8 week challengers

Erin Taylor

Before

After

Goals
My goal for this eight week challenge is to lose just 10 pounds. Not a big deal right? My goal for accomplishing this is to follow a new stategy of going off carbs for two days a week. I read this article about how if we cut carbs from our diet for just two days a week, it resets our insulin production. Insulin it the harmone that helps turn carbs into fat. Well, it turns carbs into energy that feeds our muscles, but when the muscles have filled up on all the energy they are burning, the insulin also helps turn carbs into fat, to store for another day when our energy output exceeds the quick energy stores in our muscles. The problem is, most of us don't need to dip into those stores very often. At any rate, giving our pancreas a little break from insulin production, helps to reset it to normal levels thus helping is burn fat instead of storing it.

The rest of the week, I plan to eat a moderate healthy diet of lean meats, healthy carbs and lots of fruits and vegetables. I will allow myself an occasional weekly treat.

My exercise goals are to step up my runs. I will do interval training for two miles plus add another 4 miles twice a week, and step up my longs runs from 3 or miles to an increase of 6 to 10 miles once a week. I will also do yoga and weight training three times a week.

So basically I am just tweaking the same old goals I have been working on for the past 12 years! Hopefully with these little changes I will begin to see some results. If I loose the 10 pounds, I can then go on to tackle the next 10!

Results

This eight week challenge proved to be more challenging than anticipated. With a summer full of travel, preparing a daughter to go off to college, moving my husband’s office and having a house pulled apart to get new flooring that has taken longer than expected, I found it difficult to stick to my dietary goals. Once I got off while we were traveling I just never seemed to be able to get myself back on again! My exercise goals were a different story. I was able to double the time and distance of my running and I added strength training and yoga to my routine. I only lost a couple of pounds, but I do feel just tighter and stronger. I was concerned about the strength training, because I had tendonitis in my elbow, and my arm had been in pain for several months. It was difficult for me to pick up a gallon of milk or put the dishes away up in the cupboard. I had been avoiding strength training for that reason, but with the eight week challenge, I decided to tough it out. I was amazed that within a week or so, the pain in my arm had all but gone away! Strengthening the muscles in my arm took the stress off the tendons and I am practically pain free now!

I had been running 2 to 4 miles three times per week, but I started running 6 to 10 miles three times a week and sometimes more. With that I felt a great sense of accomplishment. I was amazed that I could run that far and still carry on with my normal activities the rest of the day. My normal running partner had a challenging summer as well and was not able to run with me very much at all. I found some gals that are ten years younger than me, and a lot faster than me to run with. It was really challenging to try to keep up with them. I usually could keep up with their pace for about 3 miles and then would let them go on ahead of me, but I felt great improvement in my speed because of this. Even though I was not able to meet my weight goals, I am pleased with what I accomplished during this time. I feel stronger and healthier and will continue in the direction I have headed. Who knows, maybe that 10 pounds will come off some day!

 

Tom Brough:

Before

After

(coming soon)

Goals:

1) No carbonation
2) No dairy
3) No sweets
4) Workout 6 days a week
5) 2-a-days at least 3 days a week
6) Weight loss of 24lbs


Results:

My results did not end up where I wanted them to be. I actually lost 5 pounds, but with injury and the summer grind I came up short with my goals. I am happy that I did start the weight loss journey. Only 19 more pounds and I will be where I would like to be.
I will continue to work hard and have a better fall. Once the kids are back into a schedule, I actually seem to do better with my schedule as well.

And the winners are......

Congratulations!!!!!!! Great work to all contestants and everyone following the blog.


Frank Morales







Ashley Ludlow

8 week challengers

Stephanie Crandall:


Before:



After:




Goals:
Eat 2 fruits a day (this is actually hard for me!)
Read 2 books, one being "the proper care and feeding of husbands." =)
Drop a size (from 4 to 2) by eating 1300 cals a day
Get to 17% body fat
Teach Carter to say prayers and read him at least a book a day
Don't get on Internet or turn on TV til I've read scriptures


This challenge was a lot more successful for me!
What made me the happiest was getting to 16% body fat! I don't feel like I look all that different, and I weigh just a few pounds less, but I've worked hard and saw good changes in body composition.
I did a lot better at eating more fruits, and ate healthier all around. (Not 1300 cals but enough to make a difference). I'm almost into my "skinny 2 jeans"- by the time summer ends ands it cools off and it makes sense to wear pants again, I'll be there!
I did read 2 books, loved them.
I read more to my son, not as consistently as I'd like, but we're getting there.
And I was very poor at reading my scriptures before getting on the Internet. I am too addicted to this stupid Internet!! Working on that..

Aaron Crandall:



Before:


After:



Goals:
-I really want to get my abs to show and lose more body fat. I want to be the leanest I have ever been.

-Get to 8% body fat

-Leave my phone and work alone and have an hour with my wife every night for conversation and spiritual time

-Get my alarm team selling an average of at least 20 a day.

-Read the art of closing. And how to win friends and influence people. Become a 4 star sales rep in our competition



This challenge has been tough to accomplish all my goals. I do feel that I have learned some things though.
I have not had my body fat tested since before I left for the summer. Last time I checked in April I was around 10 percent. I feel I'm probably pretty similar to that now and can't wait to get tested again when the summer is over and I get home from selling. My goal was to get to 8 percent but I do not get as much workout time in during the summer selling season as I want so I don't think I got there quite yet. I will add some more cardio back into my routine when I get back and I hope that will help lean me out a little more. I want to start the insanity workout or p90x. I still need to get my abs showing more but I think I need to lean out more to achieve that. I learn several different workout exercises and styles this summer as I want always able to get to the real gym. I read 1 of the 2 books I was trying to get through. Our team has been doing decent this summer but have not achieved a 20+ consistency everyday. I am doing better putting my phone away during family time and spending more quality time with Steph. Overall it was a good challenge but I really want to excel at the next one

8 week challengers

Chandi Schwab

Before


After



Goals:
1- Scott and I are doing "The Best shape in our life" this challenge, which for me is getting back on track with my eating.During marathon training I didn't do as well.this includes only water and fruit and veggies past 7:00p.m. and desserts only at get togethers, parties, and Sundays:0)(My rear still needs a lift so more squatting and butt exercises.
2- Swimming at least 1/2 mile twice a week
3- Spin class at least once a week (never taken a class at Golds, I am trying to branch out)
4- Complete marathon recovery training and start new training schedule
5- Get kids on a Summer schedule including going to the library once a week, and getting them swim lessons, More active play with them.More proactive at positive discipline
6- Continue with 1/2 hour personal study time each day.



As far as keeping with my goals I didn't follow them as closely as I would have liked.Yes, summer is crazy and that doesn't help. I think I need to have them visually in front of me to keep them on my mind.
1. Best shape of my life? That's debatable.I have been focusing on lifting more since the marathon. I did the recovery training and still run, but I actually have lifted more this time.I weigh about 5 lbs more and can't decide how much of that is muscle VS not being as lean because I am not running as many miles.I feel great though!It has been fun to mix it up and try new things.
2. I did a lot of swimming in the beginning but the pool got so crowded when i went there wasn't ever room.I really want to get swimming more when I can, it is so good.
3. Love the spin class I have been taking, it is called cycle tone and it is mixed with free weights.The teacher is so full of life and makes it fun!
4. Completed marathon training and even ran a half on the 4th of July.I will always love running:)
5. This one is probably one of the most important and I completely was a slacker.We didn't go to the library once, we have been active though and I got them workbooks that we have been working on almost every day.
6. My personal study has gone pretty well also.I made a rule for myself to get it done before I work out, this has helped a lot but I am still not %100. Always a work in progress:)

Please decide now, and join our next 8 week challenge. Be thinking of your goals and what you want to accomplish.


Frank Morales:

Before:



After:






Goals:
-Lose 25 lbs
-drop 10% BMI
-Healthier eating habits
-Restrengthen old military injuries
-support wife with her diet goal




First and foremost as an 80% disabled Combat Veteran, I am just excited that I have been able to reach some physical milestones that my injuries were preventing me from reaching. Although I did not lose the weight and BMI that I wanted, I am a lot stronger then I was 8 weeks ago. Both my wife and I have made changes to our diets. We cut down our portion sizes and often share meals at times. Supporting each others diet routines keeps us motivated.

Having a battle buddy in the gym, (Aaron Crandall) keeps me motivated and pushes me harder every day. It definitely helps out when he is smaller then you and lifts just as much..(punk!). OK time to switch it up a little and do more cardio...Thanks 8 Week Program.....

You've never lived until you've almost died...
for those who fight for it...... life has a flavor
the protected will never know........


http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=3888FRANCISCO MORALES

(RET) MASTER SERGEANT
US ARMY
INFANTRY

The good with the bad

Scott Schwab:
This is the last week of the summer body 8 week challenge. How did we do, what have we learned, and how far have we come. As this 8 week challenge comes to an end, now is the time to reflect. Our reflection should not turn to criticism. Most of the people I know, struggle before they succeed. I am not where I would like to be and based on my weight, I would need to lose about 13 pounds by Sunday to meet my goal.
However, with the unfortunate news of not meeting my own goal, I know that I am happy, I am healthy, and there are better days ahead. I look in the mirror and I see a person trying and a person who gets to enjoy life. I would have a hard time if I was not able to enjoy the occasional cookie or brownie. Such is life, if we cannot enjoy the occasional goodie, the goods of life will only come occasionally.
Excuses are not the direction to go at this point, but a resolve to do better and find more ways to enjoy life within the parameters that you set. I would imagine that we are better now, than we were 1 year ago. I would also imagine with summer upon us, there are many things that we have been able to enjoy. I know I have and I hope you have too. As we have always said, our goal is to continuously improve. If you are doing that, you are a winner in our book.
We would like to announce some exciting news. We will open our first location in Glendale Arizona on August 1st. We will be located in a gym that will be opening its doors as well. Ultimate Fitness, is the name and I would suggest anyone that is looking for a phenomenal gym experience to check it out. We will have a full smoothie bar and we will provide all supplements. Additionally we are scheduled to open two other locations in November and December.
We appreciate all the support that we have received. This is another step in the progress towards what are dream is. We have always wanted to provide good information and good products. If you are ever down in the Arizona area, please stop by. Tell your friends and tell your family. I promise that you will love our smoothies. We plan to continue to grow into multiple states and locations. We have now had over 30,000 visitors to the blog and we feel so blessed to have great friends, family, and readers.
We hope that you continue to have goals and push yourself as we plan to do the same. The blog will get better and the information will be delivered more consistently. We apologize for the lack of posting at time, we have not mastered the perfect time to write and if you don't schedule it, it usually does not get done.
So here is to the next chapter in the Mixers Nutrition book. We have plans that will continue to surprise and hopefully captivate a larger audience, while taking care of our readers and customers.

Cheers

Halfway there!

Chandi Schwab
There really shouldn't be an exclamation point after the halfway there but I put it there to grab your attention.This has probably been the most I have slacked off during a challenge yet. I could give you all my little excuses but what good does that do? In reviewing my goals I realized I really haven't been doing much with them at all. I think I need to make them more visible as a little reminder each day. Since the marathon, I still have been working out hard it is just different than running all those miles. I did start a spin class called cycle tone that I do once a week and love!I hope to expand and take even more classes but this has been a great start. I started out swimming again and the lanes are always so crowded I have opted out for now until I can find a better time to go. I have been doing my runs in the morning when I first wake up and then we all head to the gym as a family. I am lifting harder and I have found that it makes my runs more difficult because my muscles are so fatigued I want to do more research to see if I am just working them too hard.
I have had great time with my kiddos but haven't signed them up for swimming lessons yet... this week it will happen. We haven't made it to the library yet either. The time is flying by!!My personal study is going well as of lately, it is the first thing I do when I wake up before I run. I am eating better but not completely following my goals with it.
These next 4 weeks will be great! They have to be. Minus the swimming I am going to get back on track with all of them. I feel great!Summer is a time struggle as you can see with our sometimes neglected blog but we are doing our best and would love more feedback and interaction. Time for me to get back on track!!

Summer lovin

Stephanie Crandall:
So halfway through, I already met my goal of 17% bodyfat! I was stoked about that... however, I gained weight and that is contrary to my goal, but it is obviously muscle weight since my fat is going down. I'm trying to lose inches, not gain size! I have a pair of size 2 pants I'm trying to get into by the end of the challenge. I've been doing really good eating more fruit, and I've spent more "quality" time with my son, reading books & such.


Jessica Taylor:
I have lost only 3 pounds and my body mass is down by 1%. I just have to get on the right track with my sweet tooth. I find that I love to be active but if it is not dancing, I tend to get bored after 20-30 minutes of running, swimming or the weight room. I need to recommit with doing a water cleanse. I did do a colon cleanse and I felt great !

Ashley Ludlow:
So far this challenge has proven to be the opposite of the spring challenge. Although I'm doing fairly well with my spiritual and journaling goals, the nutrition and exercise has taken a back seat... I just wish I knew how to balance it all. This time around, going to bed at a reasonable time has been challenging, simply because I'm in a local musical and most of our rehearsals went at least until 10pm, and the more recent ones (right before we opened) went even longer. I honestly think if I could get my head on the pillow a little sooner, many other things in my life would more easily come together, if only because I'm not as exhausted when my kids come into my room and start jumping on my bed. Haha. Now that performances have started, I should be able to be in bed by 10:30 most every night.
Like the last challenge, I'm finding myself re-centered, and re-establishing my intentions. What do I really want to get from this challenge? That is the question I have to ask myself.  I'll continue with my journal and study habits, perhaps increasing the frequency. I'll be starting to teach Zumba again soon, which means I'll be working out more because I have to prepare the new songs, so I'll have to run through them at home. On an up note, my house is getting cleaner! Nutrition isn't terrible, but I could start eating more veggies with my meals. Anyway, you get the point. Re-focused, and ready to get some results. 

Thanks again for letting me participate in such a great challenge!

Summer lovin

Aaron Crandall:
I would say to this point on the challenge I have been doing a mediocre job. I am lifting weights good but probably need to be doing more aerobic training too if I want to get to 8 percent body fat and I need to eat a little better too. Overall I would say I have had a vast improvement this year from any other summer tho at eating better and exercising every day. I feel like I'm putting on good muscle weight so thats good. I feel like if I focus on leaning up I will be able to get these abs showing better so my goal is to eat very well the next 4 weeks. I need to be reading more in the mornings to finish both of the books. Our team is getting better each week. I am confident by the end of the challenge we will be averaging 20 a day. I am spending more quality time with Steph. Now I need to do a better job holding some spiritual time.

Scott Schwab:
Personally this has been a difficult challenge for me. My intensity has dwindled a bit with my workouts and I have reached a plateau. However, I have been doing good with my goals that did not involve exercise. I am up and down with my weight, but I will get to the 180 mark. It is time to get mean with this. Tonight I recommit myself and will push myself harder and further than ever. I also need to find an effective way to reduce stress in my life. It never ceases to amaze me what life has around the corner.

Meet the challengers

Cory Hamilton:

(Picture is coming)


Goals:

1)lose 25 lbs in 8 weeks and lose the 25 before megan loses 10 more.
2)Help Hayden learn to say more sounds.
3)Take megan on a date once a week.
4)Take protein and fiber supplements daily.
5)Build savings

(goals are written down) Smile.


Josh Schiffman:





Goals:


1) Decrease my body fat
2) Get a little bit of tan
3) Get my weight under 200
4) Manage my business effectively

Meet your challengers

Stephanie Crandall:






Goals:
Eat 2 fruits a day (this is actually hard for me!)
Read 2 books, one being "the proper care and feeding of husbands." =)
Drop a size (from 4 to 2) by eating 1300 cals a day
Get to 17% body fat
Teach Carter to say prayers and read him at least a book a day
Don't get on internet or turn on tv til I've read scriptures


Ezra Bitseedy:

(picture coming)



Goals:


Eat out once a week
Eat a more balanced diet
Consistent work outs


The way I want to complete these goals is by picking a day of the week and making that our eat out day. I will also listen to whatever my girlfriend says and tells me to eat. I am currently doing the Insanity workout, which consists of working out six days a week.

Meet your challengers

Ashley Ludlow:








Goals:
I'd like to spend at least 30 minutes in personal meditation each day, including journal writing and personal spiritual growth. I want this to be my main focus during these 8 weeks. I feel confident that if I'm in touch with myself and if I'm spending time drawing nearer to my Savior, many other areas in my life will fall into place.
I'd like to go to bed before 11pm on weeknights.
Over the course of the 8 weeks I'd like to lose another 10 pounds. I'll do that by eating clean and healthy and by exercising at least 3 times per week.




Arielle Taylor:





Goals:
Lose 10 lbs
Develop better money management skills


To accomplish these goals I will first make the effort to not eat out as much, limiting myself to once a week. I am also starting a new work out. It will total five days in a week. For three of the days I will do interval cardio training, by switching up pace through the duration of the work out. The other two days I will do a strength circuit. I also hope that not eating out as much will save me money, and I will create a budget, as well as save 10% of every pay check.

Meet your challengers

Aaron Crandall:



Goals:
-I really want to get my abs to show and lose more body fat. I want to be the leanest I have ever been.

-Get to 8% body fat

-Leave my phone and work alone and have an hour with my wife every night for conversation and spiritual time

-Get my alarm team selling an average of at least 20 a day.

-Read the art of closing. And how to win friends and influence people. Become a 4 star sales rep in our competition

Jessica Taylor:



Goals:
Physical – I am 131 size 2 – 4 – Goal to 125 solid 2 – BMI – 23.2% - Goal - 20% - Cleanse with Colonics 5 / 17/ 2011 – Water cleanse – 5/26 for a full 24 hours.
Spiritual – Define Righteous and what it takes to be righteous woman– Study 6 events by Stephen Covey - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44673.Six_Events – one event per week –

Mental – Define winner – what will it take to be a winner in all areas of my life – work through BPU –

Personal – What happens when desire is healthy ? – Where does it come from? mind, heart, soul. Where does my desire lie ? Desire fuels energy, energy fuels actions, actions fuels priorities.

Summer 8 week challenge has begun!!!

Frank Morales:



Goals:
-Lose 25 lbs
-drop 10% BMI
-Healthier eating habits
-Restrengthen old military injuries
-support wife with her diet goal





Chandi Schwab:



Goals:
1-Scott and I are doing "The Best shape in our life" this challenge, which for me is getting back on track with my eating.During marathon training I didn't do as well.this includes only water and fruit and veggies past 7:00p.m. and desserts only at get togethers, parties, and Sundays:0)(My rear still needs a lift so more squatting and butt exercises.
2-Swimming at least 1/2 mile twice a week
3-Spin class at least once a week (never taken a class at Golds, I am trying to branch out)
4-complete marathon recovery training and start new training schedule
5-Get kids on a Summer schedule including going to the library once a week, and getting them swim lessons, More active play with them.More proactive at positive discipline
6-Continue with 1/2 hour personal study time each day.

Starting at ground zero

Scott Schwab:
Each challenge, we start by recommending the same things. This is a repeat for many of the readers, but we must also post for readers who are new to the site. Each month we have a couple hundred new readers and that is why you may see the same things coming back around.

Ground Zero
I will use this term to mean the purity of the body or the "nucleus" of our health. Ground zero to me, is a place free of sugars, preservatives, and unhealthy garbage that leaves our body unable to respond to diets and healthy habits. Believe it or not, ground zero is also a place mentally. If we are stressed out, our body will not respond in ways that we would like. Most of the time, as people find themselves stressed, they are unable to lose weight. In fact stress will destroy your sleep patterns, eating habits, and exercise routines. That is why it is so important to form "habits".

Healthy Habits
We are creatures of habit so make sure that you form valuable ones. Lifestyle changes hinge on the ability to have habits and stick to them. It may be easier mentally to say yes to living healthy, rather than saying no to junk food. What I mean by this, is that there are several authors that would teach that we need to eliminate all negativity including the word no itself. It is interesting, but there is truth behind this idea. Try it for yourself and see the differences. Rather than saying no to a soda or a donut, say yes to water and fruit. It is a paradigm shift and you will notice small changes in your attitude and life in general.

Furthermore, changing your attitude will take you a long way in life. We form certain attitudes to the food we eat, exercise that we do, and truly everything that we do. To take control of that, we need to know ourselves very well. The deeper the better! When you know yourself and how you will respond to life in general, you can start controlling the outcomes. For example, I know that if there is junk food at my house, I will eventually break down and eat it. For that reason I give myself a reward once a week for eating healthy. As time goes on with good choices, a habit forms and I desire better food to reflect how it makes me feel. I avoid getting that sick feeling or gut bomb because I just had to have a tub of ice cream.

Facts:
The fact is that we need to gain control over our mind and let that flow into our body or our actions. If we can consciously make the decisions to choose healthy, the challenge becomes easier and easier. Control is the key term here. We are not focusing on weight loss alone. We are focusing on weight control. There is not a perfect fit or form to a healthy person. A healthy person comes in all sizes, but we can all make strides to tighten up some of the areas around our stomach and backside. The key is that we balance the intake to outtake formula. We need to burn more calories than we take in. Many times people will count calories and become obsessed with this formula. The better thing to do is to create a consistent habit of exercise. Do more than you have to or want to because the dividends are longevity for life and happiness.

Action Plan:
The action plan starts with cutting out a few things from your routine and adding a couple of things to your routine. None of us are perfect or do things exactly right. The good news is that you don't have to be perfect to be happy or healthy. One of the best books that we refer to is Body for Life. The author recommends having a free day where you can eat what you like. This is of course in moderation and with balance. You can ruin a good week of exercise by one night of freedom. Writing down your goals is one of the most essential things that you can do for a lifestyle change. If you want to have the results that you have always had, keep doing what you are doing. Less then 3% of people live their lives by writing down goals and holding ourselves to those goals.

Step #1
Set goals, write them down, and hold yourself accountable to those goals. Start today by keeping yours.
Hints: put the goals where you can see them often. Tell others about your goals so that it creates a support group and accountability.
Step #2
Choose a cleanse for your body. Most of us carry additional waste and toxins in our body. The best cleanse will clear your mind, purify your body, and release your soul. Truly this is what is meant by starting at ground zero.
Hints: Choose a cleanse that you avoid food and water consumption for a period of time. It is also good to get a massage, and read something that will allow you to mentally relax.
Step #3
Take your body weight and divide that number by two. That number is the number of ounces that one should drink during a day. At a bare minimum drink 8 glasses of water per day. Drinking half your body weight in ounces is difficult to do, but will ensure that you flush your toxins daily.
Hints: At times drinking water can be quite the task and personally I can get sick of water. However, I love to drink cold water and space it through the day. Often times I will add lemon to help with flavor. You also want to be done drinking by dinner so you are not up all night going to the bathroom.
Step #4
Eat 6 small meals per day. Our bodies go into starvation mode after about 2 hours. There are many people who do not eat breakfast and this is one of the quickest ways to gain unhealthy weight. Start with fist full meals and space them about every 2 hours. This is so much better than 3 meals per day. You may think that you are eating more, but you will actually notice that your consumption will decrease.
Hints: This step takes a little planning, but is most essential. Our bodies are engines and they need food. It is good to have a meal replacement smoothie for protein consumption as well as a quick and convenient meal. The meals are small and will help your metabolism be consistent.
Step #5
Avoid sugar and processed foods as much as possible. If you only cut out soda, (especially diet), from your normal routine, and replace it with water, you will lose 10 pounds over 6 weeks by doing nothing else. We are a fast-food society. Cut this aspect out as well. The food we get at restaurants is huge in size and unhealthy in form.

The Summer 8 week challenge

Scott Schwab:
Originally we had set to start the 8 week challenge today. However, we need to get everyone to send in their goals and pre-picture. Because of this, we will push starting today and start next Monday. Sorry for the confusion. So far we have 12 participants so invite as many people as possible to challenge.
To register you can send us a comment or email that lets us know you are in. At that point, take a picture and write up goals. For ideas on goals or to see past challengers, use the search bar to the left and search for 8 week challengers.
Next week we will start posting the challengers and what they will be accomplishing. This week we will be posting ideas to do to jump-start your challenge and get great results. In the meantime, here is a smoothie recipe that you have to try.


Strawberry Marathon



1 Banana
1/2 low fat yogurt strawberry
1 cup apple juice
5 frozen strawberries
handful mixed berries
1 serving whey protein



Calories 180
Carbs 40g
Protein 35g
Fat 12g
Saturated Fat 7g
Sodium 80g

Gearing up for the next challenge

Scott Schwab:
With the next challenge just around the corner, I thought that I would write a post and make sure that our new readers and guests knew the purpose behind the challenge and steps to enter.

The challenge is made to help all of us achieve health goals. We do not have a specific program for each individual. Goals are set by you as an individual. Our goal is to take the goals of everyone and write posts accordingly. Most of the time, we have people that are making goals that involve weight control. With every ones body type being so different and all of us being unique, we do not encourage a particular size or weight. However, we believe that all of us can always strive for better health and wellness.

Obtaining goals requires sacrifice and self adjustment. Through the posts on various subjects, we invite readers to make the changes for themselves. That is why participants choose personal goals and post them as a way of accountability. Putting goals and pictures can be potentially uncomfortable. We encourage challengers to post pictures to their personal level of comfort. By including a picture, we have found that it drives most people to desire to make that change and be successful in following through.

We encourage commenting and hope that people will ask questions that will help us all to learn and grow. The challenging thing with health and fitness is that it is always changing and progressing. We do not have all the answers, but enjoy taking the time to research and provide others with the tools and resources for personal development and positive change. As you come to the blog follow us by clicking on the right side tool bar. In this way we can see who is following us and you can receive the updates as new posts are available. You can also follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and twitter.

The blog started as a way for us to express ourselves and educate. As we have studied and researched the different topics, we have learned so much and find that we are the ones the benefit the most. If you have suggestions or would like to see something different, please let us know. We also welcome those of you who have the same desire to express yourself, to be a guest blogger. Readers like to have a variety of thought and material.
The next challenge begins on May 16th and will run for 8 weeks.

This challenge will be entitled the Summer body 8 week challenge. To enter you can go to www.mixersnutition.com and click on the 8 week challenge to enter. The winners of the spring 8 week challenge will both receive $80 dollar gift certificates to foot locker and lady foot locker. The amount is figured on the amount of challengers that sign up and pay the entry fee. For individuals, the charge is $15 and for a team of 2 we charge $20. We hope you enjoy the articles, the 8 week challenges, and the information. Our goal is to provide you with the most effective and timely information.

Thank you for the support. We have had more people than ever vote in the Spring 8 week challenge. We invite all of you to join the challenge and make the changes that will improve your health, happiness, and overall lifestyle.