14 Steps to Get Started Right on Your Fitness Journey- 3 of 14

Step on a scale, and get your "starting weight." Be sure to record your "starting weight" in your online profile's progress and goals section, along with your goal weight.

• If you haven't signed up for a Free Team Beachbody account, click here.
• If you have a Free Team Beachbody account just go to your progress and goals page.
• If you need instructions on how to sign up for a Free Team Beachbody account just watch this video.

You need to know what your goal is in order to reach it! Also, it's very important take and record your starting measurements. Many of our programs cause people to lose inches all over their bodies, and sometimes inches lost can be a better way to chart your progress than pounds lost. There should be a tape measure that came in the box with your Beachbody program. If you cannot watch the video below, click here and watch the same video with easy instructions on how -- and where exactly -- to measure yourself or click on the picture on the left.

 

Record your body measurements in your online profile's Progress & Goals section. After 1 month of working out, you will want to take your measurements again, and record the progress in this section as well.

14 Steps to Get Started Right on Your Fitness Journey- 2 of 14

The year 2012 is almost here and for sure you are getting ready for a total physical makeover. Prepare to get your PhD in transformation photography, because before” and after photos are Beachbody's bread and butter. Learn how to take the perfect set of transformation photos to showcase your results. Become a Team Beachbody FREE member and start your body transformation today! http://www.changetodayfitness.com/Joinnow.html

If you cannot see the video below just click here or the photo on the left.

14 Steps to Get Started Right on Your Fitness Journey- 1 of 14

So, you committed to get fit and toned, and you bought a Beachbody fitness program such as P90X, P90X2, LES MILLS PUMP, INSANITY, The Asylum, TurboFire, RevAbs, Slim in 6, Brazil Butt Lift, Hip Hop Abs, etc. Great job! We applaud you.

Now, how would you like to double your ability to stay motivated and succeed? 

Studies have shown that people who use online support tools like the kind on TeamBeachbody.com get two times better results with their fitness program. 

Sounds good, right? So, you're probably wondering what steps to take to get started? Here's what you need to do:

1. If you haven't done so yet, sign up for Team Beachbody membership. If you're already a TeamBeachbody member, you can skip this step.



Stay tuned for step 2: Take your "before" photos. 

LES MILLS PUMP DVD Workout Package is here!

LES MILLS PUMP DVD Workout Package

Engineer your perfect body with LES MILLS PUMP. This barbell-based rapid weight loss and accelerated strength-training program incinerates calories to help give you the ultimate tight, toned, and lean body you want. The secret is THE REP EFFECT™, which requires that you use lighter weights at a higher rate of repetition so you can burn up to 1,000 calories per workout and get leaner faster. The system includes your very own barbell—the secret weapon designed to speed up your strength training and fat loss. Your kit comes complete with a set of 2 5-lb. and 2 10-lb. weighted plates. Exclusive FREE gift! Get the LES MILLS PUMP: CORE workout FREE when you purchase through me, your Team Beachbody® Coach. A $19.95 value. Get yours today!

eGift Card Team Beachbody

Give the gift of health and fitness. Show someone you care by giving them their choice of workouts, nutritionals, and gear to get the body they've always dreamed of.

Team Beachbody eGift Cards

The best gifts change lives. Give the gift of health and fitness with a Team Beachbody eGift Card. Great for any occasion, this instant gift gives the lucky recipient their choice of fitness programs, nutritional supplements, and gear to help them look and feel better than ever.

FAQ

BUYING A TEAM BEACHBODY^® EGIFT CARD

1. How do I buy a Team Beachbody^® eGift Card?

Visit and read the eGift Card Terms and Conditions. Then choose a design, personalize a message, and complete the delivery information. Click "Add to Cart." You'll then be prompted in the checkout to provide your payment information.

2. Do I have to be a member of Team Beachbody to purchase a Team Beachbody eGift Card?

Yes, you must be a member of Team Beachbody to purchase an eGift Card or to make a purchase using one. It's fast, easy, and FREE to sign up! Here are two ways to become a member:

1. Go to TeamBeachbody.com and click on "Not a Member?" in the upper, right-hand corner of the screen. Follow the directions to sign up for either a FREE or Club membership.

2. Shop in the store on TeamBeachbody.com and add the items you'd like to purchase to your cart. Once you click "Checkout," you'll be prompted to sign up for an account.

3. Can I customize the amount on my eGift Card?

You can choose from convenient increments of $25, $50, $100, $250, and $500 for your gift of health and fitness. Purchase one or multiple cards to create your desired amount.

4. How quickly is my eGift Card delivered?

While most eGift Cards will arrive to your email within minutes of placing your order, please allow approximately 2 hours for delivery. You'll receive an email with your eGift Card along with simple instructions for how to use it.

If it doesn't arrive within approximately 2 hours, please check to make sure that it wasn't filed in your spam or junk mail folder. If this doesn't resolve the issue, please call our friendly Customer Service staff toll free at 1 (800) 997-5602.

5. Can I personalize a message to the recipient of my eGift Card?

Yes, you can. After your order is finalized, you'll receive an email containing your eGift Card. Type your message into the applicable space in the email, and then forward the email to the recipient, or print and hand-deliver it to your chosen recipient.

6. What will I receive when I order an eGift Card?

You'll receive two emails shortly after your order is placed. First, you'll receive an order confirmation email detailing your purchase. Then, you'll receive the email containing the eGift Card you created and purchased. It will show the design you chose, the card's value, and the redemption code. Simple instructions for redeeming the eGift Card are also included.

7. Can I print an eGift Card to give as a gift?

Yes, you can print out the eGift Card from the email you receive. Then you can either hand-deliver it or mail it to your recipient with a personalized message.

REDEEMING A TEAM BEACHBODY^® EGIFT CARD

1. How do I use my eGift Card?

Simply browse and select the item you'd like to purchase from TeamBeachbody.com, and check out as you normally would. When selecting your payment method, select eGift Card. When prompted, enter the redemption code identified on your eGift Card.

If the item(s) you'd like to purchase exceed the balance on your eGift Card, you'll be asked to provide a valid credit card to cover the remaining balance. If the item(s) you select cost less than the balance on your eGift Card, the balance remaining after your purchase will be stored on your eGift Card and available for future purchases.

2. I'm having trouble placing an order with my eGift Card. What should I do?

If you're placing an order and there aren't enough funds on your eGift Card, you'll be asked to add another valid form of payment to cover your balance. You'll be able to view each individual charge when you check out.

If you're having a problem using your eGift Card for any reason, call our friendly Customer Service staff toll free at 1 (800) 997-5602.

3. Are there any restrictions for using an eGift Card?

Yes. Please read the eGift Card Terms and Conditions for a full list of restrictions by clicking here. Among other restrictions, please note that if you purchase an eGift Card on TeamBeachbody.com, you will not be allowed to purchase any products that are sold on Beachbody.com. To purchase items sold on Beachbody.com, please purchase a Beachbody eGift Card on the Beachbody.com Web site.

4. What happens to the unused portion of my eGift Card balance?

The balance remaining on your eGift Card will always be available so you can use it on future purchases. There's no time limit to worry about—your Team Beachbody eGift Cards never expire.

5. What happens if my purchase amount is greater than the balance on my eGift Card?

When you purchase products on TeamBeachbody.com that exceed the balance on your eGift Card, you'll be prompted to enter a valid credit card to pay for the remaining balance that your eGift Card doesn't cover.

6. What do I do if my eGift Card is lost or stolen?

If your eGift Card has been lost or stolen, try reprinting it (provided you bookmarked it in your browser) OR click on the link in the original email.

To report a lost or stolen eGift Card, call us toll free at 1 (800) 997-5602.

A replacement eGift Card may be issued, subject to the eGift Card Terms and Conditions.

7. How do I check my eGift Card balance?

It's easy to view the balance on your eGift Card. Simply enter your eGift Card number into the form on the right side of the screen to check the remaining balance.

10 People Will Win $500 eGift Cards for Working Out on Sat, Dec. 10!

On Saturday, December 10, 2011 (12-10-11), Beachbody CEO Carl Daikeler is giving away $5,000 in Team Beachbody eGift Cards (one $500 eGift card to each of two people randomly drawn from each of five time zones: Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, and Hawaii time zone). So, ten lucky people who work out in the SuperGym between 1-2p.m in their local time on 12-10-11 will walk away with a $500 Team Beachbody eGift Card. 

How to win: On Saturday, December 10, go to the SuperGym and press "start now" to begin an active workout session any time between 1-2p.m. in your local time zone (i.e. where you live)! 

So, hope to see you all in the SuperGym on Sat., Dec. 10! 

Les Mills Pump Beachbody Workout is coming soon!

The LES MILLS PUMP workout program

Beachbody® and Les Mills International have teamed up to develop the revolutionary LES MILLS pump workout, the first a-home  DVD training program based on the world famous BODYPUMP ® workout.

What is the LES MILLS PUMP workout?

Quite simply, it is the best way to get fit.  The LES MILLS PUMP workout is a barbell-based rapid weight loss and accelerated strength-training program that incinerates calories to give you the ultimate tight, toned, lean body. If you want flat abs, lean legs, sculpted arms, and tight buns, then LES MILLS PUMP is for you.


Watch the video below and learn more!

Click here to get notified when Beachbody’s Les Mills PUMP home workout is available! – by joining Team Beachbody for free!

P90X App for iPhone

Bring It!® anywhere with the P90X App for iPhone

Now you can power up your P90X workouts for even better results with the P90X App for iPhone. Interactive features make it fun and easy to stay motivated and accountable, so you can push through your plateaus like never before. Plus, you can conveniently track your reps and weights, view your customized progress reports, log your nutrition, and share your amazing results. (Only $4.99.) But that's not all.

Want to do your P90X workouts at the gym? Outside? On the go? Purchase guided versions of the workouts designed specifically for the iPhone so you can work out anywhere, anytime.

Not a Team Beachbody^® member? Get discounts on all your
in-app purchases including the guided workouts by signing
up for your Team Beachbody membership here.

Debbie Sieber's Nutrition Tips - Portion Control

When it comes to weight loss, proper control is KEY! Use Debbie's technique of "halves and handfuls" to make sure your entrees and snacks are the right size for you.

Eat Smart with the Team Beachbody Meal Planner

10 Fit Foods for Fall

10 Fit Foods for Fall

By Joe Wilkes

We all know the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables. They contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients to help keep our bodies running in peak condition. Study after study shows that people who consume the most fruits and veggies are less at risk for a host of illnesses, including heart disease and cancer. Because of this, farmers' markets have cropped up all over, and supermarkets have expanded their produce sections to accommodate increased demand. In some places, fast-food restaurants have given way to community garden plots. The garden on the White House's South Lawn has proved to be a great success in its third season.

The best fruits and vegetables to eat are ones that are in season and grown locally. Crops are more bountiful during their natural harvest times, and your pocketbook benefits from the surplus. Plus if you buy locally, you won't incur the economic cost of food being transported to your store from far-off places, and the planet won't incur the environmental cost of fossil fuels being burned to ship that food. But even if money were no object and global warming weren't an issue, the best reason to eat locally and seasonally is taste: The sooner you eat a fruit or vegetable after it's picked, the fresher it'll be, and the more pleasing it'll be to your palate.

The following 10 foods are reaching their seasonal peaks, and they're available locally in most regions of the United States.

1. Apples. An apple a day can keep the doctor away in more ways than one. Studies have shown that the nutrients found in apples can help lower cholesterol, manage diabetes, and prevent several diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, and asthma. Make sure you don't peel the apple though, because the peel contains quercetin, an antioxidant shown in a Finnish study to help reduce the risk of heart disease and inhibit tumor growth. Additionally, apple skin contains insoluble fiber, and the fruit's flesh contains pectin, a soluble fiber. While apples are great on their own, they're also yummy and crunchy when added to salads, and sweet and tasty when baked in desserts.
2. Corn. Generally, our society eats way too much corn. It's in almost every food we eat, especially in its most nefarious form—high fructose corn syrup. It's easily America's number-one crop. But fall is the time when we get the harvest of the tastiest sweet corn. Besides being delicious, in its unprocessed state it's actually quite healthy. A food study at Cornell University showed that ferulic acid, an antioxidant produced when sweet corn is cooked, can also be helpful in fighting heart disease and cancer. Plus corn is a good source of vitamins B1, B5, and C; folate; and fiber. Besides eating it on the cob, try corn in salads or as a colorful, crunchy addition to salsa.
3. Cucumbers. Some people never see cucumbers until they've been pickled, sliced, and added to two all-beef patties and a sesame seed bun. However, in their fresh, unpickled state, cucumbers are very low in calories (just 4 calories per ounce), are a natural diuretic, and are thought to help in the prevention of pancreatic, liver, and kidney diseases. Cucumbers also contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Their skin contains silica, which helps strengthen the body's connective tissue. And cucumbers aren't just for eating; the juice makes a great skin lotion. Those spa ladies with cucumber slices on their eyes aren't doing it for nothing. Cucumber juice reduces swelling, and not just for under-eye bags—also for burns and skin disorders.
   
   One tasty way to enjoy cucumbers is my Russian grandmother's simple recipe of thinly sliced cucumbers, thinly sliced onion, low-fat yogurt, and chopped dill. (She actually used sour cream, too, but we won't go there.)
4. Eggplant. Eggplant contains lots of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and also high levels of antioxidants, including nasunin, which has been shown to help protect cells from free radical damage. Eggplant also contains terpenes, which are believed to help lower cholesterol. Eggplant is a very versatile ingredient in all kinds of cooking, including Italian, Indian, and Chinese dishes. It can be baked, stewed, or sautéed, among other cooking methods. One thing to watch out for is that the flesh of the eggplant is highly absorptive, so if you fry it in oil, it'll soak it all up. One helpful technique is to lightly salt sliced eggplant, let it sit for a half hour, and rinse the salt off before cooking it. This will cause the cell structure of the eggplant to contract, making it a little less spongy. My mom's been dealing with a bumper crop of eggplant from her backyard garden and has been putting eggplant in everything. A recent success was replacing the pasta in her favorite lasagna recipe with thinly sliced eggplant. It absorbed the tomato sauce instead of the oil and made the dish richer and creamier.
5.  Grapes. There's been much written about the benefits of wine, but you don't have to get loaded to get the benefits of grapes. In their unfermented state, they're a great source of vitamins A, B6, and C; folate; potassium; calcium; magnesium; zinc; and fiber. Like apples, they contain the antioxidant quercitin. They also contain resveratrol, which has been shown to help prevent blood clots and protect arteries from free radical damage. Generally speaking, the darker the grape, the higher the antioxidant levels. Grapes are great snacks that are low in calories. They're great when added to salads, or you can freeze them for a frosty treat.
6. Okra. This may be the most intimidating ingredient on this list. Many people are put off by okra's bristly outside and somewhat slimy inside, but it has a lot of health benefits that should make you take a second look. It's full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. And it has great gastrointestinal benefits. Its high mucilage content, which thickens stews and gumbos, also helps absorb cholesterol, toxins, and bile, and has a gentle laxative effect. Its seeds contain amino acids and protein. Plus it's believed to be good for the skin and hair. (It's been said that Cleopatra ate okra as part of her beauty regimen.) Okra is great in soups and stews, or lightly sautéed as a side dish.
7. Pears. This is my favorite fall food. The biggest, juiciest pears start showing up in farmers' markets right about now. Besides being a great source of stains on my shirts, they have high levels of vitamins C and K, copper, and fiber. They contain even more of the soluble fiber pectin than apples, which can play an important part in digestive health and in lowering cholesterol. Pears have also been shown to reduce kidney inflammation and colitis. Asian pears, which are crunchy, like apples, are also in season now and contain the health benefits of both fruits. Pears are great plain, broiled, or poached. Plus Asian pears can be shredded as a healthy addition to a slaw.
8. Peppers. Whether you like them spicy or sweet, now is prime pepper-picking time. Fiber-rich peppers have high levels of vitamins A, C, and K; red peppers have the most. Red peppers, like tomatoes, are also good sources of lycopene, which studies show may be linked to cancer prevention. Hot peppers contain capsaicin, which has been shown to help prevent ulcers and lower cholesterol. Plus hot peppers can help ramp up your metabolism. I can't think of many dishes that couldn't be improved with a little peppery zip. Soups, stir-fries, salads . . . I even had some chocolate cayenne ice cream that was pretty good.
9. Raspberries. Raspberries are some of the healthiest—but priciest—berries out there. So now, when they're in season, is the most economical time to enjoy them. Raspberries contain several flavonoids called anthocyanins, believed to have antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent fungal and yeast infections and aid with irritable bowel syndrome. A Netherlands study showed that raspberries contain 10 times as many antioxidants as tomatoes. Like apples and pears, they also contain high levels of pectin. While they're great as snacks and desserts, think about trying them in salads too.
10. Tomatoes. The big new star of the tomato nutritional profile is lycopene. This carotenoid has increasingly been shown to be a powerful antioxidant that may play a big role in preventing cancer and heart disease. They're also great sources of vitamin C. And for those of you who don't care for raw tomatoes (as George Carlin said, they look like they're in the larval stage), tomatoes lose very little of their nutritional value when cooked. So they can be enjoyed stewed, in sauce, and even as ketchup (although we recommend a ketchup free of high fructose corn syrup and low in sodium). This is a prime time to seek out tomatoes at the farmers' market. Especially exotic are the heirloom varieties that come in yellows, greens, purples, browns, and reds. They can make a beautiful multicolored and antioxidant-rich salad.

If you can't get to the farmers' market, just can't stand eating fruits and vegetables, or don't have the time to get your recommended number of servings each day, fear not. Try out Shakeology^®, the shake from Beachbody^® that contains more than 70 healthy ingredients. It takes the guesswork out of nutrition. It's the Healthiest Meal of the Day^®.

The Top 10 Questions About P90X2™

The Top 10 Questions About P90X2^™

By Steve Edwards

What's the difference between P90X^® and P90X2^™? This is the question of the year, and it can't be answered in one simple sentence, or even one article. So I've written this series to help you decide whether or not P90X2 is the program for you. I wish I could tell all of you that P90X2 is right for you, but I'm too responsible for that. I'm sure one program in Beachbody's huge collection will work for each of you, but if you want to know specifically whether that right one is P90X2, read on.

1. Is P90X2 better than P90X? How can you beat the most popular workout program in the country? You can't. P90X2 is an extension of P90X. It's not necessarily better, but it's definitely evolved. For a more in-depth look at its development, read the first article in this series (see "The Next X: What's New About P90X2?" in the Related Articles section below).
2. Is it more Muscle Confusion^™? You betcha! If you thought your muscles were confused last time around, you ain't seen nothin' yet!
3. Is it harder? Remember the first time you did P90X? Could anything feel harder than that? Probably not. So while P90X2 isn't technically harder, it's probably going to feel harder until you get used to it. And since it's Muscle Confusion, it's going to take you some time to adapt. During this adaptation period, it's going to feel very difficult, but you're used to that, right? And when you take your X2 body back to another round of P90X, that program's going to feel harder too, because you'll be prepared to push yourself farther than ever before.
4. Is it still 6 days per week? No, it's only 5, though we suggest active recovery on your rest days. The more intensely you work out, the less time you need to spend doing it. With more breakdown, you also need more rest. P90X2 has evolved to the point where less is more.
5. Will there be options like Lean and Doubles? Instead of giving you different program options, P90X2 gives you the option of increasing each phase long enough to get the most out of it. If you're having trouble with your balance, you may decide to spend more time in Phase One. For bigger muscles, spend more time in Phase Two. Want to get faster, jump higher, or become more agile? Spend more time mastering Phase Three. You'll definitely want to read the guidebook, because it provides ideas for how to tailor your training personally for you (and much more). In P90X, we made the most versatile home fitness program ever created. P90X2 will open up even more options.
6. Is it true that there's no cardio? Here's a little secret: There was no true cardio in P90X, either. At least not in the kind of training generally associated with that word. P90X used anaerobic interval training to improve your cardiovascular system; although it's technically cardio, it isn't the public perception of cardio. "Cardio" is a training colloquialism for training your heart. So while you won't see any cardio in the title names, doing Plyocide or P.A.P. Lower will train your cardiovascular system as well as any cardio routine you've ever done.
7. Will I need any new equipment? There's a lot of new equipment for P90X2, and you'll eventually want to own all of it. But the cool thing is that we've created an option that can be done with nothing but a few exercise bands and furniture found in any hotel room. This "hotel room" option virtually eliminates excuses for not working out.
8. So what is this equipment? Here's a list of the equipment needed, which we'll go into in detail in a later article. Did I say "needed"? It's not, really. Besides the hotel room option, we also do most movements in a variety of ways to make it easy to add equipment as you can afford it. Here's a prioritized list:
   
   
   • Bands and/or weights: You need some form of resistance.
   • Pull-up bar: Just like P90X.
   • Yoga mat: You must have one of these by now, right?
   • Stability ball: We highly recommend this, because the benefits outweigh the cost many times over . . . and over.
   • Foam roller: You may not have heard of this before, but don't be surprised if it
     changes your life.
     
   • Push-up stands: You know 'em. You love 'em. How come you don't already have them?
   • Medicine balls: Mainly used for balance, so easily replaced with substitutes (basketballs, etc.) if need be, though once you've used the real thing you'll wonder why you ever waited to buy them.
   • Pull-up assist: While highly optional (we got away with chairs all these years), the pull-up assist will not only improve your ability to finish all your reps, it'll greatly improve both your form and exercise efficiency.
   • Yoga blocks: If you need these, you probably have them already.
9. Foam rolling? What the?! Foam rolling is a myofascial release technique. Hmm . . . not much help? Okay, how about this? It's a form of self-massage that forces your muscles to lengthen and align properly. Used regularly, it'll increase your mobility and range of motion and actually help you get stronger, because it frees your muscles to work the way they're supposed to. This one simple practice is often enough to change your alignment and allow you to move freer and easier.
10. How has the diet plan changed? For P90X2, the diet has evolved along with the exercise plan. Not that there was anything wrong with the old one, but we've been listening to your suggestions, and we've revamped the diet guide to give you more options on what to eat, how to increase effectiveness, and how to simplify the entire eating process. This subject is more than we can cover here, so the X2 nutrition plan is the topic of next week's P90X2 article.

PRE-ORDER NOW AND GET FREE SHIPPING

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*Limit 3 Per Household

Abs First

Chalean Extreme Ab Burner first and then Burn Circuit 2. Doing Abs first is a sure way to get it done. I usually leave my Abs workout routine to the end and by that time I am pretty fried. I lifted some heavy weights today. What I love about this Chalean Extreme workout is that it is short, fun, and very challenging. In 50 minutes I got my abs, triceps, biceps, back, inner thigh and outer thigh done! I am feeling accomplished. Have a great day!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

P90X2- Order now!

P90X2 keeps your progress going after P90X® with more Muscle Confusion™ I have some X-traordinary news for you: P90X2 is now available for pre-order! But you have to act fast if you want to get your hands on a copy. The limited number available will sell out in the blink of an eye, so you've got to pre-order yours today—especially if you want it in time for the holidays! When you pre-order P90X2 from me, you'll also get: FREE SHIPPING AND HANDLING in the United States (including its territories) and Canada. (FREE shipping is for pre-orders only.) FREE DVD WORKOUTS. That's two more extreme workouts with Tony, specifically chosen for P90X2. Automatic entry into the P90X2 sweepstakes! Eliana Dukes (CoachEliana)