfast but no other "food" until lunch (just a tea and the Fiber Sweep). I stretched out my food more because I know I have a later dinner due to my husband's schedule. I think it's vital that you try to schedule each meal ahead of time so you know when you're eating and don't get too off schedule so you don't get hungry and have nothing to eat. And of course, there's no cheating allowed. I'm a Stay at Home Mom so there was temptation staring me in the face all day, every day when I fed my daughter (and at dinner time with my husband). If you can, I would definitely urge doing this Refresh with a buddy so you can talk each other through it each day. I did this with a friend (from a distance) and having her going through this with me was so helpful and encouraging.

So, after all of this, are you curious about my results? After my first 3-Day Refresh, I am down exactly 4lbs. I lost 1.75" around my waist, and 1" around my hips. I'm excited!!! My friend who did the Refresh along with me that I mentioned had even more amazing results, and I do want to share them too because it shows how two people can follow the same exact plan (and we pretty much had the same food choices daily) and the results really do vary based on each person's body, metabolism, muscle, etc. My AMAZING friend in just 3 days lost 7.6lbs!

I found this program to be easy to follow, the foods for the most part were satisfying. I just wish there was some sort of actual "food" between breakfast and lunch, but I realize that while I didn't have that, I also didn't starve myself. I obviously was daydreaming about foods I shouldn't be eating (my Facebook news feed was the worst because I follow all kinds of food bloggers --- both healthy and not so healthy). But here I am, finishing up my post about this program, down 4lbs, enjoying a much needed and earned cup of coffee as I begin my first day back on the 21 Day Fix Eating Plan. I would (and definitely will) do the 3-Day Refresh again --- possibly every other month. I feel great, slept better than I had in quite some time, and am re-focused on eating right.

So do you still have questions? I'm always an open book! The Challenge Pack is still on sale through the end of July if you want in on the 3-Day Refresh. :)

~ Aly

PiYo's "Hardcore on the Floor" --- DEFINITELY Hardcore!

Sooooooo let me tell you... the schedule gave me an option of "Core" or "Hardcore on the Floor". I decided to try Hardcore on the Floor to see how it compares to the others. "Hardcore on the Floor" is the bonus workout that comes in a separate sleeve only when you order from your Beachbody Coach. You would think I would have learned by now that these bonus workouts that have come with every program I've purchases is ALWAYS a killer. Greatest HIITs comes with TurboFire and ChaLEAN Extreme. No joke. Plyo Fix with the 21 Day Fix, also no joke. I can't remember the bonus workout from Brazil Butt Lift but I'm sure it was no different.

So "Hardcore on the Floor" is a 33 minute workout that was designed to work your entire core. Personally, I think it worked every inch of my body, including my hair. Chalene takes you through a lot of the moves we've already done, but the pace at which they're done and the length of time that you're in these poses holding your body up definitely made it super challenging. Granted, my core isn't too strong to begin with (in my opinion) so I'm sure this might not be quite as crazy a workout for some of you, but if you're still new at PiYo, you may want to hold off until you're a little bit stronger. I always encourage trying everything, but I also pride myself in being totally up front and honest with you. I definitely need to wait a few weeks before I try this one again.

What's next? I still have 3 PiYo workouts I haven't done yet, so stay tuned for the reviews! Hopefully I don't feel like dying after I finish them. :)

~ Aly

PiYo "Full Body Blast"

If you're not too familiar with the Beachbody programs, you may not know that many of their programs offer a base kit that includes the standard workouts, and then there's a deluxe kit which includes usually a couple more workouts and sometimes equipment as well. You will have the option of upgrading with an add-on kit down the road if you prefer, but personally, I wish I had always purchased the deluxe kit because I haven't done a workout with my deluxe kits that I haven't loved.

When PiYo came out, I was eyeing up the deluxe kit since it came with 2 extra workouts, a yoga mat (I needed a new mat) and strength slides that you use for these 2 workouts. I just did my first deluxe workout over the weekend and let me just tell you... it was a very cool and eye-opening experience. In "Full Body Blast", you still do a lot of the same moves you've done in previous PiYo workouts, but using the strength slides takes it to a whole new level that I wouldn't have ever expected!! As you work on being strong and keeping yourself stable using these slides, I think I was working muscles I've never even worked before. It made everything so much harder!! It's a half-hour workout and I'm not going to lie... though I was able to work my way through these moves, it was definitely a challenge and I kept my eye on the timer (praying it would move FASTER!!!)

These slides come with removable booties so you can use them on
hard surfaces with the booties or on carpeting without the booties!

I'm making myself laugh with each new workout because I no sooner finish it and think to myself, "gosh, if I did this one a few times a week after I get through the 8 week schedule, my (fill in the blank) would look AMAZING"... and then I do the next workout and think the same thing! Translation: this program is awesome. I was nervous since it's not as cardio-driven as my preferred workouts, but I absolutely LOVE PiYo. I still have a few more workouts I haven't done yet from the program to share with you in the upcoming weeks, so if you're interested, don't forget to follow me on Facebook for updates!

~ Aly

Strength Intervals with PiYo

I really wasn't sure what to expect when I started the PiYo "Strength Intervals" workout. I want to start by sharing that I did this workout the first time barefoot, however, I do think that wearing sneakers will be better next time. I think the rule of thumb I'm going to use with these workouts is to wear (or not wear) whatever Chalene is wearing.

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So Strength Intervals is about 22 minutes long. To me, it felt like I blinked and it was cool down time. But Chalene makes you WORK! I'm sure you would have expected that anyway (I mean, come on, it's Chalene!) but this one is a little different too. You will start off doing moves slowly, and work your way up to it being more of a fast-paced move to rev up your heart rate before slowing down into some strength and stretch moves... hence the name, "Strength Intervals".

This is another workout that really isn't like the more traditional PiYo workouts that you start off doing in this program, but I absolutely love it. Each day that I push play, I can tell that I'm working my body a little differently, which is how I think so many people are seeing such awesome results with this program. Your body needs constant change if you want it to change, so mixing it up has always been what I've heard is the best way to go. The PiYo series definitely keeps mixing things up!

I can't wait to share the next workout review with you as it's from the Deluxe Kit and you use the Strength Slides during that workout... that having been said, I would definitely encourage everyone to go with the Deluxe Kit. The workouts I've done that for have been awesome!!

~ Aly

PiYo "Buns"

Let me just start by telling you how much I LOVE this "Buns" workout! While it's really not like the others (there's some moves that start you in plank, but it's not really as "PiYo" as the others I've done so far), it works those buns, glutes, and hamstrings big time!! I'm in serious need of toning in this area. While I admit that my thighs have never been exactly what I would like them to be, they definitely aren't as trim as they were last summer (I have Brazil Butt Lift to thank for that --- sadly, my program got lost in the mail when I was shipping it to a relative to try out so I no longer have that program).

In this 28 minute workout, I burned 160 calories. I broke a sweat, big time. My legs feel a little like Jello. I love that feeling! It wasn't serious cardio but it was an amazing workout. I can tell it's going to help strengthen my legs while toning them as I become more flexible. There's a lot of squats and lunges, not to mention, BURPEES! I use to loathe burpees, but now I just know they're an awesome workout and make you so much stronger the more you do them. Want a peek at some of the moves you'll do in "Buns"? Click here!


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I'm excited to have a couple more "new" PiYo workouts to try out this week on the schedule... stay tuned for "Strength Intervals" later this week! "Full Body Blast" will be done over the weekend so that will be posted early next week.

~ Aly

PiYo "Core" Workout

I forewarned a friend of mine yesterday that I would be doing a core workout today and not to make me laugh because I was probably going to be too sore for laughing. This, of course, was in reference to my first attempt at the 30 minute PiYo "Core" workout. I was excited to try the next workout on the schedule since it's been a week since I've introduced a new workout into the routine. I think Core is the most challenging workout in the program so far. Chalene doesn't just work your abs, but your entire core. So I don't necessarily feel like I'm going to die if I laugh too hard (at least not yet, but it's only been a few hours), but I can feel the burn as I worked to strengthen and elongate my core. (Lord knows I need all the elongation help I can get -- haha!!)

In true Chalene fashion, she works on hitting every muscle in our core. Like is the previous workouts so far, there's a lot of down dog and planking while doing the moves to work the core. I feel like I'm able to push myself a little further each day as my arms and wrists get stronger (along with all the other muscles in my body). I must say, Chalene does an amazing job in breaking down the moves in every workout so far... even moves that I remember seeing in the promotional video clip that I had thought "there's no way I will be able to do that!" aren't quite so bad when she breaks them down for you and shows you how to modify them until you can go all out. I love this!!

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Even with this Core workout where there's a fair amount of work being done on the floor, I was sweating. Not profusely, but I definitely broke a sweat doing these moves (and I couldn't even hold all of them as long as she does). I can't stress enough that this is a wonderful program to really grow with. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey and haven't done much exercising, or if you're a fitness enthusiast in fabulous shape... there's always a way to make every single move either easier or harder. Oh, and I love the music... it's actually pretty upbeat without being overpowering, given the type of workout PiYo is. These workouts fly by quicker than any I've ever done.

It'll be another week before my next post on "Buns" --- I've got 3 new workouts on the schedule next week!! I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

~ Aly