Body Beats

Nearly half of all Americans (45%) make fitness or weight loss their New Year’s resolution. One of the top ways to stick to a fitness, weight loss, or exercise resolution is to switch it up to keep your routine interesting and keep your body guessing. MyBodyBeats offers almost ninety different workout routines. (That should keep your body guessing!) Downloads range from $5.99 – $16.99, which means your wallet will keep fit, too. Our workouts come in all shapes and sizes, too, from beginners to Pros, for men or women, for those who want a quick workout and those who want to sweat it out for an hour! Whatever your schedule, whatever your budget, whatever your fitness level is….we can help. With this much to choose from, you could have a different workout routine with a Pro every week in 2010! How ’bout that for a New Years resolution?

Download. Pump up.

Personal Trainers Love MyBodyBeats, too!

We’re always hearing from our customers telling us how much MyBodyBeats workout downloads have changed the way they train, changed their bodies, or simply how the workouts have helped motivate them to push harder. But this testimonial was unique. Read below and see why even personal trainers are turning to MyBodyBeats for a boost.

I began using MyBodyBeats for workouts in the Fall of 2008. As a personal trainer, mom and owner of a business (Fitness on Delivery Inc.) my time is valuable so I want an intense workout in the shortest amount of time. MyBodyBeats continually provides that intense workout with motivation and new and exciting moves from the pros. I am always looking for ideas to add to routines for my clients. MyBodyBeats helps me think outside the box in terms of training and helps me develop my program design with that extra gusto! Being a personal trainer I, as everyone else, likes to be motivated. If I am having a tired day I play one of MyBodyBeats workouts and it inspires me to keep going. I find MyBodyBeats to be fun, affordable and effective. I recently tried 2 new video workouts and enjoyed them both immensely. I find myself checking out the MyBodyBeats website periodically hoping they have some new workouts. I absolutely LOVE the workouts! Keep up the great work guys!

Sincerely,

Danielle McKee
Fitness on Delivery Inc.
In-Home Personal Training & Nutritional Management
Phone: (780) 902-3493
EMAIL: danielle@fitnessondelivery.com
WEB: www.fitnessondelivery.com

Do you have a testimonial you’d like to share?
Contact us at: admin@mybodybeats.com

Coaches spend their careers trying to tap into their athletes’ mental toughness. Coaches know that they have to train the mind just as they train your body. Being psychologically strong and mentally tough can be a more important characteristic than being physically strong. Personal trainers realize this, too and practice a lot of the same techniques that coaches use. Your mind can push your body to perform beyond the physical actions you ‘think’ you can do. Have you ever had a personal trainer say, “Last set.” Then you pump out fifteen reps, not sure that you’re going to complete the last three only to hear your trainer say, “Give me five more!”? Of course you have! And I’ll bet that you finished those extra five reps, even when you thought you couldn’t, right? This is mental toughness.

Mental toughness is difficult to explain, but we all know what it is. It’s a powerful combination of will, determination, focus, confidence, conviction, and passion. It’s the unwavering self belief that, “I can do it.”

Many people believe that this quality cannot be taught, that you’re either born with mental toughness or you’re not. I, on the other hand, believe that you can be taught mental toughness. All you have to do is watch one episode of The Biggest Loser and see trainer Jillian Michaels hammer “You Can Do It!” into the minds of those contestants who have lost the ability to push themselves.

So what can you do if you don’t have a personal trainer or a coach to pull this toughness out of you?

Here are some tips for ways you can improve your own mental toughness so that you can achieve your physical or athletic goals. (Although some of these can be applied to help you reach just about any goal.)

Challenge yourself with your workout
When you ‘think’ you can’t do any more or go any further, do it anyways.

• Add another set.
• Increase the reps in your last set by five, even when your last few reps were difficult.
• Run just one more mile.
• Run as far as you ‘think’ you can in one direction without thinking of the way back.
• Just when the timer on your ‘thirty minutes’ on the elliptical ends, increase your time by ten more minutes.
• Quit counting reps all together. Try doing as many reps of an exercise as possible in a given amount of time. For example; do as many bicep curls as your can in two minutes or as many crunches as possible for the length of a song.

Find What Motivates You
Motivation is at the core of mental toughness. To stay motivated, you must first find out what personally motivates you. Are you motivated by winning or being the best? Enter a competition or a race. Or get a training partner and have mini competitions for who can push out the most reps or lift the most weights. Are you motivated by the fear of failure? Tell your friends and family about your goal and ask them to hold you accountable. Find your motivation and let it drive you.

Give Yourself Pep Talks
Coaches give pep talks it before games. Trainers pep you up to complete your reps. Be your own pep rally. Remind yourself why your training so hard, tell yourself to pull it together, push through, get your fat but off the coach…whatever brings out your second wind. Repeat this in mantras to yourself. It may feel awkward at first, but talking to yourself will pay off.

Acceptance
Accepting that there will be people who won’t believe in you, that there may be set backs, there may be activities you won’t be able to perform, parties you may miss, and deserts you won’t taste. Accepting these things and move on. Don’t dwell on things that will harvest negative energy.

Focus
Focus on your goals and focus on the steps you need to take to achieve those goals. Visualize achieving your goals and don’t let anything stand in your way or distract you.

Prepare
Unexpected and uncontrollable events will occur. Anticipate problems and know the solutions ahead of time. How you handle unexpected events could break your focus. And you need to remain focused at all times. Fitness and bodybuilders could prepare by making a back up of their routine music, preparing meals ahead of time, and bringing an extra posing suit. Triathletes could prepare for blisters, a hold in the bike tire, or extreme temperatures. Team sport athletes should be prepared to play without their star player. The point is; when you know you’ve prepared for all the possibilities, your mind will be more at ease so your body can perform at it’s best.

Stay Positive & Keep Positive People Around You
A positive attitude and positive thoughts will energize you and carry you through those tough training sessions, early wake up calls, and meal plans. You can’t expect to perform your best if you’re filling your head with negative thoughts and surrounding yourself with negative people.

Listen this week to BodySport Radio’s Fitness, Figure, & Bikini Talk Radio and hear interviews from two of your favorite MyBodyBeats trainers. Second place finisher at the 2009 Ms. Fitness Olympia, Tanji Johnson and 4x Ms. Fitness Olympia winner Adela Garcia chat with Terry and Elaine Goodlad on the everyday aspects of contest prep, injuries, motivation, training, and so much more. Very interesting interviews…

Check out BodySport.com to listen.
http://www.bodysport.com/

Jenny Lynn has been quite busy this past year, flipping what most would consider to be discouraging events into sheer determination and motivation. Perhaps that’s why she is the one of the biggest stars in the IFBB…..that and her killer physique!

Since taking 4th place at last years’ Figure Olympia, Jenny has moved to the Lone Star state, undergone knee surgery, started a new business venture, trained for three upcoming competitions, and has kept her eye on reclaiming her place at the top. Already qualified to compete in the ‘09 Ms. Figure Olympia, Jenny plans to step on stage for the first time since last years’ Vegas competition to present what she promises to be her, “…best physique to date…”, at the IFBB Jacksonville Pro Figure competition this weekend, Friday July 31st and Saturday August 1st.

When I asked how this super busy, super woman had changed up her regime for this years’ competitions, she said with absolute confidence, “I am doing my own training and nutrition this year. I’ve worked with a nutritionist the past couple years but honestly don’t need anyone to tell me what to do or eat. I’ve helped hundreds of women prepare for contests and I’ve competed in 30 shows over the past 10 years. I know my body better than anyone and I’m ready!”.

She’s found a new training and business partner in IFBB Fitness Pro Trish Warren, wife of MyBodyBeats trainer Branch Warren . You can find them kicking each others but one rep at a time at the world renowned Metroflex in her new home of Dallas, Texas. Jenny says Trish is, “prepping for the Olympia as well and trains like a maniac which has been awesome for me!”.

In addition to Jenny’s current, Ed Hardy inspired apparel line, JLJ Apparel, she and Trish are working on an active wear line, which will also be available on Jenny’s website. While you’re there, you can sign up for their Rock Star Fitness Workshop taking place in Dallas, Texas on October, 10th 2009.

Personally, I’m crazy excited to see Jenny Lynn “Bring It”! She’s extremely hard working, fun, genuine, and a seriously cool chick. Good luck, Jenny!

Download Jenny’s MyBodyBeats library of workouts here

Hello everybody. It’s a beautiful morning and I thought I’d take a moment to share with you my thoughts and plans for this competition season. It’s a Tuesday and as I look down at my planner I realize that I am about 19 weeks out from the Europa Supershow in Dallas. I would really love to qualify for my 2nd Olympia appearance and prove that I can be a top contender in the IFBB. It’s going to take focus, hard work and sheer determination. I’m tired of being the girl with the great routines who gets docked for her physique. So, it’s time for me to step up and do something about it.

My placing at this year’s Arnold was a rude awakening. My goal was to place in the top 10 and I placed 14th. I got rave reviews for my routines but was then penalized for my conditioning. Now, I’ve always measured my success by my personal improvements so for me the show was still a success. However, now it’s time for me to look at the big picture. I need to be able to prove to the judges that I have what it takes to go the long haul in this competition. Originally I had wanted to compete at the Europa in Orlando but as I kept going over and over it in my head, I realized that I didn’t want to just do well for myself, I want to make a big impact and show that I can really make significant improvements with my physique. So, I’m taking a little more time to prepare for the next show and instead of just going through the motions of diet and exercise, I have a plan!

It should be the same way with diet and exercise for you. We all need focus, hard work and determination but without a plan how are we making the goal a reality. My main objective is to cut down the size in my legs by an inch and gain more ab definition. There it is, direct and precise. Your goal may be to gain muscles in your arms, loose 50 pounds or run a marathon next year. No matter what the goal, you must devise a detailed plan of the things you need to do to commit to that goal. For me, I know that running trims my legs and lucky enough I love to run. So, each month I’ve signed up for a different road race and have committed to training for a half marathon in November. I also spoke with my trainer and he has come up with a diet that will work with the new training that I’m doing. Thirdly, I got some of my fellow competitor friends involved and they will be joining me on a few races. I’ve committed financially, mentally and physically to my goal. Plus, I have accountability through my friends and now you as I’ve publically state my intentions.

Again, what’s you’re plan? Have you paid for workouts from MyBodyBeats.com but haven’t planned which days you plan to work out? Write down your goal. Research ways of getting to that goal. Then write down your plan. Schedule your workout sessions like you would a hair appointment or business meeting. Add checks and balances such as finding accountability partners, setting phone reminders and putting before pictures on the refrigerator to help you stay on track. Write your plan today! You can do this. WE can do this…. No excuses!!!!

Fit Nicole’s Blog
Train with Nicole here

MyBodyBeats trainer, Tanji Johnson, also known as ‘Stealth’ from American Gladiators, is more pumped than ever about this weekend’s Fitness International competition. When I caught up with Tanji a couple of weeks ago, her enthusiasm and confidence was through the roof. With Kim Klein’s retirement and Adela Garcia competing in Figure, she says she feels she has a really strong chance to place high at this year’s Fitness International.

Her confidence is justified. In addition to her high caliber fitness routines that we can always count on Tanji to bring, she’s going to be presenting a smaller, more conditioned physique in order to stand next to and be more comparable to her fellow competitors with smaller physiques like Jen Hendershott’s .


Check out this video interview by BodyBuilding.com as Tanji talks about her training, nutrition, and supplements.

Highlights from the video:

Training – Tanji has been building muscles for years, so now she doesn’t need to build muscle, she focuses instead on maintaining her hardness and leanness. She trains more like an athlete these days with explosiveness, muscular endurance, and functionality for her routine.

Nutrition – All diets work differently for every body type. With support from her nutritionist, Pete Grubbs of Construction Zone, Tanji follows the Blood Type Diet until she reaches 4 weeks out, when her calories drop.

Supplementation – What does Tanji take post workout? A Gaspari MyoFusion protien shake. What does Tanji take for extra energy? Gaspari Mitotropin.

Train with Tanji here.

Marika Johansson recently interviewed Jenny Hendershott through BodyBuilding.com. It was an amazing interview which displayed Jen’s enthusiastic passion as she explains her Arnold 2009 contest prep, why her Phat Camps are such a phenomenal success, and that she is just like you and me. She has to set goals, challenge herself, and work her ass off to achieve them.

My favorite quote from the interview:
“If You Get Advise From People Who Walk The Walk, Then Jump On Board.”
-Jenny Hendershott, Ms. International & Ms. Olympia Champion

Get the full interview with video here .

Want to train like an athlete? Jenny Hendershott does and she gets results!
Train with Jen here, at MyBodyBeats.com.

I wanted to share with you an article I grabbed from MyBodyBeats trainer, Laura Mak’s Mondays with Mak Attack Fitness newsletter. It hits home because there are many days that I beat myself up after I’ve been slack with my training or after a weekend of eating a bunch of crap. The fact is that no one is perfect, no diet is perfect, and no training regime is perfect. Strive for your personal best and for what fits your lifestyle. As a mother of two young girls, a wife, business owner, friend, daughter, etc….I have to remind myself all the time that I can only do my best. Thank you Laura for the motivation this week!

Fitness Perfection
by: Laura Mak

Last Monday I shared with you my excitement for the New Year. Today, I want to help you find passion in your fitness as an ongoing project for 2009. Learn more about what perfection is in your fitness training.

As many of you know I was an elite level gymnast for numerous years, and then earned a scholarship for collegiate gymnastics. Shortly thereafter, my athletic career followed what became a nine-year professional competitive-fitness career.

Everything (athletically), I have competed in strived for the end goal of perfection. The problem was, “perfection” was determined by someone else. It was structured for officials to judge me and compare me with others. They supposedly had the expertise to see if I was perfect in my physique, performance, and showmanship. Although I completely and loved what I was doing when I was competing, I am now happy striving for my own perfection, which is solely concluded by = ME.

Have you ever gotten caught up in your “perfect” fitness routine, then somehow fell short? What if your goal was to do 45 minutes of cardio but you only did 30 minutes. It was less time, but you worked at a higher intensity. Is this an imperfect routine or does your definition of perfect become slightly changed? Have you allowed someone else’s idea of perfection affect you?

Review your fitness training, and see if you are unnecessarily hard (or easy) on yourself. Do you allow for adaptations of “life”? Do you continue moving forward? What is your perfect routine and how can it stay perfect with changes?

My campaign 2009 is about finding passion in your fitness while keeping balance in your lifestyle. Keep the competition within yourself and not with or for others. Allow yourself to adapt to unexpected life situations. Most of all, continue to include fitness as a regular part of your daily routine.

Sign up for Laura’s weekly newsletter at her website: Mak Attack Fitness

I found this image on line of a billboard for Nike. It’s my new favorite!
So many times I hear (and say myself) that tomorrow I’m going to eat better or Monday I’ll start my new training regime. Ladies and gents…this is the type of procrastination that kills our motivation. Most likely, you’ll end up pushing it off yet another day and then starts the guilt. Why do we do this to ourselves? Start today! Why not? Go ahead….and once you do, I guarantee you’ll feel amazing and proud!

We’d like to give MyBodyBeats members the opportunity to motivate others and prove that training like an athlete with MyBodyBeats.com downloadable workouts really works!

All you have to do is submit your story about your own personal fitness journey and why you train with MyBodyBeats.com and include two photos of yourself. Your team here at MyBodyBeats.com will review your submissions and post the most inspiring stories and photos on our large main feature banner on our home page! We’ll also post stories and photos on our blog.

So what are you waiting for?!? You could be the reason someone takes that first step towards their goals! (Talk about self motivation!)

For details click here and scroll >>

Today is the first official day of summer, so I wanted to give all of you my 5 tips for making sure this summer leaves you feeling healthy, energized, and fit!

1. Don’t Stress. Chronic stress can lead to emotional eating, alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. Emotional eating packs on the pounds around your belly, where it’s most harmful.

2. Catch Your ZZZs. Diet, exercise, and sleep are the three major factors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Getting ample sleep encourages weight management , better brain function, and…..a nice nap under the shade in the summer time is priceless.

3. Protect Your Skin. SPF 30 lasts about 25-35 minutes before it’s UV-protecting properties start to fade. Reapply every 1/2 or so to be sure you’re always protected.

4. Try Something New. Have fun! Trying a new activity provides loads of excitement and is a great way to shock your muscles. How about kayaking!?! The water will cool you off and you’ll burn upwards of 400 calories an hour!

5. Get Outside. Sunlight is believed to affect the production of Endorphins. These hormones play a role in giving us a sense of “well-being” and happiness. (Just remember to put on your sun screen.)

Amy, a client of Summer Montabone, CSCS, at Summer’s Fitness 24/7 in North Canton, OH, has transformed her body into a lean, mean, fat fighting machine! Way to go Amy!
For more on what’s happening at Summer’s Fitness 24/7, click here.

Not in the North Canton, OH area to train with Summer personally? No problem! Download Summer’s fat burning, muscle toning workouts here , at MyBodyBeats.com!

Step-Up Surprise Cardio Workout by Summer Montabone
Long, Lean, & Shapely Legs by Summer Montabone

The 20th Anniversary of the Arnold Classic is this weekend! (If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, you’re out of luck.) This is, by far, the biggest sporting expo and sports competition event of the year.

The Arnold weekend has become an event for the entire family. Over the course of 20 years it has grown to host a variety of competitions from bodybuilding, boxing, fencing, 5K race, gymnastics, and much, much more.

With so many athletes under one roof, it’s hard not to be motivated in whatever sport or recreational activity you do. Looking at the Arnold Expo website, I came across this inspiring story from Briana Tindall, a Pro Figure athlete competing this weekend and I wanted to share:

Ever wonderd were the most sexually satisfied men live? Or where the worlds healthiest men live? Men’s Health conducted a study they call “The World’s Best Countries for Men____”. The study shares secrets about things like health, nutrition and fitness with men from all around the world. But ladies…you can use this study to your advantage, too. Find out where you can find the world’s most sexually satisfied men! (Anyone for a vacation to the UK?)