Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Peanut Butter and Jelly Shakeology Recipe


Peanut Butter and Jelly Shakeology
Peanut Butter and Jelly Shakeology

I am a peanut butter enthusiast, so I love anything peanut butter! I love Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups (Yikes), and I really love Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches!

Other than trying to keep my carb intake to a minimum (grains), I also moderate my sugar intake as well, it's just not good for you people! So when I start craving things like that, I improvise =)

This morning I was craving a big fat Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, but I did not give in (trust me, it was TOUGH!!!), so instead I made a delicious healthy PB&J alternative with Vanilla Shakeology.

PB&J Shakeology

INGREDIENTS:
- 1 scoop (or packet) of Vanilla Shakeology
- 1/2 cup  unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup  water
- 1/2 cup  red grapes
- 2 tsp.     all natural peanut butter (ok, I might have added more peanut butter) ha ha

Blend with with ice until smooth! Enjoy =)

 PB&J Shakeology Served!
PB&J Shakeology


Did you know that Shakeology is Clinically Proven? Watch this!



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Monday, September 8, 2014

My LIVE PIYO Class Review

I attended my first LIVE PIYO Class at Pensacola Fit Club and I would have to say that I was totally impressed. The class was lead by a couple coaches on my team who just recently attended a PIYO Certification Class in Orlando, FL. These two amazing people were Coach Amanda Stephens and my sister/law Coach Jasmine Banawa.

LIVE PIYO Class - Pensacola Fit Club
LIVE PIYO Class - Pensacola Fit Club

As an athlete, I was told by some of my Beachbody Coach friends that PIYO is perfect for anyone involved with Sports Peformance such as running, team sports, and obstacle course racing just to name a few. I ended up purchasing the program through my Beachbody Coaching Business and found out that it was MONEY! When I did PIYO for the first time, I could plainly see the benefits of the workouts almost immediately, and since then I have been a firm believer in the program.

LIVE PIYO Class is a whole new ball game. For starters, it's pretty exciting and motivating to do it in a class atmosphere. The music was upbeat and went well with the workout, and it seemed like everyone loved it, infact I did not hear one person say anything negative about the class! Even the guys loved it =) The moves can get pretty fast, but after a few times, and a little stumbling and fumbling, it get's easier. Trust me, if I can do it, then you can do it!

It took me awhile for me to get into YOGA, and I still struggle at times with motivating myself to do yoga, but I never regret a good yoga session! PIYO combines a little bit of yoga, pilates, strength, and cardio. No weights are required and no holding yoga poses for a long period of time, it's just an overall awesome program.

Take the PIYO Challenge! (link below)


Would I recommend PIYO to everyone? Absolutely! I recommend this program for anyone who is interested in improving their overall strength and flexibility. It is a low-impact program and is geared for all fitness levels. I encourage everyone to take the PIYO Challenge first, then take some LIVE PIYO Classes to change things up a bit and keep things exciting. It's always great to connect with like-minded people who love to stay active.

I also run a Free Online Fit Club where I host some online PIYO Group Workouts so that you can try some workouts before beginning a challenge. Here are some PIYO options for you:

PIYO Challenge:
- Start the PIYO Challenge Now - BUY the Discounted PIYO Challenge Pack here! I will add you to an Online Challenge Group with others who have similar goals as you!

Test the Waters:
- Make me your FREE Coach now, and I will send you a Free Fitness Assessment to help you with your goals, and add you to my exclusive Online Fitness Group where I post all of my Free Online Group Workouts and upcoming Challenge Groups.

Enhance Your PIYO Challange with LIVE Classes:
- Take a LIVE PIYO Class

Stay active my friends, look forward to your SUCCESS!

LIVE PIYO Class - Pensacola Fit Club
LIVE PIYO Class - Pensacola Fit Club

Related Links:
- PIYO Hardcore on the Floor Workout
- What is a Beachbody Fit Club?
- What is the Beachbody Challenge?
- Try Shakeology Risk-Free
- Become a Beachbody Coach


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PiYo DEFINE YOURSELF



Saturday, September 6, 2014

BEACH WORKOUT - Pensacola Fit Club

Pensacola Beach Workout - Pensacola Fit Club
Pensacola Beach Workout - Pensacola Fit Club

I started the morning with an awesome Beach Workout which I hosted along with my brother Fermin Banawa, and sister/law Jasmine Banawa from Pensacola Fit Club. The workout was absolutely free, and we even included a complimentary lunch right after which included Grilled Chicken, Turkey Burgers, Mixed Greens, Watermelon (of course), and some Homemade Sweet Potato Salad.  WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW! =)


Pensacola Fit Club is organized by local Beachbody Coaches who are dedicated to helping the community get healthy and fit. The weekly workouts are free, but for the more serious people, we encourage our members to begin a fitness journey with one of our Online Challenge Groups. With these Challenge Groups, we offer free coaching and provide great advice about living a healthy and positive lifestyle.

Check out the Beach Workout Routine List below, and watch the 1 minute video below that I made during the workout. Join us next time. If you are not local, no worries at all. We also run Free Online Fit Clubs, and Online Challenge Groups, just contact me and I can help you get started!


Pensacola Beach Workout Exercise List:

WARM UP
- Jumping Jacks 30 sec.
- High Knee Walks
- Shuffle Back
- 10 Push Ups
- Up and Over Hips
- Inch Worm

STRETCH

CIRCUIT 1: (2X) each exercise for 30 seconds
- Suicide Drills
- Suicide Jumps
- Rotational Jumps
- Floor Sprints (mountain climbers)

REST (2 minute)

CIRCUIT 2: (For Time)
- Sand Bag Run Carry along water to marker (25 meters)

*Do the following below 3X for time
- Flutter Kicks in the water (20)
- Bear Crawl out of water to marker
- 10 Burpees
- 10 Squat Thrust with Sand Bag
- 10 Push Ups
(rest and hydrate after each round)

- Sand Bag Run back to starting point (25 meters)


CIRCUIT 3: (Teamwork Round)
- Wheel Barrels to 5 Decline Push Ups (up and back, switch partners going back)
- Team Sand Bag Pass with Bear Crawl (up and back)
- Sand Bag Sprint Runs with Dips (one person runs with sand bag "up and back" and the other person performs dips until partner returns from sprint run, switch up, do this 3X)
- Sand Bar Over Head Toss (up and back) 

COOL DOWN

Watch our Beach Workout Video:



Related Links:
- What is a Beachbody Fit Club?
- What is the Beachbody Challenge?
- Become a Beachbody Coach


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Friday, September 5, 2014

Fruity Sweet Potato Salad


Cold Sweet Potato Salad
Fruity Sweet Potato Salad

Here is an awesome Sweet Potato Salad recipe that you can make pretty quick and eat it for breakfast or a post-workout breakfast snack. Honestly, it tastes so good you could eat it anytime of the day in between your meals After you prepare it, it's simple, just take it out of the fridge and dig in!

Serving Size: 4 people
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

What you need:
- 4 Sweet Potatoes, peeled (optional) and cubed
- 2/3 cups Grapes cut in half
- 1 Apple diced
- 1/2 to 1 cup of Dried Cranberries and Sliced Almonds mixed
- 1/2 cup of Mayo made with Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- Sea Salt and fresh ground Black Pepper to taste
- Paprika (optional)

Preparation:
- Add sweet potatoes to a large pot and bring to a boil (medium high heat). Cook until tender (12-15 minutes)
- Drain sweet potatoes with a colander , rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then let sweet potatoes cool down. To ensure that they sweet potatoes are cool and dry, you can place on a platter on top of some paper towels.
- Combine the sweet potatoes, grapes, diced apples, dried cranberry and sliced almonds, mayo, and lemon juice into a large mixing bowl.
- salt and pepper to taste
- Sprinkle with Paprika if desired.

Place the Sweet Potato Salad in the fridge and let it set for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy! =)
 Cold Sweet Potato Salad
Cold Sweet Potato Salad


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Thursday, September 4, 2014

10 Lifestyle Companies Who Inspire Me


Arnel Banawa
10 Lifestyle Companies Who Have Inspired Me

There are a lot of people who have inspired me, but there are only a few companies that have actually made a huge impact in my life. These companies have challenged me, helped me discover who I am, kept me connected with the people who matter most in my life, showed me how to live a healthy lifestyle,  introduced me to hundreds of people who have the same vision as I do, and so much more! Here are 10 companies who have INSPIRED me.

1. Beachbody - I cannot thank this company enough because they have helped me gain physical and financial success. Freedom is the ultimate gift that anyone could ask for because it's about doing what you want, when you want, anytime you want! Out of all the companies who have inspired me, this company is hands down my #1. Beachbody has given me health, happiness, time with my family, freedom to travel the world, and the ability to provide for my daughter. Thank you Beachbody!

Beachbody Coach Summit - Las Vegas
Beachbody Coach Summit Las Vegas

2. Spartan Race - I have never been challenged to the limits both physically and mentally by another company. Spartan Race has showed me what I am truly made of. This company has given me the opportunity to meet so many amazing athletes who have one thing in mind, to conquer every obstacle no matter how big or small, and to always continue to set goals to achieve my greatness within.

Spartan Race Special Ops Sprint - Tampa, FL.
Spartan Race Tampa

3. Patagonia - I am all about giving back, and when I first heard about Patagonia's dedication to the environment and social responsibility, that was more than enough reason for me to support them. Patagonia is all about adventure and keeping our planet as safe as possible, so as an adventurer myself, I felt right at home.

4. Lonely Planet - The very first time I traveled abroad (Europe) was in 2001. I was able to plan a trip all by myself without any tour guides or travel agents, and I still felt completely comfortable. Lonely Planet has taught me about seeing the world how it was meant to be seen as an Independent Traveler, and NOT as a "tourist". Travel and learning about world culture is my #1 passion and Lonely Planet is my travel bible. I currently have invested almost a thousand dollars (maybe more) in travel education, and I'm happy to say that it has all been with LP. Travel is the best education that anyone could ask for, and thanks to LP, I have the knowledge to trek anywhere, and live anywhere. The world is my home, and I can never sit still, I must explore.

I was born to travel!
Lonely Planet Travel

5. Apple - So how has this company inspired me? It's quite simple. Apple has invented simple products that have truly been an amazing part of my success as an entrepreneur, father, and athlete. From editing software to help me grow the sport of Obstacle Course Racing, to sharing my fitness and business journey online with thousands of people from all over the world using an iPad. This company has given me the tools to help me share my story and inspire others to live happier and healthier lives.
 
6. Facebook- I have connected with more people using facebook then any other social network online or offline. Nothing will ever beat that personal one on one human interaction, but this company has been a game changer in the art of connecting people from anywhere around the world. I have connected with old friends and family, rekindled relationships, and have met some wonderful people who have made a major impact in my life.

My Online Fitness Group on Facebook

7. Couchsurfing - Think of traveling the world and meeting people for the first time. Now think about those very same people treating you like family in their very own home when they don't even know you! Well, that's the type of community that Couchsurfing.org provides. Imagine traveling to the most beautiful places on the planet and not paying a dime for accommodations, there is nothing more awesome than that! I have created life-long friendships with the couchsurfing community, and I highly recommend that everyone should experience this type of travel, it's about really getting down and learning about the local scene and building relationships with the world. 

8. Hostel World - Another way to see the world and meet people from all walks of life is through hostelling. When I travel I choose to stay at hostels versus fancy hotels because when I travel, it's about exploring the outdoors for me and meeting other travelers. If I wanted to stay inside in a nice place to relax, I might as well just stay home. Hostel World allows me to hop from city to city, from country to country and meet other travelers along the way. I don't know how many times I've been inspired by someone who I just met at a hostel. If you want to hear some great travel stories, and get the best travel tips, then forget about guide books, go to a hostel and chat with real people who are traveling for months and years at a time.

Tikal, Guatemala
Tikal Wonder of the World

9. Crossfit - I do not consider myself a Crossfitter, or a Crossfit Athlete. But what I do like about this company is the culture and community. As a fitness enthusiast, I enjoy incorporating various types of workouts into my routine, and I love nothing better than mixing a little bit of Crossfit into my P90X workouts. I am a Beachbody Coach, but I do appreciate different ways to stay fit. There is nothing more inspiring than working out with people of all fitness disciplines and everyone respecting each other's training methods. It's not about the workout, it's about what works for you. I thank Crossfit for getting people off the couch and offering an environment that helps people stay motivated and challenged.

Spartan 300 Workout with the girls from Bandit Crossfit
Bandit Crossfit

10. Family - Now I know that this is not a company, but FAMILY is the most important thing in my life. There is nothing more inspiring than being in the company of my very own family and close friends. I do everything with my family! We workout together, do business together, play hard together, travel together, cry together, motivate together, and pray together. For me, family is everything!

 My #Fitfam
Beachbody Family

 My daughter and I =)
Daddy's Girl

So that's it, my Top 10 Lifestyle Companies Who Inspire Me! Which companies have inspired you?



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Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Tips for Running on "Survival Mode"

Tips for Running on Survival Mode
 Tips for Running on Survival Mode

I'm going to be completely honest with you, I really dislike running in the heat. And during the really hot summer months, I do a lot of tread mill work unless I am some place where there is less humidity or up in the mountains. I have family who live out west in the Las Vegas area, and yes, it can get really hot out there, but there is relatively no humidity. When I first started running there, it was pretty weird because I was hot, but I wasn't sweating as bad as I normally do, and that's when I found out how humidity can really play a huge role in training.

Humidity is a huge factor to runners because the higher the moisture content in the air, the hotter it feels, especially when you are running. Let's say that it's about 88 degrees outside which is not so bad right, but if you have 70% humidity, that 88 degrees can feel like over 100 degrees! Now that's a SWEAT FEST! 

Running Singles

When your body heats up, it gets dehydrated, and when that happens, your body then goes into "Survival Mode", which means that your body is basically trying to keep you alive lol. I don't want to go into specifics about maintaining blood flow to your essential organs, so let's just keep it simple:

When it's really hot outside, it's better to be safe. It's not worth the risks. Use these tips to help you make better decisions when it's a super hot running day:

TIPS FOR RUNNING IN HOT AND HUMID CONDITIONS: "Survival Mode"

- Stay inside and use a tread mill
- Stay hydrated and try to run in shaded areas as much as possible
- Take as many breaks as needed
- Don't worry about timing your run
- Run by how you feel instead of keeping pace
- Look for warning signs such as dizziness, headaches, tingly skin, fatigue, nausea etc. If you feel any of those signs, call it quits or take a break and only proceed when you are feeling much better.
- Always listen to your body
- You can always do a great Insanity Workout with me too =)


I did a 5 miler today and it was one of those days! I felt my body temperature rise a few times and I had to slow my pace down. I did bring hydration with me, and although there were plenty of times I wanted to pick up the pace, I simply had to just put my ego aside and play it safe. It was a great run!

Running on Survival Mode
Hot Trail Running Tips - Pensacola, Fl




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Monday, September 1, 2014

P90X+ Total Body Plus Workout


P90X+ Total Body Plus
 P90X+ Total Body Plus

I haven't done any of the P90X Plus Workouts in awhile and decided that it was about time. The P90X Plus Workouts are another set of workouts geared towards people who have completed the P90X Classic Program or is at an advanced fitness level. As with all P90X workouts, always listen to your body and modify if you need to.


As I mentioned in some of my past P90X blog posts, I enjoy incorporating running into my workouts. This helps me train for one of my favorites hobbies....Obstacle Course Racing! You will also see me using sand bags instead of dumbbells, and adding a weigh vest to my plyometric workouts. As your level of fitness gets better, you too can add different elements to your P90X workouts to keep things exciting and more challenging. That's why I love P90X so much, it's more than just a 90 day program, it's a lifestyle, and perfect for anyone of all fitness levels. For more information on various P90X workouts, videos, and purchase options, click here!

Total Time: 45 minutes
Equipment Needed: Pull-Up Bar, Weights, Power Stands (optional)


Watch my P90X+ Total Body Plus Workout:



Related Links:
- Buy P90X Plus Now
- P90X Nutrition Plan
- Obstacle Course Race Training with P90X
- P90X Program Options
- What's the Beachbody Challenge?
- Celebrities Who Do P90X
- Become a Beachbody Coach


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