The Benefits of Obstacle Course Racing

The Benefits of Obstacle Course Racing

I remember the first time I did an OCR (obstacle course race), it was in back in 2011. I just completed a few rounds of P90X and my brother told me that he was planning on traveling from Pensacola, Fl to North Carolina for a Warrior Dash. Back then, there wasn't very many races like there are today, so to think how crazy it was to drive 12+ hours just to run a 5K in the mud........we must have not been thinking clearly =). But after that race, I crossed the finish line with something that I've never felt before. I felt accomplished. I know that might sound crazy, because I've accomplished things in my life before, but never like this. The camaraderie was nothing I've ever seen before. People helping people. It was like everyone was happy even though they were challenged and "dirty". It was humans being humans, it was primal.

OCR People Are Awesome - Watch Video!

Watch More Obstacle Course Racing Videos by me

That was the beginning of my OCR addiction.

I wear my race shirts pretty much everywhere that I go (because I have a ton of them), and I get a lot of feedback. Some positive, some negative, but most of the time, people are just curious. I always say the same thing "you just have to try it one time". Obstacle Course Racing has changed my life in many ways, so I just wanted to share what I feel have been the prime benefits of OCR based on my experiences.

The BENEFITS of Obstacle Course Racing:

1.  GETS YOU OFF THE COUCH - I find that most people dislike health and fitness because they feel that is is not fun. No matter how beneficial it is to stay active, people just don't envision it as something that they have to do. Obstacle Course Racing has changed that. It has taken the once "couch potato" who has never ran or lifted weights before, to conquering mountainous terrain, rope climbs as tall as buildings, to ice baths and barbwire crawls. Fitness is now fun and exciting! It's how we humans were meant to play....outside.

2.  NEW FRIENDSHIPS - Have you ever been to a social event where you felt out of place? You know, like there is nothing to talk about! #Awkward - The amazing thing about OCR events is that everyone is on the same page as you. Everyone goes through the same struggles. We all cross the same finish line and share stories about cramping, training, how many burpees we did, and getting through that one tough obstacle. The camaraderie is what sells these races. It's what brings people together. It's not about the race, it's about the people who continue to challenge themselves. It's about family.

3.  CONSISTENT GOALS - I know a lot of people who have a tough time setting goals. OCR People are a little different. They set goals to become a better athlete to conquer the next race. Goals are important to the OCR athlete because they want to always do better at the next race. When you set goals, workout, eat healthy, help others....something happens, you become happy and ultimately live a better life. You excel at your job and/or business, and you become a better human. Is there anything else?

Obstacle Course Race Training with P90X

4.  STRESS RELIEVER - Has there ever been a time where you said "I regret that workout?" I don't think so. Working out releases stress, and competing or participating in an obstacle course race is no different. I've seen people at the start line complaining about how cold it is, or how dull their relationship is with their spouse, how much they hate their job etc. But once they cross the finish line, what was once taken over their mental space became all but forgotten. At the finish line, there is nothing but tears of joy, big smiles, and lots of hugs! That's where the OCR magic happens!

5.  PROMOTES TRAVEL - I was in Laos (SE Asia) a few months ago, and I met a guy from France who had a Spartan Race shirt! I honestly felt like we were brothers! I've seen people travel to races that have never traveled outside of their city before. OCR has turned athletes into groupies, following races wherever they can get their fix! For months at a time, I would travel from one race to another, every weekend and see the same people. It's amazing! More than amazing is how expensive this hobby is, and people still are willing to pay for it. OCR is a fitness movement that is going nowhere but to the top!

6.  REWARDING - As if crossing the finish line isn't rewarding enough, Obstacle Course Racing can reward you with things like a finisher medal, a beer, a T-shirt or a head band. It's pretty crazy what people will do for a beer! And for some athletes, it has opened doors to big sponsorships. It has also given athletes and investors a chance to become entrepreneurs not only to benefit themselves, but the OCR community as a whole.

Spartan Race Training with Body Beast

7.  VARIETY - I remember when it was all about Spartan Race, Tough Mudder, and Warrior Dash. Now there are other companies such as BattleFrog Series coming out of the woodwork and taking OCR to the next level. There are literally hundreds of OCR events now! Depending on where you live, you can almost always find an OCR every weekend.

8.  KID FRIENDLY - Remember when people would make an excuse not to come to an event because they have their kids? Well, that's not a good excuse anymore because OCR has made a point to accommodate the little ones too! There is nothing better than doing a race, then having your kids do one right after you. A family who races together, stays together! Just imagine how healthy and fit your children will grow up to be if you introduce them to the sport. You never know......they may be the next OCR Rockstar! If not, they will be super healthy and fit, and nothing beats that!

9.  CHARITY - I don't think I've ever attended a race event that did not give back to the community. I mean I know that there are some shady ones out there, but for the most part, all OCR companies are committed to giving back. I don't know about you, but It's just a good feeling to know that when you are running a race, meeting new friends, visting new places, and getting super fit that at the same time you are part of something much bigger, and that is making a difference.

BattleFrog Series - Watch Video:

Sign Up for the next BattleFrog Series - Click Here! (Use Discount Code: BFBanawa)

Train for your next Obstacle Course Race - Take the Asylum Challenge:

Top 10 Reasons Why Women Should Lift Weights

 Reasons Why Women Should Lift Weights

So many woman feel like the only way to lose weight is by doing cardio, but soon find out that yes they can lose weight, but they still have the flab. Cardio is great, but that's only have of the equation.

If you're looking for optimal fitness, longevity, and that lean look, then weight training is essential. It's a misconception that lifting weights will get you bulky. Read on to find out how weight lifting is one of the best methods to burn fat.

Still not convinced? Here are 10 reasons to help you reconsider:

1.  BURN MORE FAT - A study that was done at Tufts University found that when overweight women lifted and pushed weights twice a week, they lost an average of 14.6 pounds of fat and gained 1.4 pounds of muscle. The women who dieted and did not lift weights only lost 9.2 pounds of fat, and had no muscle gain. When you do a program such as the Chalean Extreme Challenge or a 21 Day Fix Extreme Challenge, your metabolism is elevated and you continue to burn fat even hours after the workout, unlike a regular cardio workout where you stop burning fat shortly after the workout.

2.  CHANGE THE LOOK OF YOUR BODY - Weight training can slim you down and can give you curves. When you drop only 3 percent of your body fat, that can translate to a total loss of 3 inches off your hips and thighs. And no, you will not bulk up, woman don't have enough muscle building hormones to gain a lot of mass like men do. If you focus on eating clean and create a calorie deficit, you will burn fat.

3.  BOOST UP METABOLISM - Did you know the less muscle you have, the slower your metabolism will be? It's true! As woman age, especially woman over 40, they lose muscle fast. When you eat healthy without resistance training, up to 25% of weight loss may be muscle loss. Weight training will preserve your lean muscles and keep your metabolism going.

Lifting Weights with P90X - Get Lean!

4.  GET STRONGER AND BECOME MORE CONFIDENT - Lifting weights increases functional fitness. It makes everyday tasks much easier like carrying children, lifting grocery bags, and picking up heavy luggage while traveling. According to Mayo Clinic, when you lift weights on a regular basis, you can be 50% stronger in 6 months. Lifting weights also builds emotional strength by boosting self-esteem and confidence.

Join My 21 Day Fix Challenge Group - Click here for details!

5.  BUILD STRONG BONES - It's been documented that weight training among woman is highly recommended to build and maintain bone mass which will help prevent osteoporosis.

6.  FIGHT DEPRESSION - Just like cardio and low impact exercises such as yoga, weight lifting can also alleviate depression. The endorphins that are released during aerobic exercises are also present during resistance training.

7.  IMPROVE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE - You don't have to be an elite athlete to also get the benefits of weight training. Improved muscle mass and strength will help you in all types of athletic events such as obstacle course racing, swimming, skiing, cycling or whatever physical activity that you're involved with.

8.  INJURY AND ARTHRITIS REDUCTION - Lifting weights can improve joint stability, and builds stronger ligaments and tendons. Training with proper form can also help prevent injuries of daily life and can also improve physical function with people who have arthritis. A study from the University of Wales in Bangor, UK found that mildly disabled participants who lifted weights for 12 weeks increased the frequency and intensity at which they could work, with less pain and increased range of motion.

How To Do P90X at the Gym

9.  HEART HEALTHY - Did you know that more than 480,000 women die from cardiovascular disease each year, making it the #1 killer for woman over the age of 25. Weight lifting can increase your good "HDL" cholesterol and decreases your bad "LDL" cholesterol. It also lowers your blood pressure. A study from the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that people who do 30 minutes of weight training each week have a 23% reduced risk of developing heart disease compared to the people who didn't lift weights.

10.  FIGHT DIABETES - In addition to keeping your ticker strong, lifting weights can improve glucose utilization (which is the way your body processes sugar) by as much as 23%. A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 16 weeks of strength training can improve glucose metabolism in a way that is comparable to taking diabetes medication. The more lean muscle mass you have, the more efficient your body is at removing glucose from the blood, which can reduce complications from diabetes and even help prevent type 2 diabetes in the first place. Pretty cool huh =).

Need help with starting a fitness journey? Check out the Beachbody Challenge here!

Top Beachbody Weight Training Workouts for Women: (Discounted Challenge Links)
- P90X
- Chalean Extreme
- Les Mills Pump
- 21 Day Fix Extreme
- Body Beast

Take the Chalean Extreme Challenge!

Insanity Max 30 - TABATA STRENGTH (Outdoors)

Insanity Max 30 - Tabata Strength Workout

I just finished Week 3 of my Insanity MAX 30 Challenge, and so far I would have to say that Tabata Strength is my favorite so far. I've been loving the whole program, and my legs seem to be getting much stronger which is what I need for my obstacle course racing events. I enjoyed Tabata Strength because of the upper body exercises which is my strongest.

During Day 4, Week 3 of my Max 30 Challenge that I've been hosting with my Online Challengers, I decided to do my Tabata Strength workout at Curtis Hixon Park which is a beautiful park overlooking the historic University of Tampa. The weather was perfect, and I had good company as well. That's what I love about Beachbody Fitness, you can take it anywhere, and with Beachbody on Demand, it's just going to get even better.

Insanity Max 30 - Tabata Strength - Curtis Hixon Park, Tampa FL

Here are the movements for Insanity Max 30 - Tabata Strength:

Watch my Insanity Max 30 - Tabata Strength Video below!

WARM UP: (2x)
- Straight Arm Jack
- Scissor Chest Opener
- Lateral Lunge
- Downdog Spider

ROUND ONE: (Each movement is 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off, 2X before going to next movement for each round below except for Round 6)
- Diamond Burpee Right Leg
- Diamond Burpee Left Leg
- Regular Diamond Burpee
- Diamond Jumps
- Plie Power Squat
- High Knee Ab (recovery move)

ROUND TWO:
- Side to Side Wide Push Up
- Diamond Push Up
- Knee Diamond Hold
- Child Pose to Diamond Push Up
- Jack Jab (recovery move)

ROUND THREE:
- Split Plyo Lunge
- Plyo Power Knee Right
- Plyo Power Knee Left
- Power Knee Lunge
- Low Power Knee
- Straight Arm Cross (recovery move)

INSANITY MAX 30 WORKOUT SHEETS AND CALENDAR

ROUND FOUR:
- 4 Count V Push Up
- V Push Up
- V Push Up Hold
- Wide Pike Ups
- Mummy Kicks (recovery move)

ROUND FIVE:
- Scissor Push Up Right
- Scissor Puch Up Left
- Knee Tap Push Up
- Toe Tap Push Up
- Plank Toe Taps
- 2&2 Power Strikes (recovery move)

ROUND SIX: (30 seconds each movement)
- Diamond Burpees
- Side to Side Push Ups
- Max Out Knee Up Right
- Max Out Knee Up Left
- V Push Ups
- Chair Hold, then pulse

COOL DOWN

Watch Video:

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INSANITY MAX 30

Take the Insanity Max 30 Challenge!

21 Day Fix Extreme Challenge Group

21 Day Fix EXTREME Challenge Groups Forming Now!

Beachbody will be launching the BRAND NEW 21 Day Fix Extreme Program in February 2015. The all-inclusive workout program is mostly geared towards 21 Day Fix and P90X graduates, or anyone with intermediate to advanced fitness levels. For more information on 21 Day Fix Extreme, please check out my post on the topic here.

I will be starting a 21 Day Fix Extreme Test Group starting on the first week of March 2015 (March 2nd, Monday), and every Monday therafter. Check out the details below.

Watch Video - 21 Day Fix Extreme:

WHAT IS THE 21 DAY FIX EXTREME CHALLENGE GROUP?
The 21 Day Fix Extreme Challenge (test) Group is the BEST way to get the results in a short period of time. You will be added to a private online facebook group with other people with similar goals. The Challenge Group is not just about health and fitness, but a way to meet like-minded individuals, get the motivation, tips, and advice that you need, and to learn how to make health and fitness a lifestyle. You will get the whole package: Fitness - Nutrition - Support, as well as a FREE Coach (me) to help you through your challenge.

Everything You Need To Know About 21 Day Fix Extreme - Click Here!

I AM NOT AT AN ADVANCED FITNESS LEVEL, CAN I STILL JOIN?
Absolutely, check out the options below. I highly recommend the 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack (non-extreme). 


I'M READY, HOW DO I GET STARTED?
That's great! It's simple, all challengers are required to enter by purchasing a 21 Day Fix Extreme Challenge Pack which includes: Fitness Program, Portion Control Nutrition Guide, Fitness Guide, Workout Calendar, 30 Day Supply of Shakeology Nutrition, Free Trial Club Membership, and Free Coaching from me.

Here are your options: (Bonus Workout when you purchase with the links below)
21 Day Fix Challenge Pack - Buy Now!
21 Day Fix Extreme Challenge Pack - Buy Now!



WHAT'S NEXT?
Once you have purchased your challenge pack from above, simply message me here, and I will add you to my Exclusive 21 Day Fix Extreme Challenge Group, introduce you to all the other Challengers, and get your started to achieving the BEST results possible! Looking forward to meeting you =)

*****More Info:

WHO IS AUTUMN CALABRESE?


I DON'T THINK 21 DAY FIX IS FOR ME, WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
No worries, simply fill out this FREE Fitness Program Assessment, and I will help you find the best challenge that suits your fitness level and lifestyle. 

WHERE CAN I FIND THE MONTHLY CHALLENGE PACK SPECIAL?
I don't blame you for asking, who wants to pay retail prices! With the Beachbody Challenge Packs, you can save $50-$120 per program challenge. Not only that, you get a Free Coach to make sure that you get to your goals! You can't get that from any other platform. Click here for the Monthly Challenge Pack specials!

Check out the all new BEACHBODY ON DEMAND! 

I AM NOT LUCKY

I am not LUCKY!

I recently saw a travel post called "How To Get Lucky" from my friend Nina who I met while I was backpacking through the Philippines in Sept/Oct 2014 and it inspired me to share a little bit of my own on the topic from my 4 months that I spent in Southeast Asia. This is a re-post from what I shared with my Coach Team on a private facebook group page:

RE-POST: I'm Not Lucky

I just wanted to share something with you guys. Just recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Asia for almost 4 months thanks to my "mobile" Beachbody Business, yes I'm a Digital Nomad =). You know, "If you have access to the internet, you can work your business anywhere type of business". Well, during my travels I met a lot of other people who had their own digital companies, just traveling around the world, going where ever they please, doing whatever they wanted, and just enjoying their freedom, kinda like me. We talked on secluded beaches and mountain huts overlooking hill tribe villages about how we were able to do this (have the freedom to travel and work anywhere), and we talked for hours! The one thing that I always remembered us talking about was when people we met who were on weekend getaways or 10 day holidays (short vacations) would say that we were so lucky....that I was LUCKY to have the opportunity to just be able to travel anytime I wanted, for as long as I wanted. And to be honest, yes I am lucky, but what does that actually mean? Do they think that I just won the lottery and I am just sitting on a beach enjoying what I didn't work for?

Let me tell you something team. For a lot of people, they may think that I am lucky, or that my Coach Lindsay is lucky (btw, my Coach and friend Lindsay went from a single mother, miserable bartender with thousands of dollars in debt to a self-made millionaire in only 4 years), and all of these people you see who are successful, just traveling the world, and jet setting with their families. But I have to say that we are NOT LUCKY. We, and I mean I worked pretty damn hard to get the FREEDOM that I have today.

I Went From Night Life to the Fit Life - Click Here to Read My Story!

I made a decision over 4 years ago that I was sick and tired of where my life was. I hated working 3 jobs. I hated not having money to support my daughter. It killed me to watch the travel channel knowing that I couldn't afford to experience all of these amazing places, plus I was 30 pounds overweight and unhappy. I told myself that it's time to get my life together, and stop making excuses, and blaming others for my failures. Beachbody was my answer (I got in the best shape of my life with Beachbody Fitness), it was my ticket to my dreams. So I busted my ass for 2 1/2 years really hard and I was able to rid myself from a BOSS, you know....a J.O.B. (just over broke)

So as I sit on a secluded beach with some other digital nomads listening to these people calling me lucky, I say to myself.......nope, I'm not lucky, I just had the BALLS to do something with my life. I am where I am today because I have helped my community. I have changed lives, and at the same time, changed my own. I am not lucky, I worked hard for everything, and I still do. If anything, I am lucky to have a team (YOU) that cares enough about me to trust me to lead them to success.

For that, I am lucky.

----------------------------------------------------------------

And that was a message to my Beachbody Coach Team, and what I wanted to share with all of you. The point of this share was not to brag, but to honestly let people know that I am not lucky. I simply made a decision to listen to my heart, fulfill my passion, delete TOXIC PEOPLE from my life, help only the willing, and just live my life how I was meant to live it.....HAPPY.

Watch my VIDEO - Almost 4 months in SE Asia in only 12 minutes:

Stay Active My Friends!


Start a Health and Fitness Journey - I'll help you for FREE!

P90X on Demand

 P90X on Demand - Beachbody on Demand

Exciting news that P90X is going DIGITAL! P90X on Demand is here.....FINALLY! I would have to say that P90X is definitely one of my favorite workouts hands down. I love all of them! What most people do not know is that there are a plethora of P90X workouts, it's not just a 90 day program. P90X currently has the following: (direct links to the following below)

-  P90X Classic
-  P90X Plus
-  P90X One on One Workouts (3 years worth of workouts)
-  P90X2 (geared towards athletes)
-  P90X3 (a condensed version of the original, but with all new moves)
-  P90 (for people who aren't quite ready to get extreme)

P90X workouts are perfect for anyone who wants to gain muscle mass, become stronger, lose weight, improve athletic performance, lean and tone, and live healthier.  If you are not sure which P90X program is best for you, feel free to connect with me so I can assist you.

P90X Workout Sheets - Get it here! 

Early 2015, Beachbody, the company behind P90X announced that they were going digital with their new online product called "Beachbody on Demand", and P90X happens to be part of that online library of workouts. I've been using P90X since 2010, and in the very beginning, I used the DVD's. But there are different methods to taking advantage of P90X these days, it's not just about extreme home fitness anymore, it can be done anywhere! More and more people are enjoying the benefits of P90X and the gym, and P90X Outdoors because it works! Here are some other ways that you can access P90X workouts:

-  P90X Workout Sheets (not recommended unless you are already familiar the movements and proper form)
-  P90X App (includes P90X, P90X2, and P90X3 plus more) Click here to get a Free Membership first, then download the P90X app and login with your membership username and password.
-  And now, Beachbody on Demand (click here for more information)

Beachbody on Demand - P90X on Demand

Get Beachbody on Demand

Click here for more information and All P90X Purchase Options

Take the P90X3 Challenge - FREE Coaching from ME! 

The Hidden Financial Benefits of Staying Healthy and Fit

I'm sure that most of you would agree that investing in your health and fitness can generate some pretty lucrative rewards.

I mean, we all know that exercise is good for the population right =), but what most people don't know is that it can have some financial benefits too!

Here are some some financial benefits to staying healthy and fit:

-  YOUR EMPLOYEE PAYCHECK
Let's talk about health care here. According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, people who workout on a regular basis (at least 3 times per week) are more productive at work than those who don't. People who live the fitness lifestyle also miss fewer workdays, according to the same study. So it's a no brainer that the less work days that you miss, the more opportunity you have to earn income, as well as workplace advancement. Another study from from the Journal of Labor Research found that men who workout regularly can expect to make 6% more than their sedentary counterparts, on average. If you're a woman, the pay is even higher: Fit Chics can make 10% more on average!

Jump Start Your Nutrition and Fitness with the 3 Day Refresh Shakeology Challenge

 -  LIFESTYLE INCENTIVES FROM THE BOSS
If you're not already working out, that's ok, it doesn't have to cost that much to begin.

I know that some employers will pay some of their employees to workout as part of workout wellness initiatives. Check this out, IBM offers cash to their employees who meet certain fitness goals. And we all know Google right? Companies like Google and Zappos offer free fitness facilities to their employees so that they can save on the cost of gym memberships. If you are working under a company who doesn't currently offer wellness benefits, that may soon change with the Under the Affordable Care Act, which employers can receive grants to get one started.

Some employers have contracts with gyms to offer them discounted memberships, and some work with Personal Trainers or anyone in the fitness industry who can offer wellness activities. I have many friends who have asked me to create challenges for their office employees, and it's a win win! As a Beachbody Coach, I can benefit from helping a big group of people and get financially rewarded, while the company wins big by having happy and healthier employees who will perform better, which in turn will yield higher profits for their business.

If your workplace does not offer any fitness incentives, then you may want to check with your health insurance provider. Most health care insurers offer some type of fitness benefit for members. For example, United Healthcare offers reimbursements of $20 per month who use one of many participating gyms, while Blue Cross Blue Shield has worked out a deal fro $25 memberships at 8,000 gyms nationwide.

-  JUST GO FOR IT
On the other hand, skipping the gym might just be the biggest money saver! Why pay gym fees when you can workout at home or at the park? Some people enjoy the gym, I know I do, but I know that there are a bunch of people who prefer working out in the privacy of their own home. There are many places online that offer free workouts such as Grokker and BodyRock. But just remember, it's not all about the workout, it's more about the nutrition.

Beachbody on Demand is coming soon. The cool thing about this online total fitness program is that it will be available for anyone, anytime, and anywhere you have an internet connection. You can workout at home, the gym, the park and reap the rewards with saving on gym memberships, personal trainer fees, and gasoline =). On top of that, you will have a FREE Coach to help you along the way....ME! =) If you're close to some of your co-workers, you can even set up challenges with the people you work with, I can help you. Or maybe start a workplace running and walking club. Who knows, your boss may even reward you for it!

Beachbody on Demand - Get More Information Here!

Stay active my friends!


****Are you interested in finding a way to earn income with your health and fitness passion? Are you tired of working for a BOSS? Would you rather have total control of your own life? Click here to find out more on becoming a Beachbody Coach. When you are ready, I will share all of my coaching and earning secrets with you. Click here now!


Start Your Fitness Journey Today - Free Coaching from Me!