The Master's Hammer and Chisel Review

My husband and I just completed our first round of The Master's Hammer and Chisel.

How did we like it? Well, if it's any indication, we decided to do a second round!

I'll admit, I was a little bit concerned if we would finish this program. About halfway through the program, we had to take a last minute flight back to my hometown for my grandmother's funeral. We went off course for just under a week.

That didn't stop us though. As soon as we got home, we got back on track with the program. And I'm so excited to say that we finished!

Best parts about Hammer and Chisel:

• Different workouts each day. While there are 12 total workouts, each day was different and not in the same pattern each week. This helped with muscle confusion and by not knowing what was coming each day of the week prevented boredom and/or dread.
• Two trainers. As much as I have enjoyed programs with just one trainer, I really liked having both Autumn Calabrese and Sagi Kalev. It was nice to get two perspectives and to mix it up each day. Both offer killer workouts and at this point, I'm not sure who I would choose as a favorite. 
• Simple nutrition. Hammer and Chisel uses the same portion container system as the 21 Day Fix with adjustments to portion quantities based on your goals. For example, my husband was looking to gain some muscle and he has to eat...A LOT. I want to lean out so my portion container bracket was the same as when I did the 21 Day Fix. The color coded containers make it super easy to know how much to eat and what you should be eating. 
• Strength Training focused. If I had to choose between strength training and cardio, I'd chose strength training all day, everyday. I love the idea of building muscle. I'm not scared of it! We did Focus T25 over the summer which is mainly cardio, and while it was a great workout, I did miss lifting weights.

Worst parts about Hammer and Chisel:

• Sweat. Okay, so that's probably an obvious "side effect" of working out, but man oh man, do you sweat in these programs - especially in the more cardio focused workouts. 
• Workouts longer than 30 minutes. I'll say it. Doing a couple rounds of 21 Day Fix as well as Focus T25 made me super spoiled about a quick workout. While none of the Hammer and Chisel workouts are over 45 minutes, on days when you also have to do 10 minute abs, it's just under an hour. Granted, it could be longer, but I love me a quick workout. 
• No dedicated modifier. I understand that because this is more of an advanced level workout there's no dedicated modifier. All of the workouts do have a modifier for if you don't have a bench and uses a stability ball instead. Also, some of the workouts have a modifier for some moves, but unlike other programs, most of the moves are done full out. I don't think it's a problem per se, but it would be nice to know how to do the moves if you're unable to follow the regular move. 

Overall, we really liked Hammer and Chisel. As a 60 day program, I think it's easier to get through than a 90 day program. I really like having the workout program calendar posted where it's easy to see every day to keep track of what workouts we have done and how many more to do. I love being able to write a check mark in the box to show that we have completed that day.

For the next round of Hammer and Chisel, we'll be trying out Beachbody Performance Line products - Energize and Recover. After each workout, Sagi and Autumn talk about the products and I'm totally interested to see if it makes a difference or not. I'm sure it will, but I'm always a little hesitant to try products if I don't really "need" them. On that note, I'm looking forward to trying them out. 

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.

No More Double Chins!

Same shirt. 6 months difference.

One of the biggest pieces of proof (to myself) that change was actually happening was my chin...and the loss of the extra ones. 😂

For the longest time I had a double chin whether I liked it or not. It would be the thing that would bother me the most about photos of myself....and as a photographer a pet peeve that no one told me I should adjust my head. Anyway, I'm excited that photos no longer have a default double chin.

And then my sister and husband both remarked that I look like I have bigger eyes. I suppose there's less face to push and make my eyes smaller. 😂

What have I done in the last 6 months? 3 rounds of the 21 Day Fix - (those dang portion control containers are life changing!) - 21 Day Fix Extreme, and coming almost to the end of 10 weeks of Focus T25. Getting better everyday. 😁

After we finish T25 I think I'm going to do another round of 21 Day Fix. Want to join me? Let me know! 😉

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!

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 4 Recap

I know for a fact that I would not be getting through the week of workouts without my husband. I'm so thankful for his encouragement and keeping me accountable. We're in this together and team work makes the dream work, right?

Another week, same workouts, different order. Most days I don't want to get up and workout, but because he's doing it, I'm doing it to.

Of course the most important factor in all of the working out when it comes to losing weight is nutrition! Nutrition and making sure to put the right things into our bodies.

We have one more week in the Alpha Cycle of Focus T25. It's three days of Total Body Circuit. And we'll be that much closer to Beta Cycle!

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!

Focus T25: Week 1 Recap

We finished the first week of Focus T25! Hooray!

My husband has done ShaunT programs in the past - Insanity: The Asylum, Volume 1 & 2. I've watched him workout and that never looked inviting, interesting, or like something I would ever want to do. It's intended audience is athletes and people who train like them. Seeing as how I have no aspirations to be an athlete, it was never something I was going to do.

I brought up the idea of doing Focus T25 together for a couple of reasons:

• It was only 25 minutes a day.
• It was only 5 days a week.
• It's mainly cardio and bodyweight exercises.
• It's by ShaunT.

We had a couple things we were busy with such as going to California for a wedding, so we decided to start on May 11, bright and early at 6:15am.

Now, that's normal routine for my husband. He's accustomed to waking up that early and working out. I'm accustomed to waking up around 6:45am and walking the dog...and not working out until probably 9 or 10. So while it's kind of brutal, it's actually a good thing because we get it done and workout is over for the day. 

For extra accountability, I decided to share our journey on Facebook by posting a daily sweaty selfie after we finish a workout. While it's not glamorous (but who am I kidding, I'm not glamorous) and I feel kind of silly doing it, I know that's it's helping me stay accountable to the cause. At the end of the first phase (Alpha) I want to be able to look back at all 25 photos and be able to say, WE DID IT.

Friday has an optional Double Day, meaning two workouts in one day. Well, we decided to go Beast Mode and do both workouts. To say that I was excited about it would be a bold faced lie. But I was extremely excited to have finished both workouts and be done for the weekend! 

I actually got really used to working out on Saturdays because of the 21 Day Fix, so it's pretty nice to be done on Friday. Although, I would consider taking the second workout from Friday and doing it on Saturday instead.

So what do I think? 

Well, it's the first week, and as someone who is not an athlete, the workouts are totally doable and thankfully there is a modifier when you need it. I still do pushups and planks on my knees and I'm totally okay with that. I'm actually getting a little bit better with burpees, but I still pretty much hate them. 

I really like that the workouts are only 25 minutes. By the time that you're ready to give up and call it quits, you're already halfway through. 

ShaunT is a great trainer of course and very motivating. 

So far so good! Day 1-5 of Focus T25 complete!