From Night Life to Fit Life

 From Night Life to Fit Life

One day I was running 813 Fit Club in downtown Tampa FL, and I had some old friends visit me. These were buddies of mine that I used to hang out with before I got involved in the health and fitness world. My life was completely different just a little over 4 years ago. Most of my friends now would not even recognize me. I wore $300 pair of jeans, $100 T-Shirts, $80 Ball Caps, drank $20 drinks all night and my Range Rover was always packed with party girls. I was in the night life business! Most people think that what I did was a "dream job", and honestly, it was fun, I had a blast, met a lot of people, but I wasn't truly happy. I also didn't feel that it was the right business for me since I had a daughter who was growing older and needed someone to look up to. I'm not saying that the night life business is not a good business to be a part of, I'm just saying that the path that I was going wasn't going to be a good one. It seemed like I was never satisfied, and in order for me to be happy, I drank more, partied more, and spent more money (that I really didn't have). My typical day was spent looking for different venues to throw parties, having meetings with my side kicks who helped promote my events, and drinking with club owners in the afternoon to early evening, then having to be back at the clubs to host an event which I was already hung over before the event even started. I was great at what I did, and worked with top industry leaders in the business, but as my story unfolds, it was something that I did to past the time, to disguise my unhappiness.....to find my true calling.

 My Entourage - Downtown Tampa FL

One night I was hosting a party, and something happened that just made me start to wonder about my life. I began to think about the things that I've done in the past which led me to this point in my life. I wanted out! I made a decision to leave the industry and do something different. The transition was difficult. I had to find odd jobs to make ends meet. I hid from my old friends because I did not want them to see me going through my struggles, but I knew that this is what I wanted to do. As I was still trying to find out what my game plan was going to be, I decided to start this silly workout program called P90X that my brother gave me. It was just sitting on my shelf like it does for most people, and it was no different for me. I knew that it was an extreme program, and that is one reason why I waited so long to commit to it.

Good times with great people! 

I finally started P90X in the month of September 2010. At the time, I was living with a roommate, and was still transitioning to get out of the night life industry. I told all my friends what I was doing, and some of them laughed at me, and told me that I would never finish it, or would never make it. These were the people that I thought were my friends. I bought them bottle service at night clubs, paid for their dinners and a lot more, that's the type of person that I was, I loved entertaining people, but I will soon find out that what I really loved doing was "helping people", and I just had to find a way to do it with passion!

 Most of these people are still GREAT friends of mine =)

I completed P90X three months later, and I was in better shape than when I was in high school! I was like "is this even possible!". By that time, some of my friends who made fun of me started to want me to coach them, and that's when I decided to commit to becoming a Beachbody Coach and help people through the struggles that I went through. Beachbody Coaching was tough in the very beginning because finding the time to do it was a challenge. I was working 3 jobs, and was at the tail end of my departure from the night life business. I also had my daughter to take care of. My daughter was the reason why I wanted to make big changes in my life in the first place. If I was to keep doing what I was doing in the past, I don't think that I would be alive to see her grow up to live her life, and that scared the crap out of me! That was enough motivation for me to take Beachbody Coaching to the next level and start treating it like a business instead of a hobby. Having no time was no longer and excuse, it was my drive!

My old hang out in South Tampa, FL

My Coach Lindsay invited me to an event in Orlando, it was similar to what the Beachbody Super Saturday events are today, which is a quarterly event to help coaches stay informed on the latest products and services offered by the company, as well as get some great training and motivation. Well that event opened up my eyes to really see the potential of what Beachbody Coaching could really do for my future. Ninety days after that event, I became a Diamond Coach which is the first rank which marks you as someone who is a true business-builder. Reaching the Diamond Coach rank opens doors to more ways to earn income while helping others reach their goals. This excited me because it wasn't a traditional business, it wasn't a JOB, it was something that paid me for my performance!

My friends (family) who have been there for me through my transition =) 

Now I'm not going to tell you that living the Fit Life as a Beachbody Coach is easy, it's isn't, but I truly love helping people! I am passionate about health and fitness, and honestly...I would be doing this anyways, so it just makes sense to live the fit life with a company who compensates you for it. I know what you're saying, "you have to be a good salesman to be in that business", that is false assumption. I am by no means a salesman! What I am is a product of the product. The workouts and the Shakeology nutrition helped me get from the out of shape, miserable person that I was....to this new guy with a lot of energy. I have accomplished more in my 40's than I've ever done in my high school and college years. I still surprise myself sometimes when I participate in an obstacle course race such as a Spartan Race, and place TOP 3 in my Age Group beating out hundreds of guys 20 years younger. It baffles me to see what I can do! So me as a salesman? Nope, that's not me. I just share what P90X and Shakeology has done for me, and help people understand what it could do for them if they are ready to make a commitment.

My First P90X Transformation Video

It took me a little over 2 years to fire three of my jobs and become a Full Time Beachbody Coach! I think that most people would agree that working hard for 2-5 years and becoming independently wealthy is a lot better than working for 20 - 40 years of your life for someone else! I went through plenty of tough times building a coaching business, and I still do! That is life. There will always be obstacles that will try to stop you from becoming successful, but it's you who controls your destiny, not an obstacle, not someone that tells you that you can't make it, not your negative spouse or family........YOU!

On stage for Star Diamond Coach Recognition - Coach Summit LV

So my friends came to my Fit Club in downtown Tampa and they said, "hey Arnel, we just wanted to say HI, and congratulate you on your success, you have inspired us, and we just wanted to thank you personally". =) They ended up doing the workout that night, and started talking to the other members about how they know me, and my fit club members were just amazed and couldn't believe that I was once this night life guru. Those are the things that make me really appreciate what I do as a Beachbody Coach. Everyone has a story to tell, and my story is no different. I am just an ordinary guy who wanted an extraordinary life for my daughter. When you finally find your "WHY", your purpose in life, you will know what to do, and I look forward to seeing you on the beaches of the world, or maybe even under a tent in Nepal.

From Night Life to my New Fit Life

Well, that's my story from my infamous night life to living the Fit Life. I hope that you find your greatness within, and if you ever need someone to help you, feel free to message me, because that's what Coaches do, we change lives.

 Coach Arnel

My daughter!  

She is the reason why I continue to live my BEST life now!

For more information on Becoming a Beachbody Coach - Click here! 

Other links:
- Personal Training versus Beachbody Coaching
- About me


All it takes is a decision to change your life!

Working Out With My Father - My Inspiration

Last night I attended my brother Fermin's LIVE Insanity Class at Omni Fitness in Pensacola, FL. He told me that he was going to be doing a brand new round from Insanity, and I got excited about it. I invited my father to come out with me, and without hesitation, he said "yes!"

My father is a huge inspiration to me, because he is doing things that most people don't even do in their 20's and 30's. But before we go into that, let me give you a little history about my father. He is from Cavite, Philippines and when he was a young teen, he got involved with the wrong crowd. Gangs in the Philippines were not uncommon because of the low living standards, just like any third world country. Where there is poverty, there will always be hustlers and crime. My father was a part of that scene until he decided to change his life, and take advantage of the time when the US Navy was recruiting in the Philippines. He was accepted and got his ticket to leave his poverty-stricken country to make a new life for himself.

US Navy - 1966/67

My father fell in love with a Super-Model from the Philippines and this beautiful girl was my mother. The funny thing about this love story is that my mother didn't even like my father at the time, but my mother's parents LOVED my father, so just to make her parents happy, my mother decided to marry my father. So if it wasn't for the US Navy, and my grand parents on my mother's side, I would not even be here today writing about this.

My beautiful mother

My mother as a model and actress in the Philippines

I was born at the Naval Hospital in Pensacola, FL on November 4th, 1970. I can remember as a very young boy how my father was. He was always a gentleman to my mother, always holding her hand, opening the car doors for her, and always treating her like a Princess. My parents ended up having 6 children (3 boys and 3 girls) and as I remember growing up, there was never a dull moment at our house! My father has always been a hard worker. Heck, with 6 kids, what are you going to do? He provided for his family and started a business while he was still in the Navy. He was actually making a lot more money with his business than what the Navy was paying him, but he played his cards right and knew that having multiple sources of income was the smartest thing to do, especially with a family.

My parents! They are still like this today =)

Growing up, I always saw my father staying active, from running to playing tennis. As soon as he arrived home from the Naval Base, he would work on his business which was a food service and catering company. If he wasn't working, he was out running or playing tennis. At an early age, my father has taught me about staying active, becoming an entrepreneur, helping people, and being the best that you could be. Fast forward to present day, my father has not changed one bit, and he is now 70 years old. He's been retired from the Navy for awhile now, and since then has opened several restaurants, and even became a Culinary Arts Instructor at a Tech School which he proudly taught for 20+ years. Even though he is retired, my father continues to run a small food cafe on the weekends, exercises every week with Beachbody Fitness Programs, and is still running.

My father has always worked hard, it's in his blood. He says "anything for family"

My father and I - Montana 2009

When I grow up, I want to be just like my father. Because he is the most dedicated man that I know. He is the best husband to my mother, and will, and has always done everything for his kids. I am blessed to have him in my life, and I can't imagine how my life would be without him. He will be forever my inspiration. I love you Dad =)

Family Reunion - Montana 2009

The BEST parents in the world!

The workout last night was TOUGH, but my Dad did not quit, and he showed the group how it was done! Nothing better than working out with my father, the man who started it all, the man who's legacy will keep on going because he has made an huge impact in my life.

My father's first Spartan Race in Mississippi

My father's 2nd Spartan Race - He placed 3rd and was an Age Group Champion!

Here is the workout that my father and I did together. It was no joke! My brother Fermin is a great Insanity Coach, and is also a Diamond Beachbody Coach. Thanks to my Dad, we all have come to learn that becoming an entrepreneur is the only way to achieve TRUE FINANCIAL FREEDOM and happiness =). Let's workout!

LIVE Insanity Round 8 Class - Omni Fitness, Pensacola FL
Visit Insanity Pensacola here!

Total time: 50 minutes
- Warm up
- Stretch
- 3 Blocks, 3 Rounds of 4 body weight/cardio/plyometric exercises, each block plus a Power Move.
- Abs/Core
- Stretch

Here are just a few photos from this INSANE workout that my father killed with me! 

 High Knees

Stretch

Pike Ups

Floor Sprints

Shoulder Tap Push Ups

Opposite Arm, Opposite Leg Balance Push Ups

Spider Lunges

Football Drills

Plyometrics

Asylum in and outs with burpees

Core T Kicks

Abs/Core

Insanity Pensacola - Omni Fitness

- Who is your inspiration?  
- Who or what is the most important thing in your life?  
- Are you willing to work hard and be the best that you could be for you and your family?

Thanks for reading and visiting my blog. I am focused on continuing what my father has done, and posting more blogs about staying active, leading by example, being an entrepreneur and a family man, and living your best life now. Feel free to join me =)

Coach Arnel

For more information ABOUT ME - Click here!

Related Insanity and Other Links:
- Insanity Pensacola
- Pensacola Fit Club
- Insanity Program Details and Options
- Free Online Fit Club
- Work with Arnel
- Coach Arnel Banawa on Facebook


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How You Can Gain Mass With P90X

 Gain Mass With P90X

Anyone who has participated in the P90X exercise program will know that the concept is designed to help gain lean muscle mass and shed excess body fat. In fact, some of the program before after pictures of satisfied consumers on the web is simply amazing. These experiences confirm that it is possible to Gain Mass with P90X and those using it can achieve their fitness goals.

The P90X Nutrition Plan is so effective in getting you ripped that building muscle when following the program can be quite a challenge. However, for those that are aware of the benefits of using this workout program realize that it is more in the planning than just exercising. The plan aims to provide an insight into the way the method must be incorporated in regular workout regime and nutrition making it easier to understand.

 P90X Nutrition Plan with Shakeology

With the P90X Workout DVD's and/or the P90X Downloads for aid you can easily gain access to these incredible exercise regimes, reduce body fat percentage and gain muscle mass. So, what are the various ways in which you can increase the efficiency of gaining body mass with the program? Let’s find out.

Train with heavier weights
The basic of muscle gain is always about lowering your rep count while increasing your weight. Doing about 6-8 reps with weights heavier than the usual ones you lift is absolutely great for buidling muscle mass. You can always take a few seconds break and try to perform another 2-3 set of reps. If you aim to tone up and get lean, then try doing 12-15. Such a regime to Gain Mass with P90X certainly provides great results.

Complete body work out
So many guys out there make a mistake of only working out their chest and biceps. With P90X you’re getting the complete muscle mass gain package. Make sure you understand the program well if you really want to see progress. Do not get stuck with performing just pushups, body weight squats and one legged dead lifts. These exercises will not help you put on a lot of mass. So, will you Gain Mass with P90X? You will but it will not be great unless weight exercises are performed as well. If you decide to follow the P90X program, then you must not overdo cardio exercises for muscle mass gain as your body needs to be in calorie surplus.

Nutrition
Increase your calorie intake in the P90X Nutrition Plan! Surprised? If your goal is to build muscles then consuming more calories is important. But, make sure you reach your calorie goal by eating high quality foods. For muscle growth carbohydrate is not as essential as fats and proteins. It is really impossible to build bigger muscles without having ample amount of protein. However, carbohydrates are also extremely important as they fuel your body to perform the high intensity P90X workout regime.

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If you are new to training, the P90X Challenge is a great point to start. It can be fascinating to see how swiftly you can get into the mode of gaining muscle mass. As you grow into the diet and the exercise regime, you will know that you’re in for something advanced. The process of gaining the right amount of body weight by eliminating excess fat is certainly a great journey with the P90X program. It not only increases your urge to eat correct and exercise, but also help build stamina – an essential part of any serious weight gain process.

For the beginner looking to Gain Mass with P90X, the program is good to elevate strength and power levels; however, for the advanced fitness enthusiast the program is sure to increase resistance needed to build muscles, which is definitely alluring for pro levelers.

Obstacle Course Race Training with P90X

Gaining Mass with P90X is very easy to do "with hard work". I am an OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) Athlete, so gaining mass with P90X is not my true goal, but I have tested it and received great results within a short period of time. As an athlete, at least for me, I am more interested in lean muscle mass, so also incorporating cardio is just as important to maintain my athletic performance. But if your goal is to strictly build mass, then P90X can definitely help you. Another great program that I highly recommend is the Body Beast Workout Program.

For more information on the P90X Programs - Click here!

Build Mass with Body Beast:
- Body Beast Program Details and Options


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3 Day Refresh - Day Three

Today was Day 3 of my 3 Day Refresh and I have to say that I feel pretty amazing! Being a person that really loves to eat, I actually thought that I was going to starve to death, but the shakes and the recipes really kept me on point! You really have to go into the 3 Day Refresh Program knowing that it will be different then your daily eating habits, unless you eat pretty clean, but even if you do, you have to adjust to the lower calorie intake especially if you have a very active lifestyle. I worked out the first two days, and decided to not do a workout on my third day. As I mentioned before in my day 1 and day 2 posts, working out is not required during this program. It is mainly focused on detoxifying your body, and helping you get a jump start on your nutrition. I used it mainly for the detox factor. The 3 Day Refresh is also a great way to naturally lose up to 5 pounds safely in only 3 days!

I will most likely be doing the 3 Day Refresh every quarter, and plan to do the Beachbody Ultimate Reset (a 21 Day Detox/Clean Eating Program) once a year.

So here goes! I woke up pretty early this morning, I guess because I've been drinking so much water! It's recommended that you drink a gallon of water every day during the 3 Day Refresh. I started my day with my 10 oz of AGUA - water =)!

And within an hour of waking up, I had a Vanilla Shakeology blended with 10 oz of filtered water, ice and a serving of fresh cut cantaloupe. I wasn't sure how this was going to taste, but I said what the heck, and it turned out pretty good! 

 Vanilla Shakeology w/ Fresh Cut Cantaloupe

 Try Shakeology Risk-Free - Click here now!

After my tasty Vanilla/Cantaloupe Shakeology concoction, I waited about an hour before having my morning tea. Just like the past two days, I went with my Organic Green Tea (no sweetener), and I used my Dad's coffee mug. I might've went over an ounce or two because his mug is huge.

Organic Green Tea 

A little over an hour, it was time to take my last Fiber Sweep, I was pretty sad about that ;), at any rate, I felt accomplished! It's not just about getting fit on the outside, it's also about getting fit on the inside!

Fiber Sweep - (digestive health drink)

Making it happen! 

Almost two hours passes by because I was so busy coaching people online with my Beachbody Coaching Business, it was time for LUNCH!  I know what you're thinking because you're probably looking at the picture below and thinking that I am having some STARBUCKS =) Nope, I just used the cup to put my Vanilla Fresh Shake in there, "GOTCHA!!"  ha ha =). So I blended my Vanilla Fresh Shake with 10 oz of filtered water, ice, and a small banana. I also had a serving of Steamed Asparagus (because I had like a crap ton of them) and some Spinach Artichoke Hummus. It was delicious!

Vanilla Fresh Shake, Steamed Asparagus, Hummus

Stay away from Starbucks when your are doing the Refresh! =)

Lunch was pretty filling so I waited for another hour and a half, maybe two hours before having my afternoon snack. I ran some errands for a bit, and came back and had a medium red bell pepper sliced, with a side of healthy fat.....more hummus!

Slicing  Red Bell Pepper

Red Bell Slices with more Hummus =)

After my afternoon snack, I did a couple business video calls, talked to my lovely daughter on the phone and watched some TV with my Dad, all the while enjoying some Organic Green Tea.

Afternoon Tea and chilling out with Dad!

About an hour and a half later, I started to prepare for dinner. I had my last Vanilla Fresh Shake, a Spinach Salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil and sunflower seeds. I was actually stuffed lol. I think my stomach shrunk these past two days, because I had to wait a few minutes before finishing the last part of my dinner which was some Organic Vegetable Broth.

Mise en place - "State of Readiness"

Spinach Salad

Dinner is served! 

So as I am writing this blog post, I am sipping on my last Organic Green Tea beverage of the evening. It was a very relaxing day just hanging out with my parents, coaching my team online in my pajamas, and feeling blessed to be alive and healthy!

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 My overall experience on the 3 Day Refresh was great! I definitely needed it, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in getting a jump start into a fitness program, their nutrition, or just wants to lose up to 5 pounds pretty quick. You can also just use the program for the detox factor like did.

Final words, there is nothing better than investing in your health. Make sure that you take care of your body, because it's the only one you have =). If you need some health and fitness motivation, please feel free to contact me, it's my passion to help people live healthy and fulfilling lives, you deserve it!

For more information and 3 Day Refresh Price Options - Click here!

3 Day Refresh Day One
3 Day Refresh Day Two


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