Shortcuts? An Easy Way Out!

Today my husband and I had some errands to run and needed to pick up a few groceries. Traffic was crazy due to it of course being rush hour, but on top of that it was raining. Pittsburgh traffic during any type of precipitation is CRAZINESS times a million!!

So here were are sitting in traffic and I asked Craig if I should take this exit to go around the back way. He said if you think it will be quicker go ahead. Mind you I am a VERY impatient person when it comes to sitting in traffic. I don't like just sitting still. I have to find a way to keep moving.... WHICH IS NOT A GOOD QUALITY! So after I get off the exit, traffic is at a halt AGAIN.. it was a lose lose situation. So, here I am again, "Craig, should I turn left and go that way?" He of course responds the same thing, if you think it will be quicker. Hmmm, ok let's go, it's all about taking risks. Make the left turn. Traffic/Red Lights. MAN DOWN for sure at this point.

After finally getting moving at a decent speed, I realize... this road takes me no where near where I need to go, and here I am thinking this is a short cut. WRONG STEPH WRONG WRONG WRONG! So, with all this being said... I eventually got back on the route I was after the first time.. only an hour later did I actually show up where I needed to be!




Why am I telling you this crazy story... well here's the thing! Shortcuts in life are not always the shortest routes. They may seem like it because they are obviously called "short cuts" but in regards to the story above, it took me a lot longer to get where I needed to be by taking these short cuts. You may think you're getting close to where you need to be, but something along this "shorter" route is likely to get in the way; therefore, setting you back further to where you were before. It may take you double the amount of time to get to your final destination.

In relation to my health and fitness journey, I tried taking many shortcuts. I tried diet pills, fad diets, and other things that would help me lose weight really fast but only caused me to gain it right back, and double the amount of weight! These shortcuts or quick fixes as some people call it, DO NOT WORK! This health and fitness journey is a long journey. There are hours and hours of dedication, tears, sweat, and a lot of effort put forth to see the end results! I have learned this over the last 21 months. I am totally ok going my own speed since I know there are no shortcuts. I'd rather stay on this route I know which will work than steering off to see if a shortcut will actually benefit me!

Granted, some shortcuts may work for some people, but in the long run what was the actual benefit of taking that shortcut? An easy way out? I don't want the easy way. I want to enjoy this journey and take it all in knowing I put up an amazing fight to get to where I need to be! It will make me feel much more accomplished in the long run!









I am hosting a challenge group on October 27th. Just in time for the holidays to come rolling in. If you are ready to lose the excuses, avoid the shortcuts, and make a change in your life for the better... please email me at tbbcoachsteph87@gmail.com or find me on Facebook! www.maketodayyourtomorrow.com


Please also like me on Instagram @maketodayyourtomorrow!

Motivation. Inspiration. Confidence. The TEAM behind it all.

Team (noun): a group of players forming one side in a competitive game or sport.

Team (verb): come together as a team to achieve a common goal.

A team is consisted of people from different backgrounds, despite their ignorance of each other's lives, coming together on one side... essentially to achieve a common goal. Although in a sport, the team may not always see eye to eye and fail to motivate each other. One member may feel they are better than the other individuals, and only look out for themselves. Hypothetically speaking, this is where the team breaks apart and may not achieve that common goal due to the competitiveness amongst each other for the spotlight.

Team Call!

Which brings me to my sole purpose of this post. I am a member of a health and fitness team. We essentially "Team" (verb) up together to achieve a common goal, like stated above. This team is a a group of people where we are not searching for that spotlight, nor are we trying to steal the "thunder" from anyone. There is no scout at tonight's big game, nor is there a trophy at stake. We are a team searching for the simplicity of bettering our lives. We are a team that enjoys sharing our success with one another. We are a team that motivates, supports, and encourages every other member to do the very best we can every single day. When some days we are feeling completely defeated, we turn to this "team" for advice. This team is my accountability group... my reason behind not giving up. I feel that if I just gave up, I would disappoint them. They are the most selfless, caring, and amazing group of people I get to share this passion of mine with.

Team Fearless and Fit was founded by Mrs. Amie DeSanzo. She strives to be the best she can, pushes herself to a new limit every single day, and stresses living everyday FEARLESS. This team consists of many people from all different backgrounds, but we all have one goal in common... Help people achieve their goals and enjoy a healthy fulfilling life. We are Beachbody Coaches!

Becoming a coach has helped me step completely out of my comfort zone on many different levels. I have began to "develop" myself. In other words, I have been reading books, listening to speeches I found on You Tube and even began attending trainings to help better my knowledge in this health and fitness field and continue to push myself to a new challenge every single day. I have adopted a "Better Everyday" lifestyle. I know that everything I am doing today, is getting me one step closer to my goals.

I am so beyond grateful for my team, and I just want to give them a huge shout out for taking me under their wings and being so patient with me as I take on this journey. You all are the most inspiring, intelligent, and beautiful (inside and out) women I know! Thank you all for supporting and motivating me to be the best person I could ever be. Without you, I'm not sure I would even be typing this post right now! xoxo <3

Quote to live by: Coming together is a beginning, Keeping together is progress. Working together is success! <3

-Henry Ford

Interested in joining our team or learning more about it:

Fill out the contact form below!

For more daily inspiration or motivation:

Follow us on Instagram: @maketodayyourtomorrow

Like Me on Facebook: Make Today Your Tomorrow

The $40 that changed my life.

I remember a day back in late November, I was notified on Instagram about an opportunity to become a Health and Fitness Coach... but I knew NOTHING about what that meant. I began talking to Amie DeSanzo (a 1 Star Diamond Beachbody Coach) and she gave me some information about "coaching" and also the challenge groups she ran. I said no at first because I enjoyed working out in a gym, I was not using the products and I was in the middle of planning a wedding so I just couldn't afford to "waste" the money on the workout program and Shakeology.

Fast forward to January, after really thinking about this for a good two months, and following Amie on Facebook and Instagram, I really thought what she was doing was amazing. She got to work from home, spend a lot of time with her children, work when she wanted and worked out, and stayed extremely active/dedicated to her workouts and meal plans during her third pregnancy. I was TOTALLY ENVIOUS. I always told her "I hope I look like you on my third pregnancy" and she would always comment back, "You Can!" This gave me hope!!

January 28th, the day my life was changed. I agreed to sign up as a Beachbody Coach after researching it more and tossing the idea around with my husband (fiance then). He said I would be wasting my money, but I went ahead with my gut feeling and spent the $39.95, signed up to become a coach and got my New Coach Welcome Kit. I was now able to start helping others reach their health and fitness goals! HOW AWESOME IS THAT! While I was still completely mind boggled about exactly what I was suppose to do, I was excited to get started!

While I was planning a wedding, and the stress of the uncertainty at my day job, I just couldn't handle anything else on my plate, so my Beachbody Business took the back burner since I could just pick up and work it whenever I wanted. I will be honest, I thought about quitting, just giving up because I wasn't seeing any commitment from people and I was just too busy. What really made me change my direction was when all the coaches who were out in Las Vegas for Summit and I got to see all the amazing photos, everyone's excitement and high energy. I then realized, this was my calling. I knew that I wanted to do something big with this company! PEOPLE WERE CROSSING THE STAGE AS MILLIONAIRES, YES MILLIONAIRES helping people live happier, healthier lives!! So after that, I knew I had to start doing one of our vital behaviors, I started investing in myself. I began reading personal development books. The first book I read was Twelve Pillars, then moved on to the Compound Effect by Darren Hardy and now reading The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson, as well as listening to our team calls, national wake up calls, and taking advice from the top coaches in our industry! MY MIND WAS EXPLODING. I was so excited, was ready to take on the world!!

I knew I was put on this earth to do great things, I knew I wanted to help inspire people and see other people reach their greatest potential. I knew that I wanted to do the things that scared me and succeed. I just knew that this was the best opportunity that could have ever crossed my path. I went in full force, inviting people, talking about how my progress and eventually people were reaching out to me asking for help! I was completely overwhelmed by how many people were actually following my story. Helping others and seeing them become successful makes my heart so incredibly happy!

The thing I love most about this company is the endless possibilities. There is no limit on how many people you can help, there are no limits on how much money you can make, no limits on ANYTHING. And yes, you invest just $40 and I promise you, this opportunity with change your life! I have become much more positive over the last seven and a half months, I have reached my goal weight, and I have created friendships that I know will last a lifetime! What is even more amazing is I know that this is just the beginning to something completely amazing!! All because I took $40 to invest in a happier, healthier lifestyle. What are you doing to make your life worth living?

Quote to Live By:

"If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a month, get married. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else!"

To learn more about this amazing opportunity, email me at pghfitnessgirl@gmail.com
For more daily motivation and inspiration:
Instagram: @maketodayyourtomorrow
Facebook: Make Today Your Tomorrow

Where do you want to be in 5-10years?

As I am sitting here at my day job today, randomly thinking about previous interviews I landed while trying to get that "dream job", about all the people who interviewed me, they all seemed to ask the same questions, but one in particular stood out to me..

"Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years...?"

My response may blow you away because you think to yourself, why in the world would you tell people that in an interview, but it's the truth, where do I see myself in five to ten years... My response: "I would like to own my own business".. 

The response really makes me think I may not have been the best interviewee because I was obviously saying - "Hey, in 5 to 10 years, sorry I don't want this to be my life long job, so I probably won't be around but hey you should hire me anyways." What I do remember is my old manager, from a job I had about two years ago, saying that my answers to the questions he asked were great. He also mentioned, "I don't want to hear, well I see myself sitting here doing the same thing forever, so it was great to hear you have some sort of direction in your life. I feel you'll make a great asset here in this department!"

My business is something people shake their heads at, give you dirty looks when you tell them what you do, and often times say "are you serious"? Yes as a matter of fact, I am serious... I am a health and fitness coach, I help motivate and inspire people to reach their health and fitness goals. To live a happier, healthier lifestyle, and dream as big as you could possibly imagine. We help people in every area of their lives, such as, finances, health, living with a positive mindset, time management, and the list goes on. The best part about this part-time job is I can set my own hours, I work when I want, and I don't have a boss breathing down my neck to tell me I missed a deadline in this business. While I do have a full-time office job, I am working my beach body business to the best of my ability. I am doing what I am so incredibly passionate about! I am helping others see the greatest potential I see in them.

While my business may not be the biggest and best it can be at this very moment, I know the things I do every single day are getting me one step closer to it being something completely amazing! I have learned a lot over the last few years, and the possibilities of what it can become are endless! I have never really let anyone alter my choices in life, while I have made some dumb decisions, I have always managed to get myself back on track. And of all the qualities that I have, I think this is the best one.

The things I have learned over the last couple years, which I never realized I was doing it until this past weekend is having a sense of "Tunnel Vision." Focusing on my goals, what I need to do to reach them, and blocking out people's opinions. I feel that if I would have stayed in the small town where I went to high school, I never would have been as successful as I am today.

What are your dreams? Are the things you do everyday getting to where you hope to be? If you are unhappy with the way your life is panning out, do something to change it. Only you are in control of your happiness. 

If you would like to know more about the amazing opportunity I have been blessed with, please feel free to comment below. I would love to share this amazing experience with you. It has changed my life for the better!

I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot. Together, we can do great things.

-Mother Teresa

Need some daily motivation: 
Facebook: Make Today Your Tomorrow
Instagram: @maketodayyourtomorrow
Email: tbbcoachsteph87@gmail.com

New Month. New Goals. New Challenges.

Good Morning & Happy Friday & FIRST Day of AUGUST!!! Can you believe it is already August? Seriously though, where has this year gone...

Summer is quickly coming to an end, kiddies will be heading back to school, and I'm sure everyone's lives will eventually start to become more hectic with all the school activities coming about! Have you came up with goals and or challenges for the new month? Do you ever make goals for yourself? I think this is the best way to continue to grow through life and work towards becoming a better person in your life... get a better grip on your finances, start working out, spend more time with family, become more active volunteering, or maybe start doing personal development to help you live a better life overall. Some people may think this is silly - but don't let them talk you out of doing something that in the end may change your life for the better and the long run.

I have already made my list of goals for August... I decided to pick my goals based on each area of my life:

• Make it to Success Club 5 in my Beachbody business 
• Pay off one of my credit cards 
• Work on ways to have a happier marriage, do more date nights & ways to become a better wife 
• No eating out until August 29th (I would do the whole month, but we are traveling out of state for Labor Day Weekend) 
• Run my first successful challenge group 
• Post at least 5 times in my blog every week 
• Start running at least 10 miles a week while working towards completely the PiYo program 

These goals will definitely help me work towards becoming better person and get a hold on my finances, health & nutrition, and be a better wife to my amazing husband! I will also be taking my beachbody business to the next level and try to be more independent with running my first challenge group. I am determined to get better and grow my business even more. I also want to get better with following through with things so I am determined to start blogging at least 5 times a week this month... if one person is able to find some sort of motivation and/or inspiration with my posts, I know that my time was well spent writing these posts.

Goals and challenges are what will help you grow and see your greatest potential. Don't be afraid to try something new!

---------------------------------

For more motivation and inspiration, please find me on Facebook and Instagram -- Make Today Your Tomorrow!

Take a risk. Take a Chance.

What if one day you woke up and you said you know what, today is the day. Today is the day I am going to put me first, I am going to work really hard to reach my goals, and I won’t stop until I get there.

What if you looked back a year to date, and saw someone in the mirror who you never imagined being. You saw someone more confident; saw someone who had bigger dreams, and bigger goals. You saw yourself growing into this ray of sunshine who transformed into an optimist instead of a pessimist. There wasn't that person who thought you would always be overweight, you would never look good in a pair of skinny jeans, and no one would ever want to be with me. Here you are a year later, such pounds lighter, not only rocking skinny jeans but even wearing a two piece, AND you met someone who is as passionate about reaching for their dreams as you are.

It only takes that one day; that one moment where you've been pushed so far over the edge that you know change is necessary. Stop saying tomorrow, and just do it today. The sky is the limit – the road may not be smooth sailing the entire way, but each bump and detour along the way – you CAN and will be that person you saw in your dreams. If you are ready to make that change, comment your email below and let’s get started on CREATING YOU. 

As they say, “Life isn't about finding yourself; it’s about CREATING yourself.”

For more motivation, inspiration and/or if you have any questions, please reach out to me at:

Instagram: @maketodayyourtomorrow

Facebook: Make Today Your Tomorrow

Email: pghfitnessgirl@gmail.com

GOAL WEIGHT ACHIEVED

Some people set out on a journey to better their lives, better their health which in the end will help them come to a peace of mind with the way they feel about themselves and the life they live.  Some people get scared and back down, some get half way - step back and look at their achievements and just stop, and then there are people who keep pushing and fighting every single day to make the best of themselves and really prevail! I am so beyond to say I am the latter...

For the last 15 months, I have been working towards the "typical new year's resolution" every person tends to make at least once, if not more, in their lives! To LOSE WEIGHT and I FINALLY DID IT!!!  January 1, 2013 I made the resolution that I will get my butt to the gym, I will workout and I will reach my goal weight! My biggest motivation was being engaged, and knowing that for one day - all eyes would be on me. That is what pushed me towards my weekly/daily/monthly/overall goals. 

Let's start with a little bit of background about my struggle with my weight/self confidence... 

I always felt like I was the girl who everyone looked past, who was too chubby to be chosen for a certain team or someone who just wasn't pretty enough. It made me always hate the body I was living in and in turn I would run to food to ease my emotions. I didn't feel pretty dressing up, I hated taking pictures and I always felt like I was left out. But that HAD to change.. And I knew I had to stop letting what others thought of me affect my self confidence levels and be happy with myself.

During the first year, life was crazy.. It was hard trying to accommodate my eating habits with my fiancé and declining happy hours, nights out on the town with friends and my healthy lifestyle. Now I didn't give up EVERYTHING the entire year, it was kind of like learning to run... First you scoot, then you crawl, walk and finally you're off full speed running! That's exactly what this journey taught me... It takes time and eventually it can be done if you have the willpower. Now I'm not saying you have to give up everything, just do/have some of the "not so healthy" things in moderation! If you deprive yourself it may cause you to fall completely off track and lose your sight of where you want to go.

So here's how I reached my goal weight....

Beginning my journey at the unthinkable 166.8 pounds -- I started switching up my diet, not eating out as much and getting in cardio at the gym. Within the first few months I was down about 10 pounds or so and I was happy I had lost that much but I knew I still wasn't where I wanted to be. 

***here's a small fun fact about how determined I was to reach my goal weight... I went dress shopping for my wedding gown at the end of March and I found my beautiful Maggie Sottero gown at MB Bride... My consultant who measured me told me I need to get said size so obviously I did... I got home and was thinking and knew how determined I was, and told them I wanted to change my size down to the smaller size. They said they didn't normally do that, and would have to get management approval, BUT THEY DID IT FOR ME!! So I had my dress ordered in the smaller size, so that was a little motivation to keep going!***

In March I tried drinking Body By Vi, which is a meal replacement and you have 2 shakes a day. ViSalus helped me for about a month and I dropped 8 pounds but I just couldn't keep up with the shakes because I missed actual solid foods and felt like I wasn't getting enough proper nutrition. Now don't think I'm bashing BBVi because it has helped numerous people get to their goals and whatnot, but everyone is different. This just wasn't my path... so I moved on.

After ending my journey with ViSalus, I then got back to monitoring what I ate and thought I was doing good with my diet and whatnot lost a few pounds then got stuck at a plateau for a good 6 months, it was getting extremely frustrating! I didn't know what to do!! I tried everything, weight loss pills, ViSalus shakes here and there, working out hours a day, whatever you can think of I did it. I kept fluctuating between 144-148 and had no idea what I needed to do. I started looking into weight training because my wedding was quickly approaching and I needed to do something. I was so close to my goal weight that I just didn't want to give up, and knowing I had my dress fitting eventually coming up, that helped a little.

***Another progress reporting here, in August my wedding gown had finally come in and it was kind of an oh crap kind of moment... Going to try on my dress, would it fit or not. Well I went and tried it on and it fit PERFECTLY!! Like it was designed just for my body! I was beyond ecstatic!***

So beginning to be hopeless that I wouldn't reach my goal weight, I was approached about becoming a Beachbody coach and I turned it down multiple times because I thought I knew what I was doing and didn't want to spend any money on that stuff. BUT At the end of January 2014, I had a little change of heart -- I decided to join Beachbody and give it a go since I've been following a ton of BB challengers and coaches and all their results were INSANE. I started drinking Shakeology daily and working out with the one and only Shaun T doing T25!! I also started eating "clean" and avoiding a lot of things I absolutely loved in the past months and going for different options. I traded All Natural Peanut Butter for PB2, traded my chips for a piece of fruit, and started watching my portions more closely. The 5 weeks of T25 Alpha Phase went extremely fast and I was only down 3 pounds but I had lost 6 inches overall!! I was beyond ecstatic! 

After T25 I was still determined to lose a few more pounds because I was about 3 pounds out from my goal weight and had my first dress fitting appointment a couple weeks after so had to make sure I was as close to my goal weight as possible. I started working out with the newest addition to BB, Autumn Calabrese doing the 21 day Fix. I was a bit apprehensive because I didn't want to drop a ton of weight just wanted to tone up and whatnot. I didn't follow the meal plan/workout to a T so I don't have my results to share with that but plan on doing the full workout and following the meal plan after the wedding.

***March 19 comes around and it's the day of my first dress fitting and the dress fit PERFECTLY a little lose in the bust but that was always a typical area that needed some attention with all my dresses I've ever purchased. But there really wasn't any more room for the back to be pulled together. The seamstress said it was a very smart choice to order the smaller size and that the weight loss had to stop!  SAY WHAT... This is what I do, this is what I love, I have a goal to get too! I was a little sad because I didn't think I'd be able to do the workouts I've come to love! But after talking to some friends and my team I got an understanding of what would need to be done!!***

So now it is April and I just finished up my three day Shakeology cleanse, it helped me out a ton because I ate crap food after I heard my dress was perfect and didn't need any other alterations and I needed to stay where I was, but I had a goal to reach and I knew I had an appointment or two for alterations before my wedding so I wasn't too concerned about it. The dress could be taken in more with the amount of time left for the wedding!! So here it is, as of April 2nd I have officially hit my goal weight of 135 pounds!!!

So how do I feel... I feel amazing. I feel more confident, I feel like I can reach any goal I set out for myself. Over the last 15 months I did some of the things I NEVER thought I would do... I ran my first half marathon, signed up for my second, stepped out of my comfort zone and bought my first and SECOND pair of skinny jeans, also did an in home workout (I'm a gymrat so I was a little apprehensive here), I'm no longer embarrassed of what I look like, I feel happier, healthier,

more motivated, and best of all I feel accomplished for putting forth the long hours at the gym, pouring sweat, trading those fried foods for a yummy Shakeology, and getting up at the crack of daylight to get my workouts in!! It was all soooo worth it and I could not be anymore excited for this journey.

So what's next some will ask, maintaining and trying to time up for my upcoming wedding and then after the wedding who knows!!  :-)

I am a beachbody coach and I do have a challenge group opening up within the next couple weeks - if you want to join me - send me a quick message and will chat about what all it entails! I did and I know you can too! Having an amazing support system and the drive is exactly what it takes to be successful and I will make you be successful!! For more information about Beachbody go to teambeachbody.com/StephClemmer

RESULTS ARE IN!!!

For the very first time in my life... I stuck with an at home workout and didn't miss a single workout! I have always struggled with being extremely bored with them or just wanted to see results instantly! Well, obviously we know that can't and won't happen... so you must put in the time, sweat and pain to get the results you want to see! Well that is exactly what I did!

For the last 5 weeks - everyday I have had a date with Shaun T doing the Alpha Phase of T25!! I have to say I love this workout being of many many reasons... 

1. It offers a modifier (Tonya) and if you feel that you aren't ready to "Dig Deeper" just yet as Shaun T would say, she's there to provide you with a modified movement. IMO, this was great during Total Body Circuit because you're using a lot of power so when you think you may just die, you look to her for the support!!

2. It is TWENTY FIVE MINUTES A DAY!!! The amount of time I use to spend in the gym compared to the time I spend there now is incredible because I've seen inches fall come off way easier than getting in those HOURS at the gym everyday. In 25 mins I was sweating just as much as I was if I were to run for 5 miles, it is amazing!!

3. Shaun T - he is honestly a great fitness instructor and always motivates you throughout the entire workout and provides you with tips on how to make sure you get the correct form down for each movement. He made it so much easier to keep going when I wanted to just say screw it, haha.

4. THE BEST REASON I LOVE THIS WORKOUT - the RESULTS I got!!! I couldn't believe the results I got when I finished this workout. For the last 15 months I've been striving to get to my goal weight and T25 has dramatically helped over the last 5 weeks. It was incredible having people say that they can tell I'm losing weight and I look great AND OHHHHH - stepping out of my comfort zone and buying a pair of SKINNY JEANS!! This has been an INCREDIBLE 5 week journey and I want you all to know - it took dedication and the willpower to push play every single day! I know that if I can do it - ANYONE can!

Now you all are probably wondering... well what are your results - ok so here they are!!

Beginning on February 4th - I weighed 140.2 lbs and weighing in today at 137.2 so I lost a total of 3 lbs... No it doesn't seem like a lot - but here's the best part... I think I lost an incredible amount of inches in just 5 weeks...

Waist - Down 1.4 inches

Bust - Down 1.15 inches

Hips - Down 1.1 inches

Left Arm - Down .25 inches

Right Arm - Down .3 inches

Left Thigh - Down .25 inches

Right Thigh - Down .5 inches

Lovehandles🙊 - Down 1 inch

For a total of 5.95 inches and 3 lbs gone in just 5 weeks!!! I feel absolutely incredible after this journey. I'm sure there are some of you saying well 3 lbs isn't a lot so I'm not gonna try this but what I've learned is that you are burning fat and losing inches and essentially building muscle!! Yes I was totally bummed I didn't drop like 10 lbs over the last 5 weeks but that's ok because I'm fitting into smaller jeans and feel better in clothes and I think it was all totally worth it.  And I am so thankful that I was able to share this with you all. 

I want to give a HUGE shoutout to my Beachbody Coach, Amie DeSanzo, for kind of convincing me to do it everyday because it'll show better results and another huge shoutout to my amazing fiancé, Craig!! Even on the days where I just wanted to go lay down instead of dealing with Shaun T - he made me get up and realize what I wanted! I couldn't thank him enough for being my biggest supporter and motivator!! Thank you Amie & Craig for you continuous motivation and support through this journey!!

Below these pictures are taken about 11 months apart - this was March of 2013 on the left and the right was Mid-February 2014 when I bought my first pair of skinny jeans!!!!😉

If you have any questions about anything, please feel free to contact me on Facebook: 2 B F.I.T, email me at pghfitnessgirl@gmail.com or teambeachbody.com/stephclemmer 

Skinny Jeans!!! H2O Problem & Week 3 of T25 Update!

So I am pretty sure I can speak for all females when I say that fitting into a smaller size of jeans is probably one of the biggest self confidence boosters, point blank! With that being said, I have officially dropped 4 sizes since beginning my weight loss journey 14 months ago - doesn't seem like a lot - but to me, it's hours upon hours sweating at the gym, clean eating and the amongst all the biggest factors - dedication and accountability!! It took me a good 2 months to feel comfortable in the smaller pair of jeans but when I tried them on the other day and there was no sucking it in, no jumping up and down and no muffin top - I was probably jumping around like a goof ball with so much excitement!!☺️ Sooo excited about this as I haven't been able to wear this size in jeans since my freshman year of highschool (as far as I can remember) so that's been about 12 years ago... crazy that I am in the best shape of my life now, and feeling more comfortable in my own skin! That is it's own topic that is always going to be a work in progress for me!!

I've learned over the last several months that you get out what you put in. So if you give 100% every single day - chances are you will reach your goals very quickly. But honestly, who can give 100% every single day without cheating... it's a huge struggle for me because of recent stress, wedding planning and other crazy things going on - but recently I've been doing so much better with my diet (even making weekly menus that are FIANCÉ friendly), and the cutting out of unnecessary drinks/foods that I thought were good for me but was causing boating and discomfort. Keeping an eye on the food label is HUGE and I definitely have been looking at that before I buy something now. 

Another big issue for me is h2o!!! I can't drink just plain water on a regular daily basis unless I'm working out or I'm out at a restaurant and the glass is filled to the brim with ice - so it's extremely hard for me to do but I'm trying my hardest to change that. As a matter of fact, in March my challenge is to try to drink at least 60 ounces of regular water everyday! I use to drink Propel Kiwi-Strawberry until a friends mother told me they were loaded with sodium! I was so upset because I didn't realize that at first - then after putting two and two together, I stopped drinking Propel then finally my fingers didn't swell up as much and my hands didn't feel as dry as they did when I was drinking Propel AND I was drinking about 3-4 bottles daily. Then after that going cold turkey with that - I went to Wal-Mart and got the Clear American carbonated Kiwi-Strawberry flavored water and was drinking 2-2.5 bottles a day. My coworker came by my desk one day and mentioned that she and her family use to drink them all the time, and she had to stop drinking this brand because they hurt her stomach. Here she asked to read the label and noticed it had Phenylalanine in it. This is actually similar to aspartame and I didn't know that. So I was so bummed because my flavored water brands I use to drink ALL DAY EVERYDAY have all completely failed me... so what to do now, drink plain WATER. But I want to see the results that I know I can get, and feel better with the foods/drinks I have so reading the food label is a must now for me.

Now on to give you an update of my most recent workout program: 

T25 Update for Week 3.... I can't believe I have already completed 3 weeks of the Alpha Phase! It's been totally awesome to step out of my comfort zone and actually work out at home, FOR TWENTY-FIVE MINUTES a day!!! Although, I am quite impatient and not seeing the results I want like yesterday - I have found that my endurance to do these workouts has been increasing each and every workout! Going into my last two weeks I am going to be super anxious because I want to be able to share with you my awesome results! Week 5 of the Alpha Phase will end March 10th -- only 16 days left!!! Can't wait to share with you the results - but you'll have to stick around for that!!😉

Photo: (Left) March 2013 (Right) February 2014

But that's all kids, time to call it a night! Got a busy day tomorrow with birthday parties, bowling and spending time with my bubs on my rest day! Enjoy your night/day!! 

Also, if you would like to check out my site to find out more information about the Beachbody programs and products - go to teambeachbody.com/stephclemmer 

T25 Update!

So I'm not the one that likes to workout at home, I'd rather be the girl pumping iron at the gym and getting in those miles on the treadmill... but since the beginning of February, I have stepped out of my comfort zone and finally gave T25 a shot!! I am now working on Week 3! I can't believe I've stuck with it this far, and I could not be any more excited with the results I've been seeing!

Since starting T25 and Shakeology, I am down 2 inches overall, and down .8 lbs! Although, I am sure I could have been down a little bit more in weight - I did splurge a little this past weekend because of Valentine's Day, our anniversary and the bake sale we had at work to raise money for the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. But I am human and enjoy the not so healthy snacks here and there, but I immediately jumped right back on track Saturday and have not missed a workout since starting the program!!

Although, I do still go the the gym to run/train for the half marathon, I feel feel that I am seeing a little more definition in my arms/shoulders but obviously I look/see my body everyday so I think once others start seeing the results it'll make a bit happier.... but I am not giving up!! I've come too far now :)

I am so excited to keep seeing changes and getting in even better shape for my wedding! Stay tune for week 5 workout results coming in early March! :-)

Off Day & Super Bowl Sunday... Let's Go Steelers, haha!!!

It's Sunday already! These weekends just go by way too fast... thinking about having to go back to work on Monday is so depressing :( ugh! But definitely got caught up on a good bit of sleep and getting the apartment cleaned up and laundry done!! Productive weekends are better than just hanging out like a couch potato, for sure!!

But ok it is Sunday and this week it is my off day from the gym and running and I'm about to lose my mind! What do you all do for your off days? I feel very unproductive when I don't work out but think there has to be something to keep active on my off days. I also have a Fitbit Force and my daily goal for steps is 10,000 and with my off day I find it very hard for me to get there! :( any suggestions are greatly appreciated! 

Super Bowl Sunday .... has kind of a sentimental meaning to it for me!! The Steelers are not playing in it so it's kind of a whatever game for me, but 3 years ago on Super Bowl Sunday .. I met my future hubby! I can't believe it's already been that long! Feels like a lifetime ago.. crazy how somethings work out!! So, who's your pick in the Super Bowl? Im going to go with the Broncos... they play like Champions and I think Peyton deserves it, but I'm not much of a sports enthusiast so I can't really give my "expert" opinion, haha! GO STEELERS!!! So what kind of healthy snacks are you having for your Super Bowl get together? We're having cheese and crackers, and some healthy chicken nuggets I found on the Fitness Barbie's blog! :) check her out she's pretty awesome! Her fitness and health story is so inspiring!

But hope you all have a great night with your friends and family if you have parties to attend, have fun and don't pig out too much!!!