Author Archives: ginablackmon

From the Girl Who Hated Yoga…

Posted in Life, Uncategorized by

I’m just about 1/2 way through the 3 Week Yoga Retreat on Beachbody onDemand.  Now, let me start by saying…..I was a Yoga basher.  Didn’t get it.  Couldn’t understand why people were so passionate about it.  SO, that being said, I thought it would be appropriate for me to do a quick review 1/2 way through and then again at the end of the program….you know, for those other yoga haters out there.

IMG_1083

Here’s a little background.  The most recent programs I’ve done are 21 Day Fix Extreme Insanity Max30 and Shift Shop.  I’m a girl who believed I had to be lifting weights, completely sweating from cardio, or BOTH to really challenge myself.  Yoga just seemed too slow paced and, if I’m being honest, too painful.  I’m flexibly challenged, to say the least.  Also, the whole “breathing” thing?  Didn’t get it. When I need a breath, I take it…how it usually works…right?

Fast forward to about a week and a half ago.  I needed something different.  I’ve been doing the same types of programs for a while now and I just felt like my body needed a switch.  Lately, I’ve been into this whole “if it scares you, do it” way of thinking….I blame the personal development books I’ve been reading.  So, I dug deep and thought about what program scares me.  Yoga.  And it didn’t scare me because I thought it would be too challenging…it scared me because like I said, I didn’t understand it.  Way out of my comfort zone.  Give me burpies, squats and shoulder presses…got it!  Downward dog and goddess and tree pose?  What the what!?  So, I decided to challenge myself and I committed to the 3 Week Yoga Reatret.

IMG_0930

My Best Beginner Tree Pose

The first week is sort of an intro; sort of helps you ease your way into it. Perfect.  Just what I needed.  Seemed simple enough.  Bending and stretching.  I can do this!  I made it through week 1 feeling pretty good.  I wasn’t really sore, but I felt pretty good physically and mentally (the mentally part I’ll get to later).  I started wondering if I was wasting my time though, since my muscles weren’t sore.  I mean….I want to get some toning going.  Did I choose the wrong program?  BUT, I committed and I was going to finish this damn thing.  So, week 2 creeps around.  Today is Day 4 of week 2.  Ya’ll. I am sore.  My legs hurt.  My abs hurt.  But not in the usual spots.  Not the usual muscles.  Which can only mean one thing…..I’m working muscles that have been neglected for a while!  And if I am being totally honest, I am FREAKING LOVING this whole yoga thing.  Like, for real.  I feel myself getting stronger, more flexible and my mind seems clearer….which leads me to the mental part…..

I’m a big believer in using working out as a mood enhancer, a destresser, and a sanity saver.  But this whole yoga thing is on another level.  When I’m lifting weights, or busting my ass doing cardio moves….I’m not really focusing on ME….on how I feel…..on releasing negatives.  With yoga, I’m forced to be still, to connect to my body and to my mind and to really just let go of the stress and the negativity, consciously.  I feel more relaxed and happier than I have in a while.  Coincidence?  Could be, but it would be a really big one.  I have to think it has to do with the yoga.  The spiritual part of it. just as mush as the physical.  My mind feels just as good as my body does.

So, what I’m trying to say?  I get it now.  I completely, wholeheartedly get why so many people are so committed to the practice of Yoga.  It truly is a full body workout….inside and out.  I look forward to each days workout.  I really do. I look forward to how I feel afterwards.  I look forward to seeing how deep into the moves I can get that day.   I’m not saying I’m going to cover my car with Om or Namaste bumper stickers (you know you’ve seen those people)…but I will say, I’m excited to see what else I can do to really explore this Yoga thing, because I’m definitely digging it.

IMG_1084

Downward Dog (this is NOT how I look doing it….but I’ll get there)

If you want to try something new, be it yoga or something totally different…..Beachbody onDemand has it all!  And the best part?  Its way cheaper than any gym membership!  If you want to check it out, shoot me a message at gmbfitlife@gmail.com and I’ll get you hooked up!!

Xoxo

G

 

Beachbody-On-Demand

Shaun T Week

Posted in Uncategorized by


Ya’ll….maybe you’ve heard, maybe you haven’t…but super trainer Shaun T is releasing a new workout next freaking month! AND Beachbody is rolling it out completely different than any program before, and if you have access to onDemand, you will instantly have access to the program and launch. The program is called SHAUN T WEEK!!!

This WILL NOT be available on DVD. Instead, each day for 1 week there will be a NEW Shaun Week Workout released. Here’s the breakdown:

Insane Basics:  Go Slow, form over speed, work through it.

Pure Cardio Part 2: It is going to be amazing! You don’t go to the floor at all.

Insane Weights: This workout is hitting the weights in an Insanity format.
25 Abs: 25 minutes of abs that is bound to get us ripped!

BrickSanity: Asylum strength and T25 mixture and a lot of insane craziness!

Speed 4.0: Speed workout similar to what you did in T25 Speed 1.0 and 2.0…..but 4.0. Yeah, you know that that means!

Dig Deep: An insane workout to end the week….I’m thinking Friday fight Round 2 style 😬

AND it won’t stop at the end of those 7 days. There is a lot more in store for you after that, don’t you worry!
As always, there will be a modifier, so any fitness level can join in!

Here’s the live announcement in case you missed it:

Shaun T Week Live announcement
If you don’t have access to onDemand yet shoot me a message at gmbfitlife@gmail.com and we’ll get you hooked up!!

Clean Eating Pork Carnitas

Posted in Clean Eating by

IMG_1474

Who doesn’t love Taco Tuesday!?  I make tacos all the time around here…..so this past week, I decided to mix it up and little bit.  I strayed from the usual turkey tacos and went for a recipe I have been eyeing forever!  Pork carnitas. Let me tell you, they were delish!  They will def be a regular in our taco rotation from now on!  And the best part is, there was plenty left over for lunches for the week!

Clean, 221 Day Fix approved and really freaking good.  Trust me – you want to give these a try!

Ingredients:

IMG_0836

3 lbs of Pork Loin

1 bay leaf

1 1/2 cup of water

To make the rub combine:

IMG_0835

2 tbsp of chili powder

2 tsp of cumin

1 tsp of ground coriander

1/2 tsp cloves

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp oregano

Directions

Mix all spices together except the bay leaf in a bowl. Rub down the entire pork loin with the spices and place in your slow cooker. Add the bay leaf and water and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Keep an eye on the pork just to make sure the water doesn’t absorb and it dries out.  If you have to add more liquid please do. Your pork should pull apart easily so you can shred it. Once it is able to be shredded take it from the crock pot, shred and then place back into the crock pot. Stir the meat to coat with the juices.

You can fill a red container with this for the 21 day fix!

For the Carnitas you will need:

Corn Tortillas
Black or Pinto Beans in a can
Romain Lettuce
Diced Tomatoes
Diced Avocado
Shredded cheddar cheese

Cilantro Lime Topping (Do not leave this out – takes these to  whole new level)

Greek yogurt
1/4 Cup Fresh Lime Juice
1/4 Cup Fresh Cilantro Chopped
1 lime cut into wedges for garnish

Combine these ingredients in a bowl for the dressing and set aside.

I chose to serve the black beans on the side, but you could add the drained beans with 1/2 of a cup of water to a pot on the stove over medium heat and cook until heated through.  Gently mash with a fork until they reach your desired consistency.

Lightly spray your corn tortillas with cooking spray and place on a foil lined baking sheet.
Crisp in the oven on 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes until desired crispiness.

Next step is to assemble the goods!

So take your corn tortilla and add your fixings to make yourself a pretty sweet Carnita.
Add a dollop of the dressing on top and enjoy!

Give them a try and let me know what you think!!

Clean Turkey Chili

Posted in Clean Eating by

Just when we thought summer was officially here in the south, we get a cold, rainy few days.  I’m not complaining though…..because I’ve been craving some chili and it just doesn’t seem right to make chili on an 80 degree day.  Sooo, I took advantage of the chilly weather and put my favorite recipe to the test.  And I’ll tell you the one thing that’s better than a warm bowl of chilly on a cold evening – a warm leftover bowl of chili for lunch the next day!  I swear this stuff is even better a day or two after I make it!

IMG_0963

What I love most about this recipe is the fact that you literally have no idea that its turkey instead of beef.  And its the right combo of tomatoes, meat, beans, and spice!

Here’s the recipe if you want to give it a try!

Clean Turkey Chili:

1lb ground turkey

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 clove of garlic, minced

1 small onion chopped

1 tsp salt

1 tsp dried basil

chili powder to taste (I probably use about 1/4 a cup)

1/2 tsp oregano

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 can (60 oz) stewed tomatoes

1 can (16 oz) kidney beans

Directions:

Heat oil in large saucepan

add garlic and saute for 30 seconds

Add onion and cook over med high heat until onions begin to brown

Add turkey – cook until no longer pink

Add salt, chili powder, oregano, basil and black pepper, stirring well

Add tomatoes and beans (undrained)

Simmer at least 15 minutes (I like to let it simmer for about an hour!)

Garnish with cheese, greek yogurt.  I sometimes like to add some diced avocado as well

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

New Leader Retreat

Posted in Uncategorized by

IMG_8355

If you follow me on FB or IG….you probably saw me posting this weekend all about being at this “retreat”.  You might have also been wondering what the hell it was and what it was all about.  So, allow me to share with you what this freaking AMAZING weekend was all about.

First things first….Why me?  How did I end up there?  Well, this trip was earned.  There were certain things I had to achieve in order to be able to go.  Essentially, I had to my job and do it well.  But mostly, my coach sees these 19 other women and myself as her teams future leaders.  And she wanted to bring us together to reward us, but also to teach us and to brainstorm with us.

What did we do?  She rented this huge, beautiful house on Deep Creek Lake in Maryland, which by the way, is absolutely beautiful!  When we first arrived we were greeted with champagne, inspirational tank tops and the cutest mugs!  We all met each other for the first time…..and I totally thought it would be weird….but it wasn’t!  We all hugged, laughed and instantly started talking as if we’ve known each other forever!  everyone was so welcoming and friendly, it was such a warm feeling to walk into.  We had a delicious dinner, a champagne toast and just spent some time getting to know each other the first night.

IMG_8435FullSizeRender

We got up early the next morning to get a solid workout in….all while our coaches husband was cooking BACON.  That smell was motivation enough to work our asses off!  So we did our workout, showered up, had a great breakfast and then spent the rest of the day learning.  Soaking in knowledge.  Picking the brain of our coach Melanie, who is also the 3x Top Coach in all of Beachbody.  So to say the info we got was good, is an understatement!  There were also 2 amazing guest speakers….so we literally crammed our brains with information for the entire day. And we loved it!  We had clean fajitas and margaritas for dinner, which were SOOO good!  But we worked hard all day, so later that night, it was time for some fun!  Some of us refilled our margaritas and/or wine and hopped in the hot tub! We had our drinks and just talked like we were old friends. It was such a great night full of fun, laughter, bonding and learning from each other.  I truly felt like I had known these women for years!

IMG_8379

Our last day was a short one, but we had a great breakfast and crammed in another hour or two of training before we all said our goodbyes and returned to our families. It’s crazy how comfortable things can be when you’re surrounded by like minded people.  It was sad to say goodbye, but we all left this weekend with a whole lot more knowledge and a ton of new friendships.

I was scared to go at first.  I wasn’t sure what to expect.  It’s not something I would ever typically do.  But I knew it would be worth it….and I am so, so thankful that I went.  It was such an uplifting, positive weekend.  I would be kicking myself if I didn’t go.  And the funny thing is, we were ALL scared.  But something in all of us made us go anyway.  If we hadn’t…we would have missed out on so much.

Its not often that you get rewarded for the work you do.  Its not often that you get to pick the brain of the #1 person in your entire company.  Its not often that you get to have a weekend away and be pampered JUST for doing your job.  It’s not often that an opportunity like this comes up.  It’s not often that you find a passion that you can actually make a career out of.

This weekend made me realize even more how freaking happy I am that  finally took the leap into coaching.  And it made me think  – WHY THE HELL AREN’T YOU DOING THIS TOO!?  You can make extra money, while working on your fitness goals.  You get rewarded constantly for simply doing your job.  You have the opportunity to literally change lives.  These retreats and trips are all just extra perks.  The real joy is in seeing people come out of their shells and transform their lives.

If you’ve ever thought of doing what I do, fill out the form below.  I’ll contact you and we can chat!  I promise, you will never regret taking this leap!

https://gmbfitlife.wufoo.com/forms/m3q4e0v0yh71rd/

IMG_8353

What’s This Coaching Thing All About?

Posted in Uncategorized by

16807338_10158401196855226_2849426956782790409_n

Sweaty selfies, shakes, workouts, inspirational quotes…that about sums it up, right?  From an outsiders view, that may seem like all a coach does.  Drink their shake.  Workout. Take a pic. Repeat.  But ya’ll….it is SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT!  I mean, yeah.  We do all of that.  But that’s not the heart of coaching.  The heart of coaching is – wait for it – COACHING.  It’s finding people who are looking for a change and helping them.  It’s reaching out to that person, at the perfect time,  who has been feeling so terrible about themselves and giving them hope.  It’s about sharing our journey in hopes that maybe one person will see it and will relate and just might be moved enough to join us.  It’s about pounds gone, sizes down, confidence gained, lives change and so much more!

Anyone who knows me knows that I haven’t always been the most positive person.  I have always looked to the negative first…it was just a natural instinct for me.  Positive, happy people annoyed me.  Sad, but true.  Why?  I guess because I wanted to be like that, but I wasn’t.  Now, I still have my moments, but coaching has brought SO MUCH positivity and happiness into my life.  I get it now.  It’s hard to be positive and happy when you’re spending 40 hours a week at a job that you don’t love.  Doing things you don’t love.  Working towards something you don’t believe in.  Being taken for granted and never given any credit for the work you’ve done. It drains the life out of you.  I’ve had many of those jobs and I let that feeling bleed into my home life as well.  But since I’ve found coaching?  Never in my life have I been with such a uplifting, rewarding, positive company.  I’m working towards something I believe in with all of my heart.  I am helping people every day.  I am inspiring people to live better, healthier lives.  I’m building MY dreams instead of working towards someone else’s.  How awesome is that?  And the best part of this gig?  There is zero risk.  I can make as much or as little as I want.  I can work as much or as little as I want.  I can make this a lifelong career or I can walk away tomorrow.  It’s all about what I want to put into it and what I put in, I get back.  And on top of that?  I am rewarded for my hard work.  From monthly prizes, to public shout outs, to bonuses.  And not to mention weekend retreats and all inclusive trips!  We are constantly being shown appreciation for what we do.  And honestly?  Making a difference in the lives of others is a reward enough….so the other stuff is just icing on the cake!  For realz!!!

449737bf9bebf7cbae053679b8ceaa1e

I know a lot of people look at coaching as a “cult” or as just this crazy thing so and so is doing .  But guys?  This coaching thing is changing lives.  There are women who went from thousand of dollars in debt, at the lowest point…who are now thriving, making 6 figures and changing lives every day.  Women who have gone from lost, stay at home moms, to now earning millions.  People with addictions, eating disorders, on the verge of suicide….to now being some of the most successful, happy, carefree people I’ve seen.  This job has literally saved peoples lives….coaches and customers.  SO, people can think whatever they want about it, but when I’ve see firsthand how it can completely change lives….I can’t help but wonder why you’re not hopping on board!

If you’ve ever been curious about coaching, if you’ve ever just wondered what it’s all about, then I have the perfect opportunity for you!  I have a sneak peek into coaching coming up, that I’d love for you to hop in on.  No obligation…you can literally be jus a fly on the wall.  Get some answers. Just be nosey.  Whatever you want out of it, I want you there.  Maybe this little sneak peek will show you why so many of us love what we do so much.  Scared you can’t do it?  I’m willing to bet you can.

If you’re interested in checking it out, shoot me a message at gmbfitlife@gmail.com and lets get you into the group!

Better Late than Never…

Posted in Clean Eating, Uncategorized by

So, I finished up the “MY30” last week (if you follow me on FB or IG, you know why I changed it to “My30″….if you don’t follow me, here’s the post https://www.facebook.com/GMBFitLife/photos/a.1569021006718125.1073741828.1568136586806567/1886006688352887/?type=3&theater) .  30 days done.  And you know what?  Wasn’t all that bad.  I actually learned to ENJOY healthy food again.  I learned that I don’t need a sweet treat after I eat.  I learned that, although enjoyable, I don’t NEED a glass of wine every night.

As my Day 30 was approaching, people started asking me what I was going to eat first, or when I was going to have wine.  Here’s the thing…..if I reverted back to my old habits, then what was the point?  If I didn’t learn anything, then why did I do it?!  I have had a glass of wine here and there and I’ve allowed myself to be a little more lenient on what I eat and what I don’t.  But for the most part?  I’m keeping my foods as clean as possible.  I’m still eating some of my favorites from the 30 days.  I’m still going easy on the sugar and I am overall making better choices than I was before.  And it’s easier.  Easier to choose the salad over the pizza. Easier to choose the water over wine.

Another little bonus?  Between changing my diet and continuing with my workouts, I’m down about 4-5 pounds and I can SEE and FEEL a difference in my body and the way my clothes fit.  It feels damn good too!

I’m a clean eater for the most part, but sometimes it takes a little reset to see results!  If you’re looking to make changes in your diet, you just don’t know where to start, shoot me an email at gmbfitlife@gmail.com and let’s chat!

 

What is a Challenge Group?

Posted in Life, Uncategorized by

I talk about them all the time.  I LOVE them.  I assume everyone knows exactly what they are.  But if you had asked me a few years ago what a challenge group was,  would have had no freaking clue.  So, first I’ll tell you what….and then I’ll tell you why.

screen-shot-2015-02-01-at-10-59-35-pm

A challenge group is an online accountability group.  Its run either through a closed FB group, or through the Challenge Tracker app.  It’s a group of people, who are all working towards some goal or another, who have committed to a Beachbody program and replacing one meal a day with our superfoods shake for the duration of the group (usually 30ish days).  In the group, everyone encourages each other, there are daily motivational posts, recipes, accountability and we learn about clean eating and making your health a priority. So, now that you know what it is…let’s get to the good stuff.  The WHY.

How may times have you started a program, or a gym routine….only to last a couple weeks and then you fall off?  Maybe it’s because you lose interest, you’re not sure what to do next, you feel alone, you can’t find the motivation or you don’t have anything or anyone holding you accountable.  THIS my friends is where the Challenge Group comes in to say the day.  I have been running these groups for about 2 years now and let me tell you….they are amazing!  Amazing for support, amazing for accountability, amazing for motivation.  Just all around amazing.  You and these group of people, some you may know, and some you don’t…you sort of become a little family.  Having a bad day?  Everyone is there to pic you back up.  Can’t find the motivation?  Everyone is there to cheer you on and motivate you.  Don’t know how to meal plan?  We all share ours to help you get started.  Can’t figure out what to make for dinner?  Recipes are shared all the time and they are usually clean, easy and delicious.  Have a small or large victory?  Everyone is there to celebrate with you…and that we do!  It’s such an amazing feeling to have this place where you can go, where you know you’re not going to be judged, and you can get support, no matter what phase of your journey you are on.  There is no stupid question.  There is no small accomplishment. Someone is always there to give you an answer or a pat on the back!  There’s no jealousy, no competition (ok, maybe a little fun competition) and no judgement.  It’s like having a group full of your best friends, who you might not have ever actually met, to go to for support.

And guys?  The feedback we’ve gotten from our last few groups have been AMAZING!  Lives are being changed every single day.  People are realizing what they are capable of.  They’re feeling HAPPY and feeling good about themselves again.  It’s a fun way to get healthy and work towards you goals. And you’re 10x more likely to stick with a program and succeed when you join a challenge group.  Maybe that’s what you’ve been missing?

My next group is kicking off on March 6th.  If its something you’d like more information on, or if you want to talk about joining, fill out this form and I will get in touch with you!  Summer is right around the corner…let’s get ready together!

https://gmbfitlife.wufoo.com/forms/z19cj1zw1bxzyqv/

fab-you-lous-february-cover

 

 

 

My Whole30 Journey…so far

Posted in Clean Eating, Uncategorized by

2016whole30-2-w1800

Day 20.  I’m 2/3 of the way there.  Pretty damn good for a girl who jumped into this, not actually thinking she could succeed.  Now, let me start off by saying that I was not 100% compliant since I did continue to drink Shakeology, which contains Stevia and Pea protein, which are not Whole30 compliant. But I wasn’t willing to give that up for 30 days and here’s why:

I don’t drink coffee….so my shakes are what get me going in the mornings.

It’s also my multivitamin.  It keeps me healthy.  Which is not something I was willing to risk, in the middle of winter and flu season.

It makes me feel too good to voluntarily give it up…even for just 30 days.

That being said, I may no be getting the FULL benefits of the Whole30.  And some people say I can’t call what I am doing the Whole30, since I am not 100% compliant….so I’m calling it the Whole30-ish.  And that’s good enough for me.  Because here’s the thing.  I didn’t do this for some astronomical change.  I didn’t do this because I have some huge issue that I needed to get to the bottom of.  I did this because I wanted to get back on track with my nutrition and I wanted to prove to myself that I still had some sort of discipline when it came to food. I wanted to sort of restart my system.

So, here’s what I’ve noticed so far:

I am sleeping better.  I’m snacking less.  My sweet tooth has been tamed.  I have the energy to get through my workouts. My mind feels clearer.  I am able to focus better.  I’m only down about 3 lbs, but am def noticing my pants are getting loose.  I’m not craving much.  I’m enjoying healthy foods.  I’m finding new, delicious recipes.  I’m learning to enjoy cooking.  And the most surprising of all – I am not dying for wine!  (<— that one alone is a huge accomplishment for me, since I am a self proclaimed wino!)

Overall, I can’t complain.  I didn’t have too many crazy days where I felt like I was dying, or had severe headaches, or severe cravings.  Again, the Shakeology could have helped with that….but for me, that’s a bonus!

There are a ton of Facebook groups dedicated to the Whole30…but beware.  In a lot of them, you can’t ask if something is compliant, you’re not allowed to post anything that is non-compliant, and don’t you DARE tell anyone that you’ve accidentally (or purposely) eaten something that might not be compliant.  Otherwise?  The groups can be great for recipe ideas, support on those tough days and other random Whole30 things.

757e37e06e18b95c4b3cc78174e1ac65

I’ll be back in 10 days to give my final review…including my favorites tips and recipes!

All in all, I think the Whole30 is great for someone who wants to get back on track, clean out their system, improve overall health, figure out what might be ailing them, etc.  If you’re thinking of doing it, I say give it a go!  You might actually surprise yourself!

 

If you can’t stop thinking about it…

Posted in Life, Uncategorized by

Before I actually became a Beachbody coach, I thought about it….all the time.  Once I successfully completed a couple of the programs and had friends asking me what I did to lose the weight, the idea first popped in my head.  It took almost a year for me to actually take the leap.  A year.  There were so many times I went to the coach sign up page, got all the way to the end, and then chickened out right before I hit submit.  Why?  I was afraid.  Afraid of failing, afraid of what people would think, afraid I wasn’t good enough.  I’m not sure what changed a year later.  Maybe the fact that I couldn’t stop thinking about it, or maybe I became less afraid.  But once I finally did it…..finally committed, I knew my fears didn’t matter.  It worked out actually because I did some research and decided what team I wanted to be a part of, instead of just randomly signing up on my own.  I am now a part of the most successful team in all of Beachbody, which gives me access to so many wonderful resources.  There’s no way I could have done this on my own.

The moral of this little short story is….if there is something in your life that you can’t top thinking of, go after it.  There’s a reason this thought or this idea is lingering…..maybe it’s leading you in the direction you need to be headed.

If you can't stop