Backpacking Southeast Asia - Video Montage

I had one of the most amazing times in Southeast Asia! I don't want to go into the details, but I did create a montage video =) I spent almost 4 months in Southeast Asia, visited 5 countries, and put it all on one 12 minute video which is posted below! Enjoy it, and hope to see you on the beaches of the world!

Countries visited: Philippines, Thailand, Mynamar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia

Backpacking Southeast Asia - 2014

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One of the BEST workouts for Travel - Insanity MAX 30 - Get it now!

Deck of Cards Workout

Deck of Cards Workout

Believe it or not, there is more to a deck of cards then Poker and Blackjack!

The first time I saw a workout using a deck of cards was when I attended the 2014 Atlanta Spartan Sprint Race in Conyers, GA. Alicia Keys even attended this Spartan Race, check out the video! The mastermind behind this invention called Playout the Game was by elite athlete Eddie Koval, aka Mr. Playout! Playout is an exercise card game that turns body weight exercises (no equipment needed) into fun games and group competitions for all ages and fitness levels. You can get more information on Eddie's Playout Game here. There is also an app for the game as well, pretty cool if you ask me.

As a Beachbody Coach, I am constantly introduced to many workout programs such as P90X, Body Beast and Insanity workouts, and the 21 Day Fix Extreme, which will be coming in February 2015. But every once in awhile I love to change things up and see what's out there. I love the fitness industry, the people, and supporting others who have the same vision as I do, which is to help end the trend of obesity all over the world.

What is the Beachbody Challenge? - Click Here!

So if you do not have Playout the Game, you can also just use a cheap deck of cards. It's quite simple, here's how it works.

DECK OF CARDS WORKOUT:

1. Assign a movement to each suit: (you can change this after each game)
- Diamonds = Push ups
- Spades = Jump Squats
- Clubs = In and Out Abs
- Hearts = Dips

2. Each card that you draw equals a certain number of reps:
- Jokers = 15 Burpees

- King = 13
- Queen = 12
- Jack = 11
- 10 = 10
- 9 = 9 etc.
- Ace = 1

Depending on how long and hard you would like to workout, you can use the whole deck of cards or just half of the deck. 

Incorporate Running with the Deck of Cards Workout:
You can either do sprints, 400 meters, or a mile.
- Sprints: You can do a 25-50 yard sprint. Simply put the deck of cards at each side of the 25/50 yard mark. Sprint to marker, pick a card, do the movement/reps, set the card next to deck face up, then sprint to the next sprint marker. Do this until the deck of cards is complete. Get extreme and do Chute Sprints!
- 400 meters: Run with the card deck. Every 400 meters, pick a card and complete the movement/reps. Do this for a workout length of time such as 30 minutes or 1 hour etc.
- One Miler: You can use either the Sprint or 400 meter concept. Should you use the 400 meter concept, I would set your workout length to at least one hour plus. Of course this depends on your fitness level. Always listen to your body!

*Add a 5-20lb Weight Vest with your One Mile+ Run Deck of Cards Workout if you're a BEAST. 

Group Fitness with the Deck of Cards Workout:
Simply use the Sprint Concept above, but instead of placing the split deck of cards on each side, just keep the deck (or half deck) on one side, which would be opposite of the starting point.

Create 2 teams or more with equal amount of participants in each group. Each group would start at the same time by sprinting to the card deck, picking a card, doing the movement/reps. Upon completing the movement/reps, place the card face up beside the deck, then sprint and tag the next person on your team/group. The group/team who finishes the deck of cards first will be the winners!


Stay active my friends! =)

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How To Make Shakeology Taste Better

 How to Make Shakeology Taste Better

Firstly, I would like to start this post by letting my readers know that I absolutely love Shakeology, but there are plentiful ways to make this premium superfoods shake taste even better. This post is also for people who have tried Shakeology in the past, and for some reason did not enjoy the taste.

Before we begin, I would like to say that for some people, Shakeology may have to grow on you. If you are not keen on healthy eating, and you are fairly new to eating clean, you may find Shakeology to be different to your taste palate. There is nothing wrong with this. Sometimes it may take some time for your body to adjust to healthier ingredients, and that is absolutely normal. Rome was not built in a day! I have to admit that before I started my fitness journey, I consumed junk and processed foods for years, but fortunately my body accepted Shakeology almost immediately, and that's maybe because I used one of the following ways to "make Shakeology taste better". If you are allergic to some ingredients, please make sure to consult your physician before consuming Shakeology. There are different Shakeology flavors, and each flavor has different ingredients. You can get the ingredient and nutrition facts here:

- Chocolate Shakeology Nutrition Facts
- Vanilla Shakeology Nutrition Facts
- Strawberry Shakeology Nutrition Facts
- Greenberry Shakeology Nutrition Facts
- Chocolate Vegan Shakeology Nutrition Facts

Me and the Co-Creator of Shakeology and Founder of Superlife - Darin Olien

I hope this post may help some of you who are going through this dilemma with Shakeology. Just remember, Shakeology was formulated to help you with your health and nutrition goals. It's not for everyone, but you never know unless you try it. It may change your life, like it has for me and hundreds of other people.

How to Make Shakeology Taste Better:

1. GET THE SHAKEOLOGY SAMPLER - It all begins with choosing the flavor that you like best. It is not wise to try Shakeology with a flavor that you do not enjoy, so if you've never tried Shakeology before, and you do not want to purchase a whole month supply just yet, then getting the Shakeology Sampler Pack would be your best option. Simple try the different flavors in the sampler pack, and choose which you like best. Once you find your favorite flavor, you can then purchase a month supply knowing that it is something that you absolutely love. Get the Sampler Pack here!

2.  USE A BLENDER - One of the most common mistakes that new Shakeology drinkers do is they fail to not use a blender, especially when trying Shakeology for the very first time. Granted that using a blender is not required, but it does make Shakeology taste better. There's a huge difference between just shaking it up in a blender bottle or stirring it with a spoon, blending is the way to go! There are over 70+ superfoods in Shakeology, so making sure that everything is blended and mixed together properly is key to successful Shakeology tasting. When I am on the go, I find myself just using the shaker cup, and although it doesn't taste as good, I'm "ok" with it just as long as I am getting the benefits.

3.  USE A RECIPE - Shakeology is very versatile. Although you do not need a recipe to enjoy the benefits of Shakeology, it does make it taste so much better. If you are trying Shakeology for the first time, it is highly recommended that you use a recipe. With hundreds of recipes out there, it is very difficult to get tired of drinking Shakeology. There are low calorie to high calorie recipes all depending on what your daily caloric intake is. I recommend trying as many recipes as you can until you find about 3-5 that you really enjoy. Yes, this may take some time, but I promise you that it will be worth it. I've found about 5 delicious recipes that I really like, but I always go back to my original favorite which is Chocolate Shakeology (vegan or regular) with Peanut Butter, Banana, and Unsweetened Almond Milk, blended with Ice. If I use it as a main meal, I may add a little more protein powder depending on my workout and activities of the day. I prefer using Optimum Nutrition or Vega Sport Protein Powder with my Shakeology. And PB2 (low fat powdered peanut butter) blends so well with Shakeology =)

4.  ALMOND MILK - I really love Almond Milk! But you could use other alternatives such as rice milk, hemp milk, cashew milk, dairy milk, or coconut milk. If you are watching your caloric intake, most of these alternatives also have unsweetened, low fat and low sugar content varieties. I have found that using these alternatives rather than using water makes Shakeology taste so much better. It gives it more flavor and gives it a creamier texture. Yup, acts like a salad, but tastes like a dessert!

5.  USE HALF SERVING - For some people, a whole serving of Shakeology is too much for them. So another way to customize Shakeology to fill your demands is to use only half or 3/4 of a serving. Remember, it's all about finding what's best for you. Shakeology is very versatile, and can be customized to suit your taste buds, you just have to experiment with it.

6.  GIVE IT TIME - As I mentioned before, if your body is not used to eating clean whole foods, then your body may need some time to adjust to Shakeology. Healthy eating does not happen overnight, so give it some time to take in the superfoods. It doesn't taste like a cheeseburger for a reason, because it isn't =). It may take a month or more to get used to Shakeology as it detoxifies your body.

And that's about it! If you are currently drink Shakeology, and you can assist other tips with this post, please feel free to comment below to help others benefit from this amazing superfoods shake.

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How to Stay Motivated While Working Out from Home

 7 Ways to Stay Motivated While Working Out from Home

When I began my fitness journey back in September 2010, the question that I asked myself was "how in the heck am I going to keep myself motivated while working out at home?" In the beginning, I preferred to workout at home because I worked a lot of hours (I had 3 jobs), and my income was limited so I could not afford a gym membership or a personal trainer. I started with P90X which was given to me by my brother Fermin Banawa, and that's how it all started. Even though I am a naturally self-motivated person, I unfortunately had plenty of days where I needed some help with staying motivated and accountable. These are the 7 things that kept me motivated while working out at home, which could also be implemented to working out at the gym.

7 Ways to Stay Motivated While Working Out at Home:

1.  GET A FREE COACH - Nothing beats having a Free Coach to be there for you while you are going through your fitness journey. Working out at home is tough, but having a coach who can be there for you online anytime can be a game changer. A free coach can give you advice, motivate you, and give you that extra push that you need to get the results you are looking for. That's what my coach did for me! Need Free Coaching from me? Click here!

2.  JOIN A FREE ONLINE FITNESS GROUP - A Free Fitness Support Group is a group of like-minded people who have one set goal, to get healthy and fit while meeting others. If you ever lack the motivation to workout, it's pretty simple, all you have to do is post a message in the group, and you will literally get a ton of messages motivating you to get your butt off the couch! The group is for everyone to post their workouts, healthy recipes, motivational messages, and even get in on some challenges. Simply log in everyday, interact with hundreds of your friends, and get your fit on!

3.  JOIN A CHALLENGE GROUP - If your goal is to get the best results possible, then a Beachbody Challenge Group is what I recommend. I started with a P90X Challenge, and I stayed motivated and had an absolute blast! A Challenge Group is like a regular online fitness support group on STEROIDS! It's not just about health and fitness, it's about your life, your family, and your future. It's about making health and fitness a lifestyle and making friends for life. Ask me about my upcoming challenge groups!

4.  INVITE FRIENDS TO WORKOUT - Some days I would not want to workout by myself, so I would invite my roommate or a friend to join me, and believe me, it made a huge difference. Not only do you get that extra motivation from working out with someone, but you are also sharing the lifestyle with others. Sometimes when you are working out on your own at home, you may not push yourself as hard, but when you think you're tired and you look up, and your friend is still doing push ups, that can give you that extra push to go the extra mile, and that's when the RESULTS come! =)

5.  GET THE FAMILY INVOLVED - It all started when my brother introduced me to P90X, and since then, I've inspired many of my other family members to a healthier lifestyle. A family who works out together, stays together =). I am always motivated when I work out with family, especially very inspired when I workout with my father who is 70 years old and still killing his Insanity workouts!

6.  FIT CLUBS - Yes, I'll say it again, working out at home can be tough, and that's why I started a Fit Club back in 2011 in Tampa, Fl to help my fitness challengers get more motivated with their home workouts. There are Beachbody Fit Clubs all over the USA and Canada. Fit Clubs are for people who would like to try Beachbody Fitness Programs for the first time, or for people who are already doing Beachbody Fitness Challenge Groups and would like more motivation to get them through the week. It's also for anyone who enjoys group fitness. I know that this option takes you away from your home, but if it can motivate you, then why not right? Here's an idea, why not start a little group fit club at your house once or twice a week with your friends and family! Working out at home doesn't mean that you have to do it alone =)

7.  REST - This is a very important part of staying motivated. If you are not well-rested, you will not have the energy to workout at home. Let's face it, without energy, there is no motivation. So make sure that you are taking full advantage of your rest and recovery days. I recommend that you also focus on 80% nutrition. You are what you eat, and if you eat clean, you will rest better, and have the fuel needed to conquer your workouts at home.

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TOP 8 Ways Beachbody Has Changed My Life

 TOP 8 Ways Beachbody Has Changed My Life

I actually do not even know where to begin with this topic! 4 years ago when my Coach Lindsay and I, along with a handful of other coaches started Team Dynasty (aka the Bombshell Dynasty) in Tampa Florida, I wouldn't expect to be able to do what I am doing today both physically and financially. Now, I am by no means a Warren Buffet or a Mark Zuckerberg, far from it... ha ha, but I am happy to say that I am checking things off of my bucket list faster than IHOP sells pancakes! It was definitely not an easy journey, but I learned from my mentors that if I wanted to be successful in life, that I had to willingly help others become successful, so that's what I focused on, and still focus on till this day. It literally took me a little over 2 years to fire 3 of my jobs and become a full-time Beachbody Coach. With persistence, and the right attitude, anyone could accomplish this! My goal is to help anyone with that DNA (determined natural ambition) to become better than I am (it shouldn't be that hard lol)! And that's the intriguing part of this business, it's NOT a traditional business, because people are focused on making sure that you conquer your goals, unlike other businesses where it is cut-throat. I firmly believe that this is the future of entrepreneurship - PEOPLE "truly" HELPING PEOPLE!

Here are the TOP 8 Ways Beachbody (the company I am affiliated with) Changed My Life:

1.  BEST SHAPE OF MY LIFE - Believe it or not, I was a borderline alcoholic a few years ago! I was in the nightlife business and hosted parties for a living. I was on a path of destruction because I was killing bottles of Patron Tequila faster than they could bottle it. I knew that I had to make a change, and that's when my brother introduced me to P90X. I began my P90X fitness and Shakeology journey back in September 2010, and since then I have been an advocate for anything Beachbody. If something changes your life in a positive way, I guarantee you that you would be sharing it with people, and that's what I did. I currently have about 900+ Beachbody customers who I coach online. Would you like FREE Coaching and advice from me? Click here!

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2.  TIME FREEDOM - I remember then I first became a Beachbody Coach, I mostly did it to get a discount on my Shakeology (what most people do in the very beginning) because I thought that I wouldn't have the time to build such a business. I had 3 jobs and was also raising my daughter. Where would I have time to start a business? Times got tough, I hated what I was doing, my boss ruled my life, and I finally woke up and set some goals for me and my daughter. Most people make time for things that are important to them, and once I made a decision to make a better life for my family, that's when things began to change. Because of my Beachbody business, I now have more time to do the things that I really enjoy.

My daughter and I

3.  FINANCIAL FREEDOM - Money was never my #1 goal or motivation. In fact, I hated money! Before working 3 jobs, I was in the nightlife business and turned it into a 6 figure income business. I knew what having money was all about, or so I thought. After the nightlife business, I changed my point of view about money, and changed my fast-paced lifestyle to a very simple one. I continued this mindset with my Beachbody business, but now my financial goals are to benefit things such as charity, family, and my church among other things. Money is not the root of all evil, it's what you do with it that counts. My Beachbody income continues to grow every year, and that just means that I can do more to help the people and positive organizations around me.

4.  MORE TIME WITH FAMILY - If you were to ask me what the most important thing in my life is, it would be my family, especially my daughter! When I worked close to 100 hours per week, I barely saw my family, and rarely had the energy to spend time with my daughter. If I wanted to spend more time with my family, I knew that I had to do something different with my life. Sometimes when you are already living a busy life, most people do not even think about sacrificing more time with starting a business, but I knew that if I didn't do something with my life, that it might be too late! I'm glad that I made those sacrifices because now I can see my family anytime that I want. It's really a good feeling to make decisions based on my family and I, and not a J.O.B!


5.  NO BOSS - I've had plenty of jobs through the years. Some of them I truly enjoyed, and some I just did even though I hated it, but you know the drill, I had bills to pay. I know a lot of people who love their employers, and I get it. One of the best jobs I ever had was working for the Hyatt Corporation. I mean come on, FREE 5 star rooms around the world, what's not to love about that =) The only thing that I didn't enjoy was trying to get a shift covered to go on vacation, or to spend time with family, or to do an obstacle course race. Sometimes I couldn't get my shift covered and I would miss out on the things that really mattered most in my life. With my Beachbody business, I now have the freedom to work when I want, and where I want. If I don't want to work and I want to spend a week with my daughter, then my business allows me that freedom. I understand that becoming an entrepreneur is not for everyone, but all I'm saying is that if you have BIG DREAMS, then the only person that can make that happen is you. You work hard for you and your family, why not do it for you, and not a boss.

Obstacle Course Racing with family

6.  TRAVEL THE WORLD - When I traveled overseas to Europe for the first time in 2001, it was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had. It opened up my eyes and showed me how big this world really was, and I wanted more, but I just didn't know how I could do it. Everyone has a hobby, a passion, or something that they could do forever....that's what travel is for me. Beachbody has given me the freedom to travel the world, and the cool thing about it is that I can do my business from anywhere around the world as long as I have an internet connection. My prayers have been answered!! Thank you Beachbody =)

7.  DONATE - Back in the days, I used to spend $300 for a pair of jeans, $100 for a T-Shirt, $80 for a ball cap, and $15-20 for a cocktail....and guess what it did for my life? NOTHING! It enabled me to have fake friends and have no savings account. Yes, I made bad decisions, and not all of my friends were fake, but that lifestyle was not a very healthy one. These days, I am much better with my finances, and rather than spending it on useless things (to prove status), I am now focused on giving back to the people and things that matter most in my life. Don't get me wrong, I still like nice things, but I don't need it like I use to think I needed it back then. Beachbody has made me stronger on the inside and the outside, and I am very thankful for that.

8.  HELPING OTHERS - This is something that I have always enjoyed doing. Even when I hosted parties and events for a living, I felt like I was doing something good by offering a service that made people happy. I have always been about putting people first before me, and Beachbody Coaching has allowed me to take that to the next level. Rather than breaking up marriages (yes, my parties were pretty crazy) and promoting hedonism, I am now able to help people in a more positive way by helping them live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Team Dynasty - Join Our Team!

Well there you have it, the TOP 8 Ways Beachbody has Changed My Life! Just ask any successful Beachbody Coach, and they will tell you stories upon stories on how this company has been a game changer. If you would like more information on becoming a Beachbody Coach on my team, please feel free to click here, or connect with me on facebook! I look forward to meeting with you soon =)

Related Links:
- What is Beachbody Coaching?
- TOP 7 Reasons Not to Become a Beachbody Coach
- What is the Beachbody Challenge?



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BEST Outdoor Gyms in Bangkok, Thailand

Best Outdoor Gyms in Bangkok, Thailand

I've been impressed with the health and fitness community in Bangkok, Thailand. There are a plethora of gyms and outdoor parks to help you stay active whether you are a local or someone just like me who is just passing through as a traveler.

I've been to a few gyms in Bangkok, but there is just something about working out at an outdoor park. It's like being primal, and being one with nature. There are plenty of outdoor parks in Bangkok, but not all of them have outdoor gym equipment. I have listed and added some photos of the two best outdoor gym parks in Bangkok. If you ever make it out to Thai Country, and you are looking for a place to workout for cheap or FREE, then you'll want to bookmark this page!

BENCHASIRI PARK

I really liked this park! It was only quick 10-12 minute walk (or 5 min run) from my downtown guesthouse. There are lots of activities that you can do here such as people watching, picnic, taking your kids to the playground, playing outdoor sports with the locals like: skateboarding (yes, there is a mini skate park), volleyball, badminton, basketball, swimming and running (2k per lap). And if you want to workout, then there are lots of outdoor fitness equipment throughout the park. The area that I liked best was where the benches and pull up bars were (towards the back of the park). This is where most of the locals go to do calisthenics and really show off their strength. There are also some food vendors offering snacks and beverages, non-alcoholic of course.

Benchasiri Park - Bangkok, Thailand (Sukhumvit Rd)

Workout Equipment

 Snacks, Beverages, Bag Storage, and WC available

Workout Photos from Benchasiri Park

Benchasiri Park Address:
Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
(Next door to the Emporium Shopping Complex) 

LUMPHINI PARK

This is the BEST outdoor gym park in Bangkok hands down! If you are a workout enthusiast, then you definitely want to check out Bangkok Gym, which is the largest outdoor gym area within Lumphini Park. There is nothing fancy about the gym equipment, and it's very basic, but it had everything that I needed to do my workouts. Bangkok Gym is free for locals, and only 20 Baht ($0.60 cents) day pass fee for non-locals. I loved the fact that you could do your strength workouts, and go out for a run in the park. The running/bike path (2.5km) runs right in front of the outdoor gym. There are also all kinds of other fitness equipment throughout the park which is along the running path. If you would rather workout indoors with A/C, then the park also has an indoor gym which you have to be a member, and membership is only 40 Baht per year, that's $1.21 USD =) This membership also includes a nice swimming pool. Talking about super cheap! Almost every night after 5:30pm there is a free group cardio workout at the park.  

"Bangkok Gym in Lumphini Park is like the Venice Beach of Bangkok, but without the beach"

Lumphini Park - Bangkok Thailand

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Fun and Easy to Moderate Equipment

Bangkok Gym - Lumphini Park

Bangkok Gym Workout Photos - Lumphini Park

(I did a modified P90X/Body Beast using Gym Equipment)

How to do P90X at the Gym - Click here!

Indoor Gym and Pool Area - Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park Address:
Rama 4 Road,Wangmai,Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand

Watch Video from Lumphini and Benchasiri Park - Bangkok, Thailand

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