Hammer and Chisel Challenge - Week 2

Hammer and Chisel, Week 2, Month 1

So last week's post was super long, and I'm trying to keep my weekly recaps short and sweet, but at the same time informative. Feel free to comment on some of the things that you may want to know about the Hammer and Chisel Challenge, and as always, feel free to message me about my upcoming Online Test Groups!

Day 1, Week 2
I was pretty excited to start the week off strong. I didn't get to my workout until late in the evening which seems to be the norm for this challenge =). But today's workout was Chisel Cardio, and what killed me the most other than the HEAT at the gym was the pull ups, and believe it or not the "Side Step Up Kicks" only because it was the last exercise of each round, and it seems like every dang day is LEG DAY! Also, today I felt like I was lacking calories, so this may be something that you will have to play with. If you feel you need calories, you probably do. Don't try to cookie cutter your nutrition. If you need to add more calories, do it. You will begin to find what works for you as you go with the challenge.

Did a 1 mile warm up and 1 mile cool down run.

Chisel Cardio - Most of the moves minus the Forearm Plank Kick

Day 2, Week 2
Today's workout was Hammer Strength which was brutal after doing a 5K Urban Assault Run with my downtown 813 Fit Club. The Urban Assault run consisted of a 12 Days of Christmas Pyramid Workout while running a 5K through downtown Tampa. I could've easily replaced my Hammer and Chisel workout with the UAR, but I made a commitment, so I'm sticking to it.

The online test group assignment asks "what helps me stay on track with my workouts?" That's easy, I stay on track because of the people helping me stay motivated and accountable in the online challenge group, and also with the help of my own personal accountability partner.

Hammer Strength:

Day 3, Week 2
I did Chisel Agility today, and to be quite honest, I was so sore and didn't know how I was going to be able to finish this workout. I previewed the workout and it looked pretty simple, but of course watching, and actually "doing" are two very different things. I got it done LATE at my South Tampa office. I was looking forward to rest day on Day 4 =)

I did not run on Day 3.

Chisel Agility

Day 4, Week 2

REST DAY - I did an easy 5K trail run today at the Wilderness Trail System. I definitely felt sore in the beginning, but started feeling very strong as my run progressed. I can really feel the strength gains from Hammer and Chisel. 

Day 5, Week 2

Today was Christmas, and my Hammer and Chisel WOD was Hammer Power which was focused on "power lifting" movements. Again, I previewed the workouts beforehand and used the worksheets at the gym. The movements always look easy until you actually do them. I learned that the next time I need to add more weight, but I really loved this workout, and as always, it kicked my butt good. I think the most important part about this workout is to really make sure to use proper form. You can easily get injured or throw your back out if you are not careful, so start off slow, put your ego aside, and play it safe. Once you get the moves, you can then up your weights and go harder! 

I did a 1 mile warm up run, and a 2 mile cool down run. 

Hammer Power

Day 6, Week 2

Traveled to Pensacola from Tampa for the holidays and did today's workout with my brother. We did Power Chisel and 10 Minute Chisel Abs. This program is very versatile, you can workout indoors or outdoors. Although I prefer working out at the gym and outdoors, you can get a kick ass workout at home too. Do what you can, but just know it doesn't matter where you workout, just get it done!

I have noticed that this challenge consists of a lot of squats, lunges, and pull ups, which is right up my alley. You can always add the ab workouts (Hammer or Chisel Abs) if you feel that you need more core/abs during the week, which is probably what I will start doing more of in week three.

No run today. 

Power Chisel Workout:

Day 7, Week 2

I did Hammer Conditioning with my brother today. This was the last workout of week 2 and boy was it a "shoulder burner". The workout minus the warm up and stretch was only 25 minutes, but trust me, that was all I needed. I really enjoyed the movements of this workout, especially the renegade row burpees. This workout is a great combination of shoulders burners, cardio, strength, and core. 

I finished Day 7, Week 2 with a nice 6.5 mile trail run at the Univ of West Florida off-road trails. 

Hammer Conditioning:

Are you ready to take on the Hammer and Chisel Challenge, ask me about my upcoming online test groups, you will receive FREE online coaching from me, and motivation from others who have similar goals as you! Message me here!

Related Links:
Hammer and Chisel, Week One, Month One
Hammer and Chisel Week 3, Month 1

Hammer and Chisel Challenge - Week 1

Hammer and Chisel - Week One

I am documenting my Hammer and Chisel Challenge here on my blog. You can view day by day posts by following my IG or Facebook. This challenge has been everything that I had hoped for. I was looking for something that was similar to the P90X variety, and this falls right into it. The whole idea behind Hammer and Chisel is to get CHISELED. It's about strength and getting shredded. Now don't get me wrong, the program can be perfect for other goals such as: gaining more strength/endurance, becoming a better athlete, getting lean, losing weight, and maintaining fitness. I do not see this as a bulking type of challenge, although there is a lot of lifting weights. I can see how you can bulk easy by lifting more weight, but to be quite honest, so far it seems that there are a lot of reps, so using a lot of heavy weight wouldn't be possible for most people.

Beginners?
As I am going through this program, I am getting my butt kicked! There are modifications provided, but in my honest opinion, I do not recommend this challenge for people who are at beginner fitness levels. I would say that this program is for the hardcore intermediate to advanced. But again, this is just from my experience.

Runners?
As for any program for runners, it's best to do this during your off-season. Coming from Florida, there really isn't much of an off-season, it's more like you have to create your own off-season, which I feel is very important. Over-training is the worst feeling in the world, and I've done this many times. Sometimes you just have to put your ego aside, and just suck it up and take a break. Whether you are doing Hammer and Chisel during on or off season, I would recommend that you run 3-5X per week. I've been running almost everyday, but nothing too hard core. I normally do a one mile (sometimes 1 1/2 mile) warm up before my workout, then another mile or mile and a half afterwards. Depending on how my body feels, I may just do a run in the beginning, and not the end. I will do my longer runs on my Hammer and Chisel rest day which is on Thursdays.

Hammer and Chisel Workout Sheets - Click Here!

So let's go with how my first week went. Here is a quick run down on how my week went, and if you have any questions, feel free to connect with me here.

Day 1, Week 1
The workout was Chisel Balance, and it started out with pistol squats right off the bat which I'm terrible at! I struggled most with the Balance Row Pistol Squat and the Single Leg Dead Lift. It was a great first impression of what was in store for the week, and the next 60 days =).

I did a 1 mile warm up run, and a 2 mile run afterwards.

Chisel Balance - Split Squat Jumps

Day 2, Week 1
In my Online Hammer and Chisel Challenge Group, one of the things that was asked was "What was my goal for the challenge?" and I responded with to maintain my health and active lifestyle, but also work on my abs =) I am also training to gain strength and endurance for my upcoming trip to Nicaragua to film one of the toughest adventure races in the world called the Fuego Y Agua Adventure Run. Workout today was Hammer Plyometrics, another day of butt kicking!

I did a 1.5 mile warm up run, and 1.5 mile cool down run.

Hammer Plyometrics - Just a few exercises from this brutal but awesome workout!

Day 3, Week 1
ISO Strength Chisel was on the menu for today! I did this workout at the park with a fellow Coach and accountability partner Steven. I love the fact that you can do these workouts pretty much anywhere if you have the equipment. I'm traveling right now, so I've been working out at gyms and the outdoors. At home, most people use the workout DVD's and Beachbody on Demand Online Streaming, but I've been previewing the workouts the day before, and using the worksheets at the gym. Do what works best for you, and most importantly, make sure that you are doing the exercises correctly.

After the workout, we did a 1.5 mile run.

ISO Strength Chisel at the park!

Post Workout Meal

Day 4, Week 1
Today was REST DAY, so this is when I do more of my longer runs, but I was so sore from the previous workouts, so I opted to do a short 5K. As always, I believe in listening to your body. I have over-trained a few times during my journey, and trust me, it is not worth it. Put your ego aside, and play it safe, you'll get better results that way.

3+ mile trail run today:

Day 5, Week 1
Today's workout was ISO Speed Hammer. It was a very short workout, but man did it really pack a punch! For the ISO exercises, you basically do 10 reps of a particular exercise with on rep being 1 count followed by a 3 count ISO. After the 10 ISO reps, you finish it with 10 regular reps, which is pretty tough after basically doing the previous in SLO-MO.

ISO Speed Hammer - 10 Chin Ups after 10 ISO's 

Day 6, Week 1
Today was a challenge because earlier I filmed and ran 5+ miles at an obstacle course race called the Muddy Brute Challenge. I'll be honest, I was thinking about skipping out on my workout since I was a bit tired after running all day, but I was good, I took a little rest, then went to the gym later in that evening. If you want to check out the video that I created at the Muddy Brute Challenge, click here.

Chisel Endurance - Incline Press Video 

Day 7, Week 1
Total Body Hammer + 10 Minute Hammer Abs

This was a killer workout because I started getting used to the short workouts, and this one was double the amount of time as the other workouts, plus it was tough! On top of that, I had to do abs lol. I was glad to finish the week off strong. It was definitely a challenge, but that's why it's called a challenge right. Looking forward to week 2, feeling strong.

Total Body Hammer + 10 Minute Hammer Abs 

(Video on Side Delt Raises)

So that was a quick run down of my first week. I'm not sure if I can be as organized with the videos every week, but I will definitely do my best. As always, you can see my posts on IG and Facebook as well. If you would like to join me, or get in on my next Hammer and Chisel Online Test Group, feel free to message me here, and I'll get you started. 

Hammer and Chisel reminds me of P90X, but with all new exercises and a whole different structure in how they schedule the workouts. If you like P90X or even CrossFit style workouts, then you'll love Hammer and Chisel, especially if you opt to doing the workouts at the gym using the worksheets. I basically have the worksheets in my iBooks app, and I keep it handy with me along with a timer app. If you are more into bulking and lifting heavy, then I would go with the Body Beast Challenge. 

Looking forward to sharing more of my journey with you, stay awesome!

Related Links:
Hammer and Chisel Challenge, Week 2, Month One

Hammer & Chisel Online Test Groups Forming Now - Contact me! 

New Years Fitness Challenge - Free Coaching!

It's Your Time - All Fitness Levels! 

If you're reading this, then you must be somewhat motivated to start doing something about those resolutions that you just made, or about to make =). But before you commit to anything, did you know that the average person who makes resolutions quit by the month of March. Were you one of these statistics last year?

So ask yourself this, what makes this year any different from last year? What is it about your goals that you distinctly say "almost with a hesitation" that you are SERIOUS this time?

Maybe you are reading this, and still not sure if you are even ready to commit. You know that you want, and probably NEED to do something, but you just do not know where to start. Maybe you just need someone to lead you in the right direction, and help you stay motivated and accountable. Is that it?

5 Ways a Coach Can Help You Reach Your Goals

I'm not sure what it is, but something, someone, a bird, a cat, your kids.....whatever, a bug in your ear told you that "it's time".

It was tough starting out, but I had a great support system, something that 

you will get once you join my Online Fitness Challenge! 

3 Step Process Below

Whether you are unsure or sure, I am willing to see if you have what it takes to commit to your goals. I am willing to offer you my exclusive Free Coaching (my time) to help you achieve your goals, but there is just one thing that I need from you, and that's your "open mind".  When you open your mind, you will have a better chance to learning what options are available to you. And that's what they are, just options. Nothing will happen unless you make a decision to start.

It's quite simple. You need help, I give you options, you choose the best option for you, I coach you and keep you accountable along with others who have similar goals, you get results, and you turn your resolutions into reality. Does this sound good to you? If so, just follow the simple 3 STEP PROCESS below.

1. Watch this video:


2.  Choose your Challenge Pack by clicking here!

3.  Add me on Facebook "here" and message me with the following information:
- The Challenge Pack that you just purchased
- Your Goal for the challenge
- Why your Goal is important to you.

AND THAT'S IT! You see, it wasn't that difficult to make a commitment. Now just sit back and wait for me to help you get started. I am looking forward to meeting you and helping you get started, chat soon! =)

Looking forward to your SUCCESS!

"The Beachbody Challenge Changed my Life"

More on the Beachbody Challenge - Click here!

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BattleFrog Championship 2015

BattleFrog Championship 2015

Check out the 5 minute video recap that I made from the BattleFrog Championship 2015 event. The event was hosted at the Rock Springs Run State Preserve venue. I had an amazing day filming, running, coaching, motivating, and hanging out with my media and coach team. Huge thanks to Coach Amanda Nelson and Coach Gabby Campos for helping me with this video.

Take the Beachbody Meets OCR Challenge

BattleFrog Championship 2015 - Watch Video:

It was great seeing everyone at this event, and hope to see more of you at the next one. If you need some OCR motivation or would like some Free Online Coaching from me using Beachbody Fitness, feel free to connect with me. Ask me about my upcoming online challenges, you will love them!

Watch more videos here!

With Ryan Atkins and Lindsay Webster

With Corinna Coffin

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Trail Running Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve

Watch Trail Running Video Below

You know when you see a sign that says "don't do it" something in the back of my head says "why". And not that I encourage this, but I have always been an EXPLORER. I have never questioned anything just to be a smart ass or anything, but I just always "wondered" what if?

So I went to this amazing place called Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve which is located just outside of Brandon, Florida. I have been to this place many times before when I used to ride mountain bikes every week, but this time was different, I went to this trail to RUN, not to bike.

P90X and Running

Most of the trails are primarily for mountain bikes, well at least the good ones are. There are boring double tracks, and if you are just a simple runner, and you really don't care about elevation changes, then that might do it for you. As for me, I enjoy running obstacle course races, I love running the mountains, I like going up and down =) because frankly, we just don't have mountains in Florida.

So this is what happens when the sign says "no foot traffic on mountain bike trails". I did it anyways! Keep in mind, if you run the trails during the week, there aren't a lot of mountain bikers out, so I definitely don't recommend doing this on the weekends because it could be a huge disaster, just be smart. Oh, and you didn't hear it from me! ha ha

Trail Running the North and South Abyss Trails

FYI, it takes about 2 miles before you hit the first actual trail. I ran a 5K to get to the North and South Abyss Trails, then had to run back (9 miles total for the day). I highly recommend that you bring some snacks with you and some water. I used Beachbody Performance Hydrate to stay hydrated and keep me energized, you can get samples of the Beachbody Performance Line here. 

Take your training to the next level with Beachbody Performance:

Miami Spartan Sprint | Vista View Park, Davie FL (2015)

Watch Video Below

Check out the Full Recap Video that I created along with my media partner and Mommy Coach Amanda Nelson. OCRTUBE.com is a not-for-profit and cause related media project that I started thanks to my Beachbody Coaching Business. Fully funded by my online fitness ventures, our purpose is to help the sport of obstacle course racing grow, and to raise awareness for our preferred charities. There is nothing better than having the ability to motivate and inspire someone to get off the couch, train for a race, do a race, all the while making a difference, is there really anything else?

Take the Beachbody Meets OCR Challenge

Enjoy the video, and feel free to connect with me here, or I'll see you at an upcoming race =)

Miami Spartan Sprint - Vista View Park, Davie FL - 2015

Watch More OCR Video here - Don't forget to share! =)

See you at the next race! 

Train for the next race, choose your own Challenge - Free Coaching by me!