What a whirlwind month this has been so far! Sending the kids off to school this month was bitter sweet. My oldest is a senior in high school and I just don't know how that happened so fast. It seems like just yesterday I was strapping her into a car seat and now I have to call her for a ride home! There are college visits, homecoming and so many other milestones ahead for her this year. It is exciting, exhausting and heat breaking at the same time. And to think we'll get to do it all over again next year with our son. There's just so much to cram into 18 short years with your kids! I've been a soccer mom, cheer leading adviser, and PTO parent. My husband, Bill, coached many of their teams. The kids have been involved in basketball, baseball, swimming, football, volleyball, dance, gymnastics, music, scouting, orchestra, and on and on. And our youngest is still in grade school so there doesn't appear to be an end to the madness any time soon! 

Being involved in organized sports and activities has taught them so many valuable life lessons. Every practice, game and private lesson is a reward, not punishment. There wasn't one time that I ever had to drag my kids into the car and force them to go. And so Bill and I made a promise to them a long time ago that as long as they were well behaved, did well in school and made us proud, we would do whatever it would take to make sure they got to do all those things that are important to them. And so far they've kept their end of the deal.

When I began my journey with Beachbody last year I desperately needed a transformation. Battling rheumatoid arthritis left me unfit and over weight. I had damaged joints, was weak and suffered fatigue that I can only describe as living half conscious. Before my illness, I hated to workout. I didn't see the need for it and I didn't have the time for it. When you tell yourself that exercise is too hard, too painful and too much work - you will fail. But waking up one day and not being able to stand up or walk unassisted, changed everything. Being robbed of mobility and strength, and suddenly having to depend on others for help, reminded me of how foolish I was to take good health for granted. It was so important to me that my kids work hard and make good choices, but I failed to keep up my end of the deal. So I began to look at nutrition and fitness the same way that my kids viewed sports and music, as a gift - a reward, not punishment. Today, fitness is something I look forward to. I enjoy it and I make time for it - everyday. I no longer take good health for granted. Fitness is now something that I need and I take it seriously because it's my best defense against future attacks of the disease. 

I write about my own experiences because I hope to inspire others to be proactive about their health. Life is unpredictable and it's impossible to know just what we'll face in the coming years, but in times of crisis, the best offense is a good defense. Making smart choices about health and happiness today will certainly work in your favor. And if you think it's too late, you're too old or way too overweight to do anything about it - you are wrong. It aint over! Doing a workout for the first time, joining a challenge group, eating clean.... every small healthy step you take is one step away from a bad habit. Get in a routine of making good choices every day and it becomes a lifestyle.   

For me, coaching is a way to help other people find their fit formula, one that is rewarding and helps them be happy, healthy and smart. I promote Beachbody programs because that is what worked for me and I believe in their formula that focuses on complete wellness through fitness, nutrition and support. I encourage people to replace old bad habits with better, healthier choices - regardless of age, weight, or ability. If you're ready to make your health a priority and you're not sure where to start, I would love to help you. Beachbody fitness programs are a good place for anyone to start a new fitness routine but most people find success through online accountability and support groups, called challenge groups. The groups are not free, but they come with a lifetime of benefits. Are you ready to invest in yourself, challenge yourself, transform yourself? 

So long summer… time to get out the jeans and sweaters and bring out the best in you!

I'M LOOKING FOR 10 LADIES who are ready for a total fitness makeover! You won't need ANY complicated equipment. NO heavy weights. NO long hours in a crowded gym. Get fit using only the weight of your own body.. and you don't even need to leave your house!! Anyone can do this!
Just 30 minutes of simple fitness each day, follow a clean eating meal plan for 4 weeks and replace one meal each day with Shakeology to ensure proper nutrition. NO counting calories! NO counting points! NO starving yourself!

This group starts next week and you can be anywhere in the US or Canada to join. All workouts are done in the comfort of your own home on your own time. You'll have ME as your personal coach.. walking you through every step of the program!

If you can commit to changing your life.. and making this fall your healthiest yet.
Message me, friend request me, email me!!! This time last year I was 30 pounds heavier so I know how you feel. Joining a challenge group last August changed my life in SO MANY ways! Make a commitment today to get stronger.. healthier.. and feeling better than ever!

This program is NOT free but includes:

• A complete home workout kit with DVDs
• Custom clean eating meal plan designed for your challenge
• 30 healthy meals! ~ A 30 day supply of Shakeology!
• Measuring tape to track all those inches lost
• ME as your personal coach 
• Access to my private, VIP lifetime support group
• A free T-shirt when you finish and send in your results!
• A 30-day money back guarantee

Are you ready to totally transform yourself? Remember, challenge groups work and you WILL NOT FAIL! Complete this application to tell me a little more about yourself and why you're ready for this change. Can't wait to see you in the group and to see you looking FABULOUS this fall!

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Get Fit for Christmas - In July!

I was looking over my calendar the other day and realized in less that 6 months it will be Christmas! I don't know about you, but I feel like November and December are two of the most difficult month of the year to keep those healthy habits in line. There's just way too much temptation! So I've decided to act now and get in peak shape so it's not such a struggle later in the year. A good offense is the best defense and that's why I am SUPER excited about my next challenge group:

Get Fit for Christmas - in July!

30 Days to Feeling Great!

This is going to be my biggest and best challenge group to date! You do not want to miss it.
30 days of clean eating, simple fitness, motivation and support with free personal coaching. Along with Shakeology, meal planning, holiday party tips, gift ideas and more! You'll also have the chance to win some really cool prizes like gift cards and gift baskets. Get ready - It starts July 6.

You're Worth It!

I know - right now we're all thinking about vacation  and sending kids off to college and everyone's trying to save. I know it's not easy to spend money on yourself, especially at this time of the year. But even when money is tight, it's worth investing a little in yourself. So I want to make this as easy as possible for you. In the spirit of giving, I'm offering a $30 cash back bonus with the purchase of any Beachbody challenge pack. The challenge pack is a complete kit that gives you all the tools you need to reach your health and fitness goals. (Offer expires June 30, 2015)

Challenge Groups Work!

I remember when I was invited to join my first challenge group I had no idea what is was about or what I was getting into, but toady, I am so glad that I took that leap! Even though I am not at my goal weight, I am more than half way there! The friendships, accountability and support that I found in the groups that I have been a part of made all the difference in the world, and I am thrilled to now be a part of Beachbody and to be able to share that experience with you.

What do you think? 

Are you ready to invest in yourself - challenge yourself - transform yourself? 

Email me brendalajay@gmail.com or 

fill out this form and let's Get Fit for Christmas, in July!

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Brenda

How to get started with fitness without breaking a sweat

If you haven’t exercised or tried to eat clean in a while (or ever!), Day 1 of a 30, 60, or 90-day fitness and nutrition program can feel intimidating.

It doesn’t have to be. Here are several small things you can do to get started. With these simple tips, you can begin to prepare your body and mind for a healthier lifestyle before you even break a sweat or eat your first green vegetable. Though you could snack on some snap peas while reading this article…

Figure Out How Many Calories You Should Eat

Knowing is half the battle, right? Use this simple method to determine approximately how many calories you should try to eat each day:

• Sedentary lifestyle (desk job): Current weight in pounds x 12 = Maintenance Caloric Needs. 
• Moderately active lifestyle (server in a restaurant and/or doing one of our entry level programs, like Power 90 or Hip Hop Abs: Current weight in pounds x 13 = Maintenance Caloric Needs.

• Highly active lifestyle (construction worker and/or doing one of our elite programs, like P90X or INSANITY): Current weight in pounds x 14 = Maintenance Caloric Needs.

From there, subtract 500 calories and that’s probably a good deficit for weight loss. (But make sure that number stays about 1,200. Anything lower can be dangerous in the long term.) Conversely, if you’re trying to gain muscle mass, add 300 calories or so—but make sure you’re also doing a solid weight lifting program like Body Beast so those calories have a place to go.

Stretch

Get those muscles ready to move. If you haven’t used them in a while, do some gentle stretching to wake them up and get familiar with the current limits of your flexibility. Knowing where you’re tight can help prevent injury. Try these stretches to improve hip and lower back flexibility so you’ll be ready to move comfortably in workouts.

Start to Move More

Even if you’re not Pushing Play yet, you can begin to make an effort to move your body more every day. Take a walk, stand (or do squats!) when you talk on the phone, take the stairs, park a little farther away from your destination, stretch during television commercials, rearrange the furniture in your living room.

Drink Water

Being dehydrated can make you sore even if you don’t exercise. Set yourself up for success, and minimize initial muscle soreness, by drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to the start of your fitness program. Get in the habit of drinking enough water every day. How do you know if you if you're getting enough water? Use this simple formula:

Your current body weight (in pounds) x 0.5 = Ounces of water to drink each day

Throw Away Junk Food

Empty your desk, cupboards, fridge, freezer, car, and secret snack stash drawer of foods and drinks you know you shouldn’t be eating. If you want to reach your fitness goal, prevent temptation by removing junk food from your house. If the packaged foods are unopened, donate them. We know you spent good money on those Ding Dongs and Doritos, but they are doing the opposite of helping you reach your health and fitness goals.

Build a Healthy Pantry

Now that you’ve eliminated the processed junk food from your home, replace it with good-for-you staples that will help you create healthy meals every day.

Set Up Your Work Out Space

This could be as easy as moving the coffee table in your living room, or as elaborate as setting up a dedicated gym in your garage or basement. You won’t need much space to exercise, but it’s a good idea to figure out where you’ll do it and make the space usable and inviting for the workouts you’ll be doing.

Plan an Outing that Involves Exercise

A great way to get into the spirit of exercise before you actually commit to a fitness program is to plan activities with friends that get you moving. Invite friends or family for a hike, go ice skating, or organize a softball or flag-football game.

Find Your Reason Why

Celebrity trainer Tony Horton says, “If you’re really caught up in the numbers on the scale, or the dress size, and what’s happening with the tape measure, chances are that does’t really motivate or inspire you. Find a new purpose. Find a new reason why. The reason why has got to be so powerful, so strong that you’re not going to quit, you’re not going to fail, and you’re going to be consistent, and show up 5-7 days a week for the rest of your life.”

Build a Support System

Getting fit doesn’t have to be something you do alone! Announce your commitment to get healthier and stronger to your friends, family, and coworkers. Start or join a Challenge Group, join a Facebook group, or recruit workout buddies and accountability partners to help you stay motivated when your resolve starts to slip or you feel tempted to make unhealthy choices.

Make Time in Your Schedule

Figure out when you’ll fit exercise into your daily schedule and begin to make adjustments to reserve that time slot every day. Will you work out in the morning? During your lunch break? In the evenings? Schedule exercise time in your calendar and commit to it as an important meeting with yourself. You wouldn’t skip a meeting with your boss just because you feel tired or grumpy, would you? No, you’d be there on time with a smile on your face and do your best to impress.

Lose a Few Pounds Before You Start Exercising

Kick-start weight loss and learn healthy eating habits with 3-Day Refresh. Find out more here.

It’s OK to Start Slowly

You don’t have to Push Play and go full speed on the first day. If you’ve been spending the last few months or years sitting on the couch, just do what you can. It’s OK to start with a few minutes of exercise and work your way up to a full workout. Five or ten minutes of exercise a day is better than no minutes. Try to add one minute each day until you can do a full workout. In his article, 5 Steps to Avoid Muscle Soreness, our fitness expert Steve Edwards said, “It’s very tempting to begin an exercise program with a lot of enthusiasm, but try your best to go at a reasonable pace. If you’ve never exercised, or it’s been a long time since you have, go much easier than you feel you are capable of on Day 1 and ramp things up at a pace that is based on how you feel. If you’re not sore, go a little harder the next day. If you’re a little sore, take it down a notch.”


If you would like to learn more about finding your fitness formula or joining one of our online challenge groups fill out this form and I will get in touch with you soon.

Did you know you can get 1:1 personal coaching for FREE Get fitness tips, motivation, recipes, meal plan and more. Sign up for your FREE ACCOUNT and ask for me, Brenda Ajay, as your coach.

Fill out my online form.

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Brenda