Hammer and Chisel (Day 1)

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I came up with the plan to start The Master's Hammer and Chisel-- for the second time-- while I was indulging in too many of my favorite delicious treats this weekend. When I started this program a few months ago, I successfully completed 4 weeks; but, right after the 4 week mark, I lost my drive, life got too hectic, and I just needed quick, effective workouts to get the job done. We coaches fall off the wagon sometimes too. It's important for us to be honest, admit to it, and create a plan to get ourselves back on track!

There are so many Beachbody programs that I have tried, but Hammer and Chisel seems to be the program that really works for my body. Using weights, heart-pumping cardio, and infusing balancing/core strength into almost every move makes this workout program perfect for me to accomplish my goals: 1. tone those legs and lift what needs to be lifted ; )  --- find my abs buried beneath the result of too much potato salad and burgers  --- tone and build muscle in my arms.

I'm going to Italy and France in a little over a month, and I want to feel the best I've ever felt so I can indulge in the sweet local nectar and pounds of pasta without feeling guilty. Now, I'm not saying I won't indulge at all during the next month or so, but I am on a path to fuel my body for the long haul and not just satisfy my sweet tooth ... or my ... grease tooth? Is that a thing? It should be. Those potato chips always call to me!

Today's Workout - CHISEL BALANCE

Weights Used:  15 lbs, 20 lbs, 10 lbs for the very last move when I was almost falling over!

Equipment:  ab ball, free weights, a folding chair : ) (I know I should have a bench, but I don't have the space!)

My favorite sculpting move:  Bulgarian split jumps --- This move makes me feel like an athlete again training for that big game or meet! Be sure to land softly. Focus on pushing off the balancing leg and fire the glutes ... DON'T just use momentum. Take is slow and controlled if you have to. Autumn moves fast through this video!


My LEAST favorite move (i.e. the most effective): Weight pistol squats ... eeek! My legs and glutes were screaming by the end!

Breakfast: 1 scoop Vegan Shakeology, one banana, 1 scoop of powdered peanut butter (PB2), 7oz of water

Snack: Cashew Cookie Lara Bar, cantaloupe

Lunch: 1 can tuna, light mayo, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, brocoli slaw from BJ's


Snack: mango, steamed edamame (from BJs ... soooo good!), honey wheat pretzels

Dinner: grilled chicken, asparagus, sweet potato --- salad with tomato, red onion, spinach, spring mix, olive oil, salt