PiYo!!!

he countdown is ON! As many of you know, my team is heading to Vegas for the annual coach Summit (I hope to go when In don't have a newborn at home). There, they will be getting details and exclusive info to share with me on upcoming products and the release of this amazing new program that is going to launch the day after they return!! Because this is going to be SO huge, I am putting out a sign up sheet for you all TODAY! If you already want in, go ahead and add your name to the "It's WOW or Never - PiYo Challenge Group" sign up list by clicking the link below. I will be contacting you after Summit to walk you through the sign up process and giving you more info/details on pricing and challenge group info!

Group Starts on JULY 21st!
Pre-Challenge Prep starts on JULY 14th! - For people that get their orders in on time, you will be added to the pre challenge to discuss meal prepping and how to set yourself up for success. You don't want to miss out on this!

For those who have no idea what PiYo is all about... this program is an amazing way to carve an intensely defined physique-without jumps, without weights, and without joint strain. Using body weight, PiYos uses low-impact, high-intensity movements inspired by Pilates and yoga. The result? Long, lean, muscles, a high, firm booty, and tight, flat, sexy abs. PiYo will work every single muscle to stabilize, stretch, and strengthen every inch of a body. And, unlike sloooowww yoga and pilates, the speed is cranked up for cardio FUN! Crazy calories will be burned too! I am so excited to do this program!

So, what are you waiting for? Are you ready to WOW everyone with your lean PiYo body this Summer? It's WOW or Never . . . Click the link below to join the first EVER Piyo challenge:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1WI0lxLg8KCemgBMMtv-wLDZsr3t5-86L8OYJqBqLPxQ/viewform?usp=send_form

*THEN, make sure you shoot me a friend request on facebook if you haven't already so we can further discuss your goals: (www.facebook.com/jennifer.p.barter)

Low Impact Moves

Some low impact moves that works your body hard! It takes getting on all fours to another level. You raise up on your toes and keep your knees lifted up off the floor some extra quad burn. Try them out. You can also hear my little sweet pea some and see her head in the background ;-).

https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xfp1/v/t42.1790-2/1361999_743312302396558_1568854516_n.mp4?oh=ff382299cf967d9b468387bb16ddfdc1&oe=53A99B56

Fat Burner Circuit

Try to only rest between each cycle/circuit.  But if your form is off, rest until you can resume with proper form!  Contact me if you aren't sure what a move is, and I can explain or shoot a quick video for you.  Go burn a ton of calories!

Two Exercises for your Thighs

Follow the link to watch the video!

https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xaf1/v/t42.1790-2/10345438_735709599823495_336539786_n.mp4?oh=c7c7231f017908222115cc673c4e6a16&oe=539CEBD1

Tilapia over Kale/Tomatoes/Capers

Tilapia over Kale/Tomatoes/Capers

This is one of my favorite go-to quick recipes that is nutrient packed and low calorie!

Ingredients: 
- 5 or 6 tilapia filets
- 1 or 2 TBSP Olive oil
- 1 TBSP lemon juice
- 1/2 cup white cooking wine
- 3 TBSP lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 can organic fire roasted tomatoes
- 2 bunches of kale
- Handful of capers
- 2 TBSP of garlic
- Handful of pine nuts

Directions:
1) Heat the cooking wine and lemon juice in a pan/skillet. Rub the tilapia filets with the lemon pepper seasoning. Place filets in pan and sauté until cooked through on medium hit.
2) Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large pan/skillet. Place kale, tomatoes, capers, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste in pan. Sauté until kale is cooked through.
3) Serve in a shallow bowl with tomatoe/kale mixture on bottom and a tilapia filet on top. Garnish with pine nuts.

My new favorite shake!

This is so delicious and refreshing for summer, particularly those hot summers here in Florida.  I have managed to make one that tastes similar to a pina colada and mojito, if only I could get one to taste like my favorite - a margarita!  I've used vanilla Shakeology for this too, which is also delicious!

Plank Form

Plank Form . . . Because Form Matters

The plank - it is a foundational exercise move/position that is a part of so many different exercise programs.  You do this position in pushups, burpees, ab exercises, and more.  Although we all know what proper form looks like, we often execute poor form when we aren't focused on what we are doing or when we are tired.  You may even have poor form and think you are doing it correctly - this is where mirrors or photos come in handy!

Proper form not only prevents injury, but it also helps you to get the most out of the exercise.  Proper from is more efficient and more effective at working your muscles as well as protecting your body.  Form matters!

So here are the three most common mistakes with plank form:

Here is the basics of proper plank form, consider it Planks 101 ;-):

Paleo Chipotle Chicken Sweet Potatoes

INGREDIENTS: 
-1-2 chicken breasts depending on size
-2 T. 100% pure avocado oil
-1 T. smoked paprika
-1 t. ground chipotle pepper (or more if you like spicy!)
-2 t. cinnamon
-1 T. garlic salt
-1 t. black pepper
-2 sweet potatoes, baked (45 min - 1 hr at 450F)
-1 c. kale, chopped
-1/2 bell pepper, chopped
-1 T. extra virgin olive oil
-squeeze of fresh lemon juice
-sea salt & pepper, to taste
-handful of pepitas, lightly toasted (optional for garnish, use whatever nut/seed you have handy)

DIRECTIONS:

1) Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Coat the chicken breasts liberally with avocado oil. Season evenly with paprika, chipotle, cinnamon, garlic salt, and pepper. Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes before moving to the grill.

2) Grill for 5-10 minutes per side (depending on size of chicken breast(s) and what type of grill you're using) or until grill marks show. Set aside to rest and come to room temperature. Once cooled, shred chicken using 2 forks held back to back.

3) When the chicken is grilling, chop your kale and bell pepper and add to a large bowl. Mix EVOO, lemon juice, sea salt, and pepper in and massage lightly with your fingers to soften the kale. Add the shredded chicken in and toss well.

4) To assemble, slice the sweet potatoes open lengthwise and mash the insides slightly. Scoop large spoonfuls of the chicken/kale mixture into the middle of each sweet potato. Sprinkle with pepitas for garnish. Then gobble it up, skins and all! Can be served warm or at room temperature.

Swimmer Plank Balance Push-ups

1. Start in the plank position.  Drop down and do a push up, getting the chest as close to the floor as you can.
2. Raise up out of the pushup.  When you raise up, balance on your left arm and right leg, lifting the right arm and left leg.
3. Swing your right arm up and over like you are doing the freestyle stroke while your left leg is lifted.  Return your raised arm and leg to the floor.  Drop down to do a push up and repeat the move on the other side (that’s one rep!).

Sizzlin' Summer Sale

Woot-woot! Summer sale at Beachbody to help you get summer ready! It started at 3 PM (EST) and runs until June 9th! I am debating between P90X2 and Les Mills Combat - I just might have to get both!  There are some amazing programs and equipment at GREAT prices!

 

To check out the sale, follow this link:

https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/summer-sale?ReferringRepId=299615

Whatever works!

I am still new into the whole motherhood thing (a little over 6 weeks now), but I am quickly learning that like in teaching elementary school, you monitor and adapt your plans continuously.  You just have to settle for whatever works at the moment.  I ran with the jogging stroller the other day (around 4 miles) and then planned to lay Grace down for a nap and do some Crossfit lifts and other exercises. I decided to change it up one day a week from Insanity and Asylum with my own workouts.  Well, Grace did not want to nap after falling asleep while jogging.  So, I improvised and decided that she may as well just work out with me.  So after doing a few lifts without her that would not work with a wrap, I just wrapped her to me for the remainder of my workout.  Whatever works, right?  She seemed to enjoy herself and then fell back asleep in the wrap.  VICTORY!