Thursday, July 25, 2013

Becoming "A Better You!" 66 Day Challenge


Once more, the time is upon us for the FALL Bad Lass 66 Day Challenge.

One of my favorite things about these challenges is bringing people together who are working toward  similar goals.  We all need moral support on days when we just don't feel strong enough to push.  It makes us realize we are part of something bigger; solidarity is a key to success in life and in fitness.

I want to try something a little different for this next challenge.

In society today, we are pressured to feel like we need to look a certain way, be a certain number on the scale or a certain dress size to be deemed worthy of all that is good. While conformance can feel nice, it more often leaves us feeling empty, or judging ourselves against a moving, sliding target. True confidence comes from within. I promote exercise and healthy nutrition because of the way it makes us feel -- inside and out. Don't get me wrong, physical results are a perk, but shouldn't be the focus.

What happens when we sit around waiting for a pot of water to boil? It takes forever! What happens when we decide to fold a load of laundry while we are waiting for the pot of water to boil? Within about 2 seconds, the water is boiling and we have to run over and turn down the heat.

This holds true in fitness as well. When we focus on how much further we can run today than we did yesterday, or how we feel doing it, we can measure positive results. When we let these bursts of positive energy be their own reward, the side benefits invariably arrive in short order. What tasks can we knock off our list this week to get us closer to our lifetime goals? What foods can we eat today to feel energized? When we change our focus, our whole world changes. That is what I want this challenge to be about.

We will work toward the best shape of our life while working toward our loftiest dreams and highest aspirations, one at a time. Whether you want to become a photographer, start your own business, start painting, be a world class mom, learn how to take it easy, run marathons, etc... this challenge will get you closer because it will be done as a team.

When we reach goals, no matter how small or big, we gain confidence. Too often we lose ourselves and who we are because we don't have time for us. When you work toward goals and dreams, you show your kids and others that it's never to late to "go for it". No matter what stage of life you are in, it is never too late. In some stages, it seems we reach goals at a snail's pace. It doesn't matter; just keep going, because the momentum picks up.

I am most excited for this challenge because of our new book club inclusion. I love learning, applying, making mistakes, finding life hacks, seeing small successes, growing, etc. I find my best ideas and creative juice when I read inspiring books. Books that, when applied and not just read, help make me a better me. 

When we go to a bookstore and reach the self-help section, it can be overwhelming. We all want change, and some of us are able to do it on our own. Most of us need accountability through peers or partners. We don't want to be that self-help reader who buys all the books and just reads them. We are going to be 'doers of the word, and not hearers only'. We will apply the knowledge and inspiration we get from these chosen books, and share our experiences with our group.  When we feel good, we look even better.

Are you ready to join me for the Bad Lass "A Better You" 66 Day Challenge?

For more details, pricing, etc.... please go here.

For a killer deal, make sure you are signed up for my newsletter here. Only the first 20 participants in each challenge group will receive this awesome pricing. You don't want to miss it!!

I can't wait to see what a better you looks like in 66 Days! Can YOU??

Growing, improving and enjoying the journey,








Tuesday, June 25, 2013

21 Day SELF LOVE Picture Challenge

(Begins July 1st)

Do you love who you are? Are you self-confident? Do others bring you down easily? 

While it's easy to ask these rhetorical questions, they are actually self-defeating and irrelevant.  

We all have self doubt. Others get in the way of believing in our own vision.  I struggle with this. I have strong days when nothing gets in my way. There are other days when one person can say one thing, and it sends me reeling.

Everyone is quick to share the good, but not the bad. I am guilty of this too! Who likes the person that says, "I'll never get there". I keep it to myself and it passes. We all have our moments!

In that spirit, this 21 Day Challenge is for us! Wouldn't we treat ourselves better if we truly loved ourselves? If we truly thought we were worth our own time? Why do we choose instead to run ourselves ragged to be amazing and do everything?!

Instead of working only on our outward self, we need to work on our minds. We need to truly love who we are, where we are right now. I don't care if you are perfect, if you have 5 pounds or 100 pounds to lose. You need to love who you are. Jack London once said, "You can't wait for inspiration; you have to go after it with a club."  That may be proverbial, but I would like OUR club to be YOUR CLUB of inspiration -- play on words intended ;).

When you love you, goals are worth it. We enjoy and merit the journey, and yet we are our own worst critic. We need to stop and celebrate who we are now, how far we've come, and where we're going. Our experiences, our relationships, our passions all help shape who we are, and who we become.

I believe in you, others believe in you, and now is the time for YOU to believe in you with this month's 21 Day Self Love Picture Challenge! 

Here's how it works:

1. Take pictures. Each day, post a picture according to the schedule below in our private, closed group. Please hashtag it #selflovechallenge, as well as tagging all the sponsors in your picture. You are more than welcome to post your picture for all to see on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. In fact, I encourage it.


On your self love journey, the more you step out of your comfort zone, the more you will grow, and truly change into loving who you are. You can also share your journey and encourage others who might not be ready to take on the challenge. Whether you know it or not, someone is watching you, someone is looking up to you. Your actions matter. You may just bring them into the light of their own self worth. 

2. Exercise. You are worth it. Working out gives you endorphins. Walk around the block. Bike to work. Lift weights. Jog with a pet or a loved one. Do an activity that makes you giddy. I will send a workout each day, just in case you're at a loss for a peppy boost ;).

3. Eat healthy. Our body is literally what we choose to eat. Have you ever felt beautiful after eating a huge Thanksgiving feast? I feel like a beached whale and start digging for mom jeans! On the flip side, when I eat healthy and exercise early, I can do it all and am far more productive.

4. Be productive - it feels good. And I don't mean "stay busy". Busy work is for the bees. I write 3 "to-do's" and get them done. JUST 3! If I can tackle more, I add them.

5. Sleep. Everyone is different, so use trial and error. I do best on 6-7 hours, and give myself an 'opt-in' for a nap as needed. Any more or less, and I'm Oscar the Grouch! Your body has a self-regulating power plant and it runs on just two forms of energy: time (rest and work in specific intervals) and fuel (a clean diet). 

6. Chant. Have a self love mantra. You can make up your own, or find one on the internet. Say it aloud each morning. Cheesy?! YES!  What is life without a little goofiness? It works! When we say things aloud, we are more likely to believe it. Power pose in the mirror and hail a cab to awesome-town, shouting: "I'm goin' to awesome town today and ain't nobody gonna get in MY way cuz guuurrrl... You FIIIIIIIINE!"

 Here is an example:

7. Be girly. Some days (ok- most days) you will find me in my workout clothes ALL day. Don't get me wrong, I love my work out clothes. But sometimes, all I need to do to feel a little prettier is put actual clothes on, and a little make up. Accenting the little things can make me feel more girly. With my busy schedule, it seems I'm last on the list, when I should be priority one. When I feel good about myself, I do everything exponentially better. 

8. Be kind. To everyone! Nothing shows more self love and confidence than when you are nice to everyone. That's right, SMILE/LAUGH and the world smiles and laughs with you. Have you noticed that others absolutely light up when someone/you actually start them off with a big grin and work them all the way up to an overly enthusiastic "HIIIIIIII there!! Have a lovely day!" It's pretty much the awesomest thing ever, and your whole family will notice the difference and come around to being nice too. Even if you did just (wreck their car/fart in their room/spill red things all over their stuff).

For the next 21 Days, I challenge you to do each of these 8 things for yourself. Take time out for you, learn to love and accept who you are. Believe in yourself. You are worth it. 

Not only will you gain self love, but you will also have the chance to win 1 of 5 shwag bags full of goodies from our sponsors! Along with a chance to win a 4 PERSON TEAM entry into my next 66 Day Challenge. One lucky winner will win a SINGLE ENTRY into my BRAND New BEGINNERS 66 Day Challenge. 

How can you get entries to win?? 

1. For each picture you take and post into the Facebook group, you will get an entry. The pictures will help you get out of your comfort zone and visualize what you love about yourself. 

2. Do any one of the other 7 things listed, and you will get an extra entry. Max entries - 2 per day! 

Stay tuned to get to know our sponsors!

I am so excited to take this journey with you! I will be posting my pictures daily too. We are in this together. I believe that every girl should believe in who they are, and know that they are amazing! There are too many outside factors that can lead us to believe otherwise. It is time to bring self love back around! Get your friends to join in the fun, and add them to the group. 

Here's to the next 21 Days!! 










Monday, May 27, 2013

The Two Minute Challenge


Hey Bad Lasses!

   I have just one question for you today. 

ARE YOU UP TO THE CHALLENGE? 

I am excited to bring to you the TWO Minute Challenge! That's right. I am asking you to just give yourself, 2 minutes out of your day, to challenge yourself for change. I have done some daily Bad Lass challenges online here and there. But this challenge is different. What is different about it?? 

This time we will be doing each challenge together, broadcast LIVE on YouTube! 

All you need to do is subscribe to my YouTube channel at: wwww.youtube.com/BertinatorFit

Starting Tuesday, May 28th - May 31st, I will be broadcasting LIVE on on YouTube via Google +. If you would like to add me on Google + for more LIVE upcoming events please add me to your circles on Google +, here.  

 The broadcast will start LIVE at 8 PM CST. You will need to be on my YouTube channel so you can do it right along with me. If you can't make it, it will be recorded for later viewing. This way you have no excuses not to get your 2 minutes in. You can do it anywhere, with anyone, wearing whatever you like. It is just 2 minutes!! You can even have your kids in the room. In fact, you burn MORE calories, if your children are running around you, trying to jump on you, etc... WHILE you are working out. Trust me! I know!;) It is like professional dodge ball, except the ball has arms and legs, and crazy mad energy. Which basically means, you have NO excuses.

  Since we are in this together, I want you to commit, for the next 4 days, to give yourself a 2 minute time out each day to join The Challenge! Commit to giving everything you have in those 2 minutes. 

You can do anything for 2 minutes! I believe in you! 

If I can do it, YOU can do it. 

It is time to "Get in, Burn it Up, and Get Out!" - The Bad Lass Way

Are you up for the challenge?






Friday, April 12, 2013

Are you ready for CHANGE?!

"Endless conversation about CHANGE is the barrier. Actually committing to doing something and then acting is what is required." - David Jakes


How many times do we go to bed with resolve to start working out the next day? How many times do we tell ourselves, " I am NEVER eating bad again!", after an over sized, unhealthy meal? More importantly, why do we keep doing this to ourselves, over and over? We all fall prey to this. No one is exempt, except for those that CHOOSE to make a change.

Is it possible for us to change on our own? Of course! Anything is possible. But why do it all on our own?

Let me ask you this. Have you ever been in a race?

When you train for a race, you train alone or with a friend. As your training continues, and race day gets closer, you may start to wonder if your training is going to be worth it, some mornings are tougher to get up and get moving than others, etc...

However, all those doubts, all those questions cease to exist the moment you arrive at the race. When you see thousands of other racers, and you are all lined up and ready to go- the energy is amazing! It is an experience that you wish you had everyday. When you have thousands of people who have the same goal in mind as you, who know exactly how you feel because they have trained just like you - it makes it ALL worth it. This is the time we all push each other to that finish line. This is where when you feel too weak to finish, your teammates, your friends, look you in the eyes and say, "I don't think so! You did not just come this far, work as hard as you did, NOT to cross the finish line."

This is where TRUE change comes. When we know that someone has got our back. When we know that someone may need a little more encouragement and we give it.

Change happens one step at a time. Often times we move 2 steps forward and 1 step back. When we focus on the positive, when we take an extra step forward here and there when we can. That is where change comes in.

You have to want it. You have to be ready and willing to do what it takes. A marathon runner doesn't just get up one morning and say, "I'm going to run 26.2 miles today!" Well, a smart marathon runner doesn't do that. It takes slowly working up your mileage. Getting your body adapted to running. 1 mile turns into 2, 2 to 4, so on and so forth! Before you know it, you have the ability to run a marathon. Is a marathon still hard to do, even when running is second nature to you? Heck yeah! But pushing past that threshold, is when you know CHANGE has happened.

If you are ready for a change, I encourage you to grab a group of friends, who have the same goals in mind, as you do. Make a plan, hold each other accountable, and more importantly, just get started!

Stop saying, "Tomorrow I'm going to start working out" - "Tomorrow, I will start fueling my body right!", and start DOING!

Then, every night you go to bed, revel in the fact, that you are one day closer to your goal.





Saturday, April 6, 2013

WHY The 66 Day Challenge? NEW and IMPROVED


 The time is finally here, and I am very excited to announce the launch of my NEW andIMPROVED 66 Day Challenge!  

Why did you choose the number 66?

Studies show that 21 days can make or break a habit. But to be second nature - THAT takes 66 days. We don't want to THINK about exercising; we want to wake up and do it, automatically.  Like brushing our teeth, or putting on our seatbelt. We don't want to THINK about eating 4+ cups of veggies a day. We just want it to be part of our daily diet, and feel like something is off balance if it goes missing.

For fun, I looked up the meaning of the number 66. As luck would have it, 66 is a lucky number, the double of 33. 33 is synonymous with prosperity and success. 66 is its double and means destruction, so VOILA! We are going to build new, successful habits as we DESTROY our old ones - all in just 66 days! That isn't even 1/4 of the year. After 66 days, the new habits will be so ingrained in our daily routine, we won't have to fight ourselves to eat clean, and our excuses to exercise will disappear. LIFE will be so much easier! Who doesn't want that? I want that for you!


Why so much?
When we don't invest in our health and wellness, we don't change. I have done challenges for less money. I have given personal training sessions, boot camp, etc. away for FREE. More often than not, they never showed up, or stopped within a week. I realized that those who truly committed themselves to change were those who invested in it. If we get something free, chances are we aren't going to appreciate it as much as when we work for it, earn it. When we invest in ourselves, when we feel like we are worth the cost of our health and wellness, we bring it, and we see the results we have always wanted in the creation of lifelong habits. I am here to get you there! Put your money in this challenge with a TEAM... and we all WILL see the change.

Why team vs. individual winners?
As I created the 66 Day Challenge, and looked at your awesome feedback- one question remained: "How can I do everything in my power, to ensure Challenger success?"  Over years of training clients, doing challenges, holding boot camps - I have found that those who stick with the program the longest are those that joined with a friend, an accountability partner. If we know, at the end of the day, we will get a call from a friend asking if we worked out, we either dread that call, or we ensure the workout, eat our veggies, etc.. to give our friend good news. No one likes to let themselves down. Disappointing others is even more painful, therefore we push harder to NOT let others down. Teams win together or lose together. In the 66 Day Challenge- we do BOTH! Our motto is "Together we LOSE to WIN!" And for motivation, we have lowered the price for each person added. Teams cap out at 4, because we need to hold everyone accountable. If teams get too big, people lose focus or feel left out. This is about maximum return on investment in YOU and your team. Get a group of your besties together, and sweat it out!

Why are you donating 10% of profits to Muscular Dystrophy?
I believe in purpose.

I believe that until we are in someone else's shoes, we have no idea what they are really going through. We can try to imagine, but it is impossible to REALLY know.
I know when we work with purpose, we work harder, our heart is in the right place, we do it for the right reasons, and we appreciate life more, no matter our circumstances.

I love my body. I love watching my muscles work as I workout. I love running in the wind. I love doing burpees. I love getting completely drenched in sweat, because I chose to move my body.

Why? Because I can!!!

I push myself harder when I think about all the people who don't have the same ability to workout.

Muscular Dystrophy has always held a special place in my heart. I love muscles. Some call me obsessed. I just find it fascinating how we can grow them, work them, shape them, and what our bodies are capable of BECAUSE we have muscles! Every move we make uses muscle. EVERYmove. Unfortunately, those with muscular dystrophy are born with it. It is a genetic disease. They may be able to experience the joy of physicality and using their body in the beginning, depending on the nature and severity of it. But slowly their muscles deteriorate, and everything we take for granted - walking, running, sitting up, getting up and down off the floor, jumping, etc... they can't do anymore. This challenge will focus the purpose of our workouts, not on dropping a pants size, not on losing 10 pounds before summer is here, but for those who can't.

We will enjoy every move, focus on what our body does for us, and how amazing it is.  Imagine not being able to do any of those things.  Do it for those who want nothing more than to run, jump and play.  For children who can't play with other children freely, or for parents who can't enjoy the physical aspects of parenthood, of living a vibrant physical life. When we workout with a purpose, I guarantee we will not only feel better, love our workouts, and appreciate our body, but we will also see the results we desire. This challenge is PURPOSE driven.

I cannot tell you how incredibly excited I am to see all that happens in the NEXT 66 Days! It is time to form lasting change with permanent new habits.

For more info. on the challenge click, here.

For a chance to WIN a Team of 4 registration, all you have to do is, share this on facebook, twitter, pinterest, etc.. and say "Who wants to LOSE to WIN The Bertinator's 66 Day Challenge?" For another added entry, head on over to my facebook page here, and share the picture of the 66 Day Challenge on your Facebook page.

The winner will be drawn April 10, 2013, 6 PM, CST. The Challenge will officially begin on April 15th!

Good luck and I am excited to take this journey with you!

Saturday, March 9, 2013

"Burn It Up" - 21 Day Challenge!!!


“Begin with the end in mind.” - Steven Covey

Are you tired of starting something, and not finishing? Are you tired of not seeing the results you had hoped for? Is it time for a change?

Today is your lucky day! The Bertinator's "BURN IT UP" 21 Day Challenge begins March 10th. 
If you are ready to finally stop with the yo - yo dieting, and the working out here and there. If you are truly READY to commit to change, then this challenge is for you! It is time to stop stressing about your summer body, that upcoming reunion or family wedding. It is time to create your forever body! 

How does true change come about? By taking one day at a time, by changing one habit at a time. 

Habit focus for this challenge: Workout everyday.


What does the 21 Day "BURN IT UP" Challenge consist of?
Everyday I will post a new workout to my website, www.fitnessaroundtheyear.com. I will also post a daily yummy recipe, along with my daily fit tip and motivational quote. The goal is to workout 21 days in a row, try as many new recipes as you can, and follow my fit tip for the day. Prizes for just sticking to the challenge as closely as you can. 

Worried about not being able to keep up with the workouts?
DON'T, because you can. My workouts are tailored to all fitness levels, from beginner to advanced. Each exercise has a Bertinator Breakdown video attached to it. In each video, I demonstrate the exercise along with a modification and a modification of the modification, better known as a "modi-modi".  I make sure to cut out all of your excuses. Whether you are 82 or 16, have previous injuries, bad knees, a bad back, arthritis, tennis elbow, etc...  this challenge can be done by you! Start with just 5 min. a day if you have to. Remember the goal for the next 21 Days is to workout every day. Do what you can, when you can. Getting 5 minutes in, is definitely better then choosing to skip your workout all together. 

What are the prizes that will help keep me going? 

GRAND PRIZE: An ENTIRE year of Fitness Forward Boxes delivered to your doorstep every month. (a $420 value)

Every week 1 Fitness Forward box will be given away.  (a $35 value)

What is a Fitness Forward box? 

The Fitness Forward box was inspired by my love and passion for fitness, along with wanting to bring a sample of the best products, Bertinator approved, to your front door. This way, instead of getting overwhelmed with all the fitness industry has to offer, you can try it before you buy it, so to speak. For more information and to see what is being said about the Fitness Forward box, go here. 

How can I earn entries to win?

There are a few ways to gain entries to win. 
  • Every time you complete a workout, leave me a comment on the blog, or on my daily"Bad Lass Roll Call" post on facebook or twitter letting me know your time, how many rounds you did, etc.....  = 1 entry
  • Share the workout via facebook, twitter, pinterest, etc.... = 1 entry
  • Take a picture of yourself after the workout, tag The Bertinator in it or post it on The Bertinator's wall on Facebook. If you do twitter or instagram- please use the hashtags #bertinatorfit and #burnitup and  then tag @thebertinator = 3 entries
  • Purchase a Fitness Forward Box subscription (1, 3, 6 or 12 months) = 100 entries (if you win the Grand prize, then you will be refunded your subscription purchase, if you win one of the weekly prizes, your box will be added on at the end of your subscription)
Who is ready to take on The Bertinator's 21 Day "Burn it Up" challenge?? It is time to truly create change, by changing one habit at a time. 

Ps - Tomorrow I will post my top 5 tips on how to set yourself up to succeed in my 21 Day Challenge!














Friday, January 18, 2013

GIVE AWAY- Fitness Forward Box: Full of goodies!

What is white, comes in the mail, and is filled with nothing but fun, fitness, and surprises??

GIVE UP??

It's The Bertinator's latest venture, that is now being offered to ALL Bad Lasses

THE FITNESS FORWARD BOX

For more of the scoop on what exactly the "Fitness Forward" box is in all its glory... go here.

For a chance to WIN one of these Fitness Forward boxes- all you have to do is follow these simple steps:

1. Like The Bertinator on facebook, here.

2. Follow The Bertinator on pinterest, here.

3. Follow The Bertinator on twitter, here. (if you have it)

4. Subscribe to my youtube channel, here. 

5. Follow me on instagram: TheBertinator

6. Subscribe to my "Bad Lass" newsletter below:





Once you have completed those steps, then leave me a comment letting me know you are done, and 
why you want to win!!

For extra "bonus" entries, share on any of the above social platforms. Each time you share, you get 1 
extra entry. Tag The Bertinator in all shares, tweets, pins, etc...

The winner will be drawn NEXT Friday, 1/25!

Good luck and may the best sharer win;)