The Master's Hammer and Chisel

Have you ever been both totally excited and also a little terrified of your next workout program? I know I am when it comes to The Master's Hammer and Chisel! I'm super excited about getting hammered and chiseled in 2016, but I'm not going to lie, I'm also a little nervous. I'll be doing the program with my husband, as well as our test group, so it will be awesome!


Learn more about the program here:

WHAT IS THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL™?

For the very first time, trainers Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese have teamed up to create an expert program designed to help you craft a powerful, perfectly defined body. The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is an innovative resistance training system that incorporates three muscle-sculpting phases—Stabilization, Strength, and Power—or SSP Training. This is how Sagi and Autumn help you efficiently build, chisel, and refine a masterpiece physique in just 60 days.

ABOUT YOUR TRAINERS

Co-creators Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese are experts when it comes to incredible physical transformations. Sagi has been crowned Mr. Israel— twice—and is a Master Professional Personal Trainer, IFBB Pro, member of the IFBB Propta Hall of Fame, Certified Nutrition Specialist, and Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist. Autumn Calabrese is a celebrity trainer, best-selling author, and working mom who has held certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA), and has competed at the national level in various bikini competitions.

WHAT MAKES THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL INCREDIBLY EFFECTIVE & UNIQUE?

The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is built on the three phases of SSP Training— Stabilization, Strength, and Power. Other workouts only focus on one or two phases, which might give you decent results. But The Master’s Hammer and Chisel program incorporates all three methods to help you relentlessly chip away fat and carve every muscle for a strong, visually stunning body in 60 days.
12 brand-new, 30- to 40-minute workouts that combine Sagi and Autumn’s proven techniques for 60 days of hardcore resistance training.
Sagi and Autumn make eating for your goals simple. That’s why they included their easy-to-follow and completely customizable nutrition plan, along with 7 portion-control containers that show you how to portion out the right amount of food to help you reach your unique fitness goals.
Flexible nutrition that allows you to lean out, sculpt and maintain, or build muscle.
Includes options to adapt certain exercises if you have limited access to equipment.
Includes a modifier who demonstrates some moves at a lower intensity.

TEAM BEACHBODY® EXCLUSIVE WORKOUT: THE MASTER’S CARDIO

Ever wonder what Sagi and Autumn’s favorite cardio moves are? Find out as they tag-team this challenging workout that will get you shredded fast. You can get this workout when you order your Challenge pack through ME! If you don’t have an account and aren’t working with a coach, click here to sign up!!

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

A few dumbbells
A bench or stability ball
A chin-up bar or resistance band with a door attachment kit

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS:

Shakeology® is an important part of The Master’s Hammer and Chisel nutrition plan
Beachbody Performance™ for better endurance, stamina, focus, and recovery (I personally will be using Energize and Recover!)
ActiVit® Multivitamins

WHAT’S IN THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL BASE KIT?

• Portion-control containers + workouts
• 12 hardcore workouts on 6 DVDs — Efficient 30- to 40-minute resistance-training workouts that will help you build muscle, sculpt incredible definition, and lose weight for a strong, visually stunning physique.
• 7 color-coded, portion-control containers –Whether you want to lean out, sculpt and maintain what you have, or build more muscle, you don’t need complicated meal plans to reach your goals. With 7 color-coded, portion-control containers, this is one nutrition plan that’s easy to follow.
• Resources
• The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide –A comprehensive guide that shows you how to use your portion-control containers and nutrition plan. Also includes easy-to-make recipes and expert tips from Sagi and Autumn on how to get the most out of your workouts.
• Quick-Start Guide — Your simple 3-step blueprint for building the body you’ve always wanted.
• 60-Day Workout Calendar — For efficient and effective training, the order of your workouts matters. With this calendar, Sagi and Autumn have you covered for the next 60 days. Also includes your Nutrition Plan “cheat sheet” and Food Lists on the back!

Deluxe Kit

In addition to everything featured in the Base Kit, you get an 8-lb. medicine ball along with 4 advanced workouts designed around this piece of equipment. You’ll also receive an extra set of 7 color-coded containers for more convenient meal planning and cleanup.

BEACHBODY® ON DEMAND

When you purchase The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and become a Premium Team Beachbody Club member, you’ll get unlimited access to Beachbody On Demand, where you can stream The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and hundreds of proven Beachbody workouts via any desktop, tablet, TV, or mobile device—wherever you have an internet connection. Just look for “Purchased Programs” on Beachbody On Demand to stream The Master’s Hammer and Chisel workouts.

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THE MASTER’S HAMMER & CHISEL FAQ

Q. WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL CHALLENGE PACK?

12 workouts on 6 DVDs
A set of 7 portion-control containers and a shaker cup
The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide
Quick-Start Guide
60-Day Calendar
30-Day Supply Shakeology
Free 30-Day Premium Club Membership including access to live streaming via Beachbody On-Demand
Access to my Test Group starting June 4th
Me as your FREE coach!
2 bonus workouts: 10 Min Ab Hammer and 10 Min Ab Chisel

Q. HOW DOES THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL DIFFER FROM BODY BEAST®?

Body Beast is a bodybuilding program that focuses on muscular hypertrophy. The Master’s Hammer and Chisel includes aspects of bodybuilding, but also focuses on improving endurance, power, agility, strength, balance, and range of motion to sculpt a tight, defined physique.

Q. HOW DOES THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL DIFFER FROM 21 DAY FIX EXTREME®?

21 Day Fix EXTREME is a shorter, goal-specific program, whereas The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is a full 60-day program with slightly longer workouts. 21 Day Fix EXTREME focuses on getting you shredded, while The Master’s Hammer and Chisel also helps you improve other aspects of your fitness, such as muscular endurance, power, strength, and agility. It’s a whole new approach to getting you ripped.

Q. WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED FOR THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL?

A few dumbbells of various weights appropriate to your strength and fitness level.
A bench or stability ball.
A chin-up bar or a resistance band and a door attachment.

Q. HOW DOES THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL NUTRITION PLAN COMPARE TO BODY BEAST, 21 DAY FIX®, AND 21 DAY FIX EXTREME?

Like the nutrition plans in 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix EXTREME, The Master’s Hammer and Chisel uses the portion control container system. However, it is tailored to meet your specific goals and the nutritional demands that a challenging body-sculpting program like The Master’s Hammer and Chisel requires.

Q. CAN YOU CUSTOMIZE THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL NUTRITION PLAN TO MEET YOUR UNIQUE GOALS?

Yes! If you want to gear your nutrition toward building more muscle (a surplus), or toward shredding fat (a deficit), you can use the Nutrition Plan Quiz to recalculate your calories to help you reach your goals.

Q. HOW DO THE CALORIE CHARTS FOR THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL WORK?

The Nutrition Plan Quiz included in the program and nutrition guide will determine your appropriate calorie chart based on your goals. Like the calorie breakdowns in 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix EXTREME, the ones in The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide also include the number of color-coded, portion-control containers your bracket requires each day to meet your goals.

Q. HOW DOES THE 60-DAY CALENDAR WORK?

The Master’s Hammer and Chisel program is a 60-day rotation of hardcore strength training built on the three phases of SSP Training—Stabilization, Strength, and Power. Sagi and Autumn strategically structured these workouts to train in all three phases efficiently, so following the calendar is important.

Q. HOW DOES THE BEACHBODY PERFORMANCE™ LINE FIT IN TO THE PROGRAM?

Because these workouts are so demanding, I highly recommend you consider adding Beachbody Performance supplements to your regimen to help support your energy, muscle-building, and recovery.* Instructions for incorporating Beachbody Performance into your nutrition regimen are included in The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide.

Q. IS THERE A TEAM BEACHBODY EXCLUSIVE IF YOU ORDER THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL THROUGH ME?

Yes! Customers who purchase The Master’s Hammer and Chisel through me will get a FREE bonus workout—The Master’s Cardio (a $19.95 value)! When Sagi and Autumn want tough, fat-chiseling cardio, The Master’s Cardio DVD includes their go-to moves. Short, but intense, this workout boosts aerobic capacity, power, and muscular endurance—without impacting your lean-muscle gains.

Q. CAN I STREAM THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL WORKOUTS?

Yes! If you purchase The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and become a Premium Team Beachbody Club member, you’ll get unlimited access to Beachbody® On Demand, where you can stream The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and hundreds of proven Beachbody workouts via any desktop, laptop, tablet, TV, or mobile device—wherever you have an internet connection. Just look for “Purchased Programs” in Beachbody On Demand to access The Master’s Hammer and Chisel.

The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is NOW AVAILABLE!! Reserve YOUR spot in my Test Group beginning January 4th, NOW!

Challenge Pack with Shakeology | Performance Pack with Energize & Recover

How I lost 40lbs

The worst part about PCOS is the whole "trouble losing weight" symptom.

Is that really a symptom?

But anyway, it sucks.

I see people who have lost inches and pounds in a mere matter of months, and I've struggled to lose 40lbs in the last two years. It's really kind of crazy.

I have to remember that I can't beat myself up though. I have hormonal imbalances that make it tricky to lose weight. And my doctor was actually impressed with my weight loss, which made me super proud.

So how did I do it?

Hard work. Resisting temptation. Saying no to sweets. 

I lost the first 20lbs doing TurboFire, at home, however, I often found myself yo-yo-ing in my weight due to no having a great meal plan. I always knew about the eating guides that come with the program, but there was never an "easy" way to get it done.

In February of this year, when I finally hit a breaking point that something had to change, especially being in the midst of infertility and if I wanted to have fighting chance at conceiving on my own, I needed to change.

You mindset is half the battle. Your mind needs to be in the right place if you want to make a change. You have to know why you want to change. For me, it was because we want to start a family and have been having a hard time. It just wasn't happening. 

In February, a friend invited me to do the 21 Day Fix. I had heard about it, but never really looked into it. I finally did, purchased the program and well, I was hooked. Who knew that little containers could make all the difference in the world. They are so simple and yet so effective.

This was the missing piece that I needed. My issues have always been portion control. My eyes are typically bad at measuring. With the 21 Day Fix containers, it eliminates the need to count calories or to weigh food. You just put the food in the container (if the food is approved) and if it fits, you're good to eat it.

After finishing three rounds of the 21 Day Fix, I did one round of the 21 Day Fix Extreme, and then my husband and I did Focus: T25. 

I hit the 40lb weight loss mark about Week 9 of T25.

I'm still not at my goal weight. I still struggle with food (I love it...especially carbs!). But with every step forward, every step in the right direction, I know I will get to my goal!

Focus T25: Week 10 Recap // Review

We finished!!

We finished 50 days of Focus: T25!

This is the first time that we've finished a complete program together...let alone one that was longer than 3 weeks. This one was 10 weeks!

I must say that I am not a morning person, but I definitely preferred to workout first thing in the morning with Focus: T25. It was kind of nice just to roll out of bed, get the workout done -- 25 minutes! -- and go about our day. There was one day where my hubby had work to do late at night the day before, so the next morning he was not feeling up to the workout at 6:30am. He was working from home that day so we did the workout around lunchtime. I found that I had much better energy first thing in the morning (even though I hadn't eaten yet).

Okay, so results! Well, for me, I lost a total of 8lbs and about 14 inches over all. I'm not sure what my husband's numerical results are, but he definitely got more definition in his arms and abs. 

I believe that I would have gotten more "dramatic" results (if I wanted them) if I had followed either the Focus: T25 meal plan or a 21 Day Fix meal plan. However, we did not have a strict meal plan. I followed a loose version of the 21 Day Fix, still using containers, but not managing it quite as closely. I still drank my Shakeology every day, and considering that I deal with PCOS which makes it difficult to lose weight anyway, I'm super pleased with 8 pounds.

I'm now within just a couple pounds of my first goal weight. I know that I can make it. It feels so close...and yet also SOOOO far.

I can't lost the momentum though. 

Honestly, I'm at my lowest weight since college. And I don't want to go back up on the scale.

Focus: T25 is a great workout. It's short, at just 25 minutes, so there's really no excuse not to get it in. It's mostly cardio based and if you need to modify, there is a modifier to follow. I would say that it is more intense than the 21 Day Fix, but a little less intense than the 21 Day Fix Extreme.

If you're looking for an awesome & intense workout, but you're short on time, I would highly recommend looking into Focus: T25. You can purchase a copy here.

Focus T25: Week 9 Recap

We made it!

Made it through another week of Focus: T25 Beta Cycle.

I'm so glad that we decided to do this program together. It's kept up on track, accountable, and focused over the last nine weeks. I don't think that I could have done this alone...at least not with this kind of consistency!

Focus T25: Week 8 Recap

What have I learned since embarking on this journey of working out every morning?

That accountability is key.

Do I want to take sweaty selfies every day? 

No, not particularly.

However, I know that by taking a photo and sharing it, I'm keeping myself accountable. I think about what it would be like if we were just working out on our own but not doing public accountability. I'm sure we'd still get our workouts in (my husband is dependable like that), but I feel like it would be a lot easier to skip out on a workout here and there.

I have to say that this is the first time that I've made it this far into the program. We only have 2 more weeks to go.

So how is T25?

Well, honestly, before we started I was kind of nervous about it. It seemed really intense and harder than anything I've ever done. However, thanks to Tania the modifier, everything was really accessible! I was pleasantly surprised that I'm able to do about 80% of the moves without modifying. I still do pushups on my knees and walk for the pike ups. Otherwise, I'm doing the program.

It doesn't matter if you can do the moves perfectly. It matters that you keep going and stick to it consistently. Change happens in the consistency of habit over time....just like gaining weight can sneak up on you...so can weight loss! 

40lb Weight Loss Transformation

Okay it's official, the difference between these two photos is 40lbs! That's a small child 😂

And you know what, it hasn't just been an outside transformation...most importantly, it's been an inner transformation. Since making a change to get healthier, I've lost weight, but I've also gained confidence. And I know that's not tied up in how much you weigh, but as someone who has struggled with weight almost all my life, it's a big deal.

For me, it wasn't until I actually saw a physical change that I started to see and feel the inner change, too.

Four years ago, I would never have been comfortable posting a photo of myself without makeup. I wouldn't have been comfortable leaving the house or having the potential of running into someone I knew without makeup. It's true. As women, I think we often use makeup as a shield...an armor of sorts to enhance all the features we like and minimize those we don't. Am I right?

But once you really learn to love yourself, your whole self, makeup becomes merely a tool to enhance your features rather than trying to hide behind it...

All this to say, I'm 100% happier with myself since I decided to take control of my health rather than just letting it all go. (3 1/2 years ago I basically failed part of a health exam, triglycerides anyone?!) It's not too late. Small changes over time can make a big difference.

If you want to take control of your health, you're invited to my next fitness & nutrition accountability group. It's 21 days, and it just might be the kickstart you're looking for. Shoot me an email and let's chat.

Focus T25: Week 7 Recap

A new week, and another week of T25 Beta Cycle.

So I must say, I like Speed 2.0 better than Speed 1.0. It's fun. I never thought I would say that about a workout, but it's true! I think because you just repeat two rounds, it makes it "feel easier" even though I was still sweating up a storm.

I've also found that by posting our photos every day after we work out...or knowing that I need to post the photo after we worked out is definite motivation to get it done. Knowing that I might let people down (if anyone even sees them, ha!) is good enough for me to get it done.

It's not easy, but it's so worth it!

I'm just three pounds shy of a huge goal...and I plan to crush that goal by the end of T25!

I need to work on flexing. The struggle is real.

Focus T25: Week 6 Recap

We started Week 6 of T25 and Week 1 of the Beta Cycle for Focus T25.

I was kind of nervous about moving into a new phase of the workout because I assumed that it would be crazy harder.

While there are some advanced moves, there is still Tania the modifier, and really, the additional moves aren't crazy outrageous. With a little work and determination, and a whole lot of practice, by Week 10, I should be able to do everything.

 So who is the genius who invented one-legged burps and air planks? Ha!

Best Almond Milk for Shakeology

After my husband and I decided to switch from traditional cow's milk to almond milk, I've found that not all almond milks are created equal.

My video shares my favorite two almond milk brands and one to avoid.

I love making my Shakeology with almond milk. It has a better taste and consistency compared to water.

If you want a smooth, drinkable consistency, check out the Kroger Brand of Simple Truth Almond Milk or Almond Breeze by Blue Diamond Almonds.

I recommend avoiding the Silk brand because it makes your Shakeology (once blended) unusually thick...almost pudding consistency, it's not very drinkable! Plus it makes me wonder what's in it to cause thickening like that.

T25 Week 5: Recap

What a feeling! 

We finished the first phase of Focus T25 and it feels great to have completed that accomplishment!

I'm so thankful we decided to do these workouts together, to keep each other accountable, and never let each other give up.

After doing the 21 Day Fix, 5 weeks felt like forever, but it was worth the sweat equity for the workout that ShaunT gave us. 

And we're not stopping here! We're moving on to the Beta Cycle on Monday. 

I'm excited and also a little scared for what is in store...

Focus T25: Week 3 Recap

We survived another week of Focus T25 with ShaunT. 

It's amazing what happens when exercise becomes a habit. You actually look forward to it, even though you're totally not looking forward to it, know what I mean?

Posting our daily sweaty selfies has been an integral part of us keeping to this workout routine. While we could just not post up a selfie, we'll know that we still worked out, but it would be so much easier to skip out on a workout that way.

Some days it feels ridiculous, but apparently now Facebook friends look forward to our daily selfies. What will do when Focus T25 is over?

I'm really enjoying working out with my husband again. We worked out together before when we attempted P90X. That was a little harder to coordinate because we would work out after he got home from work. I love that T25 is just 25 minutes and easy enough to get done first thing in the morning. And it just makes your day that much better!

On to Week 4 Alpha Cycle!

Focus T25: Week 2 Recap

Today we finished Week 2 of Focus T25. 

So I think I might have a love/hate relationship with this workout program. I love it because it is only 25 minutes (except Fridays where it's a Double Day - we decided to take the option). I hate it because I get so sweaty. Like it's crazy how sweaty you can get in just 25 minutes.

But we survived another week!

I definitely think that posting our sweaty selfies on Facebook for all our friends and family to see has been helpful in keeping us accountable. I know that if we weren't posting them, I'd find it so much easier to make an excuse as to why we didn't have to workout.

Another good thing is that I'm working out with my husband. He's really good about following through, especially if it means that he's making me follow through on stuff. So really, it's great that we're holding each other accountable for doing Focus T25. If I were to do this alone, I'd probably stick to it, but not nearly as well as doing the workout together with him.

I also love the selfie stick. I thought it was silly at first, but it's totally come in handy for these photos!

30 Day Summer Slimdown

Let's do this together!


This is about a life change, a fresh start and not some crash diet or magic pill. You need to make a decision to commit to YOU! Daily improvements and good choices towards a better healthier you.


Get in this for the long haul! Yes, you'll see results in as little as a week and get a serious jaw dropping transformation in 21 days. But if you take what you learn during those 21 days, you'll change your life. I know I did!


When I first started this journey, I would check into my challenge group every morning, post my workout, share what I ate the day before and ask for help in the areas I struggled with. That group really was my support within the comfort of my own home! It's the reason why I succeeded and finished the program from start to finish.

I don't know about you, but I realized that I'm not really a gym person. I don't like feeling like a have to share equipment or be judged by people and honestly, I just like my space and be able to go full out at a workout and have the reassurance that no one else is watching.

Let's face it, its easy to skip a workout, to not make healthy food choices and of course to ignore the feeling in your gut to dig deeper if you don't have that accountability! That's the secret about the atmosphere I create! It's not about a shake and a box of workout DVDs. It's about being a part of something more and knowing that you matter to others.

It's about 4 weeks until the start of summer I want to invite you to join me in a 30 Day Summer Slimdown. You'll be ready by the 4th of July! I want to help you Meal Prep, Plan and Eat Clean! Learn how to properly fuel your body for energy, weight loss, and how to make this a lifestyle change vs temporary fix.

I am going to share my meal planning tips and tricks, give you recipes, tips and ideas to help you achieve your goals. Whether its 5lbs or 50 lbs I can help!

I really truly love what I do and I love seeing other people achieve AMAZING results.

If this sounds like something you would like to start, I am inviting you to join me on May 26th!

All you need to do is commit to a fitness program which we can decide on together, you replace 1 meal or snack per day with Shakeology and in return I will add you to my exclusive online accountability and support group where each day you will get group support from me, daily motivation, daily check ins and the ultimate accountability!


SIGN UP FOR THE CHALLENGE HERE!

My Reason "Why"

As someone who has struggled with my weight pretty much my entire teenage and adult life, making the decision to finally, FINALLY, do something was big. While change is never easy, change without a reason why is even harder to accomplish.

I think the only time I wasn't overweight was when I was a little kid. However, we lived in France for a short time and compared to the other French kids, I was definitely the tallest and "biggest" for French standards. Luckily, when you're that young, you don't really care.

When my family moved back to the US when I was seven, it was like hitting American soil caused me to gain weight. It's crazy. It wasn't until I was about eleven though that I really started to gain weight. And it was fairly gradual and I was never that kid you might call a "butterball" (ha, I just made that up), but I was always on the heavier side of the equation.

This became more clear when I was in my ballet class and there were all these skinny minis running around, and then they had to find the biggest child's size costume for me. I remember one of my first costumes for the annual production of The Nutcracker was for my role as an icicle...which involved a powder blue spandex long-sleeved unitard, which as you can imagine shows every crease and roll you might have. Even at like eight years old.

I kept going to ballet. I'm so lucky that I had a ballet teacher who never made me feel bad or like I was less because of my weight. I think there was a mutual understanding that I would never be the prima ballerina, but she also always gave me fair roles that I could do. I danced for eleven years all the way from second grade through my high school graduation.

Ballet was probably my saving grace for not putting on more weight.

By the time I graduated high school, I think I weighed about 185-190lbs or so. On my 5'7" frame, that was overweight. Once I got to college, I definitely put on the Freshman 15, or 20. Between the stress of adjusting to living away from home for the first time, college level courses, and making brand new friends and getting along with roommates, it was easy to put on the weight. There was just an abundance of delicious food and the dorm meal plan. Use it or lose it, right?

When I was a junior in college, I went to study abroad in France for a year. It was probably the best year of college that I didn't even spend on campus. I made great friends, had unforgettable adventures, and of course the most amazing food. One of the best things about Europe is how much you walk. I didn't have a car and relied on public transportation or my legs. The amazing thing is what happened after I returned from my year abroad.

I lost 20lbs! For the first time in a couple of years, I finally saw 198. Under 200. Without working out, food restriction, or anything. It was simply living the French lifestyle, walking everywhere, and enjoying the food (plus the lack of American portions didn't hurt, either I'm sure.).

Unfortunately, my senior year of college, the weight came back. The American curse it seems. Americans are fat. We have an obesity problem. It is real and it is present. Between the processed food, overabundance of choices to be lazy, and spending so much time commuting, it's almost inevitable.

Fast forward a couple of years later. I met the man who would become my husband, I got my first full time job out of college, I was planning a wedding, we got married, and I moved from California to Texas. I was able to maintain my weight, though I wasn't happy to still be lingering at 218. Prior to our wedding, I had joined an outdoor bootcamp to help get me into shape. I lost a couple pounds, but nothing significant. I enjoyed the group workouts, but I hated the parts where they made us run a lap or two. That was always torturous for me.

After getting married and moving to Texas, where I had neither friends nor family, I think that I was dealing with the stress with eating. I didn't really have outward manifestations of being stressed out or sad or lonely, but I think I compensated with food. Because in our first year in marriage, I put on the Newlywed 30.

I remember I was horrified when I got on the scale and saw the biggest number I had ever seen. 246.
Four pounds away from 250. How did I let myself get that big? And because I was still wearing the same size clothing, albeit it a little tighter, I didn't really notice. But that number on the scale was a huge wake up call.

The next four years would prove to be an adventure in fitness. I was introduced to TurboJam by an acquaintance I met at a networking event. About six months later or so, she also introduced me to TurboFire, a new kickboxing program by the creator of TurboJam, Chalene Johnson. I think I got through the first 6-8 weeks before I didn't make it a priority anymore.

I had also borrowed P90X from my aunt and I started that program with my husband in 2012. We worked out together and even though it was hard, it was nice to workout together. I think we made it through the first six weeks before we didn't finish the program. 90 days definitely takes commitment!

I think 2012 was also the year I gave Weight Watchers a whirl. I remember it was right around the time that Jennifer Hudson had become their spokeswoman and I thought that if she could lose all that weight and look fabulous with the help of Weight Watchers, why not me. It did help. I lost about 10lbs by tracking my nutrition (that's the real key, tracking).

By 2013, I had shed about 20lbs from my highest weight, but I felt stuck. I had hit a plateau and I didn't know how I was going to jumpstart my weight loss again. And now, we were talking about starting a family. While we were kind of scared to jump into the arena of starting a family, I think deep down we knew we were ready.

About six months before, I had been to my doctor for annual exams and she suggested that I was exhibiting signs of a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. This condition means that you typically develop cysts on your ovaries, have symptoms such as craving carbs, trouble losing weight, unwanted facial hair, infertility, and insulin resistance. Pretty much symptoms that no one wants, ever.

Little did I know that this diagnosis would be the monkey wrench I never expected. And while there is no "cure" for PCOS, it's a condition you have to "manage". You have to be aware of your carbohydrate consumption because of the insulin resistance. Metformin, a medication usually given to type-2 diabetics, is commonly prescribed to women with PCOS.

While the news of this condition was disheartening, it was also enlightening as to why I was having trouble losing weight when I felt like I was doing all the right things.

In 2013, I decided to try something new for my workouts - I tried Pure Barre. The workouts were tough, without being overly intense. Your muscles simply work hard through isometric movements. I love Pure Barre and it's where I'll go when I'm looking to mix up my workouts.

2014 rolled around and we were still not pregnant. We knew that it would take some time and that with PCOS it was going to complicate things. It was not going to be an easy road. Through most of 2014, I did Pure Barre and going to the gym on my own. I lost some pounds here and there but nothing too consistent.

By that summer, my doctor suggested we try fertility treatments. We tried a couple of courses of Femara and a couple of Clomid. To anyone who has tried fertility medications, you know what an emotional and physical roller coaster ride it is. After our third round of Clomid did not work, we decided to lay off of the medications for a while. I was tired of the stress of it all. We figured if we still were not pregnant, we could always try it again later.

At the start of 2015, and still no baby in sight, I decided to get serious. I knew that losing weight would help with the PCOS, but of course PCOS makes it hard to lose weight. Such the catch 22. But I decided that I would give it all I had. I had been watching a friend on Facebook who had tremendous success working out with Beachbody programs such as P90X and Insanity. She lost like 50lbs! And in February she invited me to a challenge group with the 21 Day Fix.

I had heard about the 21 Day Fix, but I hadn't paid much attention to it. However, I figured that it was 21 days, 30 minute workouts, and portion controlled food. Plus, I already knew I liked Shakeology and had been drinking it on and off. I knew that I could at the very least complete 21 days. I could move on if I didn't like it afterwards. So I decided to give it a shot.

Well, on Day 21, I weighed myself and I had lost 6lbs! For someone with PCOS, this is a HUGE accomplishment in three weeks. It's totally at a healthy pace as well, at 2lbs per week. This gave me the push and the confidence to repeat the program again, and then to decide to sign up as a Beachbody coach.

I am still on my journey. We are still not pregnant. But I know that at least I'm taking steps in the right direction. My hope is to help calm the symptoms of PCOS, regulate my hormones, and hopefully be healthy to carry a pregnancy to term someday. This is my reason to take my health and fitness seriously. I want to have a family someday. I want to be a mom. I want my parents to be grandparents.

I also want to help other women who might be in my situation, managing PCOS, and wanting to start a family. Infertility is one of the most difficult things to go through. It is heart wrenching and such an emotional roller coaster. While infertility's cause is different in each woman, one of the most common causes of infertility is PCOS. I had no idea that it affected about 10% of women. That's 1 in 10.

If you happen to stumble upon this post, have PCOS, and are trying to start a family, please know that you are not alone. If you're looking for encouragement and support in your health and fitness journey, I would love to be able to help you. I'm not an expert, but I know what has worked for me.

Left: 2011 at my heaviest weight. Right: May 2015, in my bridesmaid dress.

We all start somewhere

It's been a long road on this journey. It's really only been in the last year or so that I got focused on my health and fitness, and only in the last couple of months that I got really serious about it. So you've heard of the Freshman 15, right? Yeah, I put those on. But have you heard of the Newlywed 30? I hadn't either until I found them ON me. That photo on the left was Christmas 2012. The photo on the right was 2 weeks ago.

Last week, I hit a huge milestone...I've LOST 35lbs with help from clean eating, Pure Barre, 24 Day Challenges, TurboFire, P90X, but what's really helped me in this last push has been Shakeology, 21 Day Fix, and 21 Day Fix Extreme from my highest weight and I'm now under what I weighed on my wedding day. It hasn't been fast. And it hasn't been easy. I have PCOS and if you know what that is, you know what a monkey wrench it throws into your progress. But I won't let that stop me.

This isn't just about the weight loss, it's a lifestyle change. Trading old habits for new ones (like green smoothies). I feel great, I sleep better, I feel more focused during the day, I have more energy, I feel more confident. I still hate burpees and broccoli makes me want to gag most days, but I'm excited that I haven't given up. I've made strides in the right direction.

I'm not done yet (one day I'll have abs...). Health & fitness is a journey, not a destination, after all. So with that I'm super excited to say that I'm a Beachbody Coach (don't worry, I'm still a photographer), and I want to pay it forward and help other people get started on their fitness journey. I want to encourage you to keep going, cheer you on when you feel like giving up, and plus it's way more fun when you have friends working out with you. Who wants to get fit with me?

T25 with ShaunT is next...

Onward in the Journey

Today is not the first day of my fitness journey. It is, however, the first day that I take a leap of faith and give Beachbody Coaching a try. I've been a user of Beachbody products for a while and I've seen great results. I'd love to pay it forward and help other people reach their fitness goals, too.

I figure that the worst that could happen is that I get in even better shape. The best that could happen is that I can help other people move forward in their fitness journey.

I know that it's hard.

I've started and stopped and started over so many times.

It's not easy to change.

And it's so hard to change when you don't have a good reason to.

It's so important to have a reason why we do what we do.

Goals get accomplished when they matter.