I am really enjoying the BattleFrog Series events because they are very well-organized, the people and the staff are courteous and seem very passionate about what they do. On top of that, the obstacles are high quality, meaning that they have spent some considerable time on them, unlike other events where the obstacles seem unsafe, and just put up to make some quick money. The one thing that I really look for is how a company treats and manages their employees and volunteers. I don't think that there was one obstacle that I went through without a volunteer trying to push and motivate my team and myself. This is what people will remember, a lot more than the obstacles, people will remember how they were treated, and how much you care. I overheard one of the BF staff members talking to a couple volunteers, and this is what he said to them:
"You have to remember that these racers are being challenged, they are tired, and maybe on the verge of quitting. We cannot let that happen, we have to motivate them, push them past their comfort zones, and help them find out what they are about"
I really liked that, and I will always remember the BattleFrog Series in that way.
The Elite and Masters Wave Start Line
The BattleFrog Atlanta event was hosted at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA. I was very familiar with this location as this is where I did one of my coldest races in my career, the Georgia Spartan Sprint. The layout for the BattleFrog was totally different which I really liked, but there seemed to be a lack of hills this time, but the back to back obstacles definitely made up for it. I really enjoy fast courses, and this event had some good trail runs.
If you haven't signed up for a BattleFrog Event, I encourage you to make a point to do so. They have courses for every fitness level including children and even a place for the extreme endurance athlete. I think there were a couple people who did 6 laps around the main course which totaled to about 32 to 34 miles, and that's with some extreme obstacles, pretty impressive if you ask me. My team "Team Dynasty OCR" did 3 laps and earned their BattleFrog Extreme Medal, it was amazing to be there and witness their struggles and their triumphs. That is what our team is all about anyways, it's not about just one person, it's about TEAM.
So anyways, I made a quick 5 minute video of the event, so feel free to watch and share so hopefully we can get more people off the couch and start getting active, because that's what we were all meant to do with our lives. We're all naturally primal, so get out there and be yourself, push your limits, see what you're made of, and most importantly, have fun!!!
Arnel Banawa is a Star Diamond Beachbody Coach focused on ending the trend of obesity and helping the sport of obstacle course racing grow worldwide. Connect with me - click here!
I have been a Beachbody Coach since 2010, and I've heard all kinds of positives and negatives about this opportunity, and I've found that a lot the bad talk is mostly because people do not understand what Beachbody Coaching is really all about, or they "tried and failed" at it, and won't admit that they didn't do what it took to become successful, and now all they can do is talk about how it didn't work for them, but in a bad way. I'd like to clarify some things for you =)
"If you want to be an Entrepreneur, you don't talk to someone who has failed in the business, you get advice from people who have found success"
Beachbody Coaching is definitely not for everyone, but it definitely could be. I don't know anyone in this world who would not want to be more happy, healthy, and fit, let alone surround themselves with people who only want success for them. It's really that simple!
Here are some STRAIGHT UP FACTS about this sometimes misunderstood "business":
- GET RICH QUICK:
This is a 2-5 year plan! Yes, as a Beachbody Coach, you can earn immediate income with thousands of dollars in commissions every week, but to be able to do this as a full-time gig with a Six-Figure Income (residuals) or more, it can take 2-5 years of consistent hard work, but isn't that better than working 20-40 years of your life for a boss?
- PERSONAL TRAINERS:
Beachbody Coaching and Personal Training is NOT the same thing. Although the company Beachbody does offer specific certifications for such programs as P90X, Insanity, and PIYO etc, it is not required in order to become a Beachbody Coach. Most Coaches are not even certified, and trust me, it's A ok, it's not about that. Beachbody Coaching is about using the fitness and nutrition programs, getting REAL results, and paying it forward by helping others. Beachbody Coaches are motivators, accountability partners, and life coaches focused on helping people with their fitness and financial goals. I doubt that your personal trainer teaches you about earning financial freedom, if so, he probably would charge you for that too. Beachbody Coaches do this for free!
We Provide Solutions!
- SALESMAN:
Me a salesman? LOL, far from it! One of the most misunderstood things about Beachbody Coaching is that you have to be a salesman. That is definitely not true! Yes, there are some coaches out there that can sell you a car without an engine, but most Beachbody Coaches "hate" selling, and I'm definitely one of them. When was the last time that you referred someone to a nice restaurant? Have you ever encouraged someone to do a Spartan Race or a 5K race? Ever told a friend or family member about the awesome movie that you just watched the weekend before? Beachbody Coaching is about SHARING, not selling. We provide solutions! If you want to sell, go right ahead, but who want's to be a car salesman? Not me!
- PYRAMID SCHEMES:
If you look at the structure of the place where you work, tell me how that looks like. Now tell me who at your workplace makes the most money....most likely it's the guy on the top, the CEO. The biggest organizations and companies that most of you work for are PYRAMIDS (in structure): the government, your job, athletic clubs, and even the structure of a church is a pyramid. FYI, a "Pyramid Scheme" is illegal because it is based on the recruiting of people without any products or services being sold. With Beachbody Coaching, it's the complete opposite. Beachbody Coaches do not get paid for recruiting people, they earn income by moving products and services. Oh, and get this....the person at the bottom has the same opportunity to earn the same amount of income or more as the person at the top, so technically, that's not a Pyramid. Networking Marketing is a billion-dollar industry, and yes, there are some illegitimate companies out there, but that's how it is in every industry! Remember ENRON? So before you diss the Network Marketing Industry, it's pays to do your homework and get educated about this industry because if top leaders like Donald Trump, Warren Buffet and other billionaires are involved in it, then that should tell you something. Before listening to a friend that has failed in this business, try getting advice from someone who is making it happen and succeeding, it makes a huge difference!
- SATURATION:
As long as people continue to have babies =), there will never be a shortage of people who want to be happy, healthy, and pursue financial stability. "Whether you think you can or can't, you're right". If you think that you cannot inspire anyone, you're right. If you think you cannot be anymore successful then you already are, you're right. Beachbody Coaching has so much opportunity, and if you continue to make excuses, it will not happen, but if you continue to make things happen, then the sky's the limit!
- FIGHTING THE OBESITY TREND:
Today, two-thirds of adults and nearly one-third of children struggle with obesity. If obesity rates stay consistent, by 2030, 51% of the population will be obese. That's ridiculous! There is no doubt that obesity is an epidemic, and if there is one thing that would be a perfect reason to become a Beachbody Coach, this is it! Fighting the obesity trend first begins with you! Yes, there are other ways to fight this trend, and I'm not saying that being a Beachbody Coach is the only way to fight back, but what I am saying is that it is a great option to get involved. Whatever you do, and whatever option you decide to take, just make sure that it's all about helping and empowereing others, because that's what Beachbody Coaching is all about. The Beachbody Mission Statement says it all, "To help people achieve their goals and enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life".
My brother and I before and after.
- SHAKEOLOGY PRICE:
Shakeology is Beachbody's #1 continuity product. Yes, there are some coaches who overdo it with all of their annoying Shakeology posts, pictures, and selling tactics, but there is truth to all of this....Shakeology works! No, it's not a magic pill or anything, it's just a great way to get your daily dose of dense nutrition, probably the most healthiest meal of the day. I am not here to try to sell you on Shakeology, but I do encourage you to do your research like I did. Do compare the ingredients to what you are currently consuming, and I promise you that you will understand why Beachbody Coaches and customers are raving about it. Let's just say that there is a huge difference between a Bentley and a Chrysler 300. You get what you pay for. One of the biggest Shakeology Objections is the price of $129 (retail). But think about this, if you were to take one of your favorite meals for 30 days, yes it would be expensive! But if you were to break it down, it would be more appealing "price wise". Shakeology is only a little over $4 per meal, and that's less than a McDonald's combo which has no nutritional value. So rather than talking about price, maybe we should be more focused on what we are putting into our bodies. Remember this, you can be stuffing your face with cheap and processed foods now, and you think you're saving money, but trust me, in the future it will all come back to you with medical bills and meds. Is that the life? You can keep this from happening by living the healthy lifestyle now, and Shakeology can definitely help you with that.
- RESIDUAL INCOME:
This is where the real money is with Beachbody Coaching. It's not about selling products, it's about sharing your success, and helping others by building a team of people who share the same vision. Trading time for dollars is now a thing of the past. Most people will not give this opportunity a real chance and pursue Beachbody Coaching consistently for 2-5 years to achieve this, but for the ones who do, they will live the life they've always dreamed of. Beachbody Coaching is a lifestyle. Imagine earning income while you are sleeping, or making more money while on vacation (then at the office) with your family, that's what Beachbody Coaching can do for you! I am not a rockstar Coach in this business. You will not find me on the leaderboards. I am not an Elite Coach (yet), but if there is one thing that I am really good at, and that is NOT QUITTING. Oh, and if you think this business is all about money and materialism, then you are VERY wrong. I myself am a minimalist, and prefer camping over luxury hotels!! Just ask anyone who I've traveled with, they will tell you that I don't care about money, but there's a difference between money and freedom. This business is about building relationships and having the passion for truly helping people. When you consistently help others become successful, that's when you will be successful. Like I always say......If you want to be miserable, unhappy and broke for the rest of your life, then that's your business, but if you want to be happy, healthy, and financially fit, then that's my business!
- PROVEN SUCCESS SYSTEM:
People think that in order to be great at something, you have to know everything! That is untrue. Beachbody Coaching is not about being perfect, or knowing everything, it's about having the willingness to learn, getting out of the "status thinking" and being open to change. It really is ok to FAIL, if you are willing to learn from it and move on. I continue to fail, but that's how I am able to grow and become better. If I told you that you can eventually earn a six/seven figure income RESIDUAL in 2-5 years if you just follow a simple system, would you do it? Well, I have a proven system that if followed consistently, you will be able to do this. That's the difference between this business and "other" businesses that you will come across. Most people won't share their secrets of success. Most people won't share how they have gained financial freedom, but that's where Beachbody Coaching is different. Beachbody Coaching is about helping others become better than we already are, and that's non-traditional, but it's this same concept that is changing lives everyday, why not you? Who said that you have to punch a time clock everyday? Why would you allow someone to tell you when you can travel or spend time with your family and friends? Don't you deserve better than that? I think so.
One of my weekly residual commission checks from 2013
*Beachbody Coaches get paid weekly (every Thursday)
And there you have it! When people tell me that they absolutely love their jobs, I always say that's fantastic and I truly admire them for that. But when I invite them to travel the world with me, and they say, "I WISH!!, I just don't have the time or the funds to do that", that's when I have to question their freedom. Everyone has their definition of freedom and lifestyle, believe me, I totally understand. There are millions of people out there who love their jobs and let's face it, we need people to fulfill these jobs, but wouldn't it be nice if you had the option to work or not? Now that's freedom! You, yes YOU can have that if you are willing to just live happy, healthy and fit and share it with people, and that's what Beachbody Coaching is all about - straight up!
I know what some of you may be thinking right now, "how in the heck can facebook get me fit?" Well, you're not the only one =) I was pretty oblivious to the concept, but after about 4 years of learning the in's and out's of this social network according to health and fitness, I have accomplished more than I've ever thought possible, and to think that Facebook started from a small college dormitory at Harvard University.
So facebook is definitely not a gym, BUT for most people, it's a "connecter" of people. The brilliant online platform brings people together from all over the world. It doesn't matter if you're from Nepal, or if you workout or not, if you're a Doctor, or a Personal Trainer......facebook has changed the way we communicate and network with each other.
So how does this tie into getting fit? I'm glad you asked, here is how you can GET FIT WITH FACEBOOK:
- FITSPIRATION, "Fitness Inspiration" comes in all shapes, colors and sizes. Most of us, or at least the ones who will admit it, we all follow certain people on Facebook who either motivate or inspire us. I know I have a good handful of people who I follow because they always have some amazing, positive posts. Sometimes when I just don't feel like working out, or I'm having a bad day, these people motivate me to get off my ass up and go to work. Facebook is totally mobile-friendly too, so you can get inspired anywhere! Here's a suggestion that may help you with getting more fitness and positive inspiration.....get rid of the toxic people in your network! You don't need it in your life. The more inspiration you get, it is more likely that you will be motivated to hit the gym, or kill a workout at home.
- ACCOUNTABILITY, This is a big one! We all know that if we don't have anyone to keep us accountable to our health and fitness goals, then eventually we will fall off the wagon, I've been there! Facebook has many fitness support groups specific to certain areas such as: Crossfit, Obstacle Racing, P90X, Paleo, Yoga, Clean Eating...you name it, there is an accountability group out there. The cool thing about this is that, it's all FREE! If you are not into accountability groups, then I would highly recommend that you simply choose an accountability partner from your network. This person should know exactly what your goals are, and you should know his/hers too. It's all about supporting each other 100%. The idea is to stay connected and post messages to each others timelines or direct messages every week to make sure that each of you are staying on point to your fitness goals. Set some workout days together (online or offline workouts), trade clean eating recipes, and maybe start a challenge together!
- CHALLENGEGROUPS, This is not just about accountability, it's more about challenges and real results. Facebook Challenge Groups gives you an opportunity to meet other people who have similar interests as you. Fitness Challenge Groups are all the rage right now on Facebook. No gym, no worries. A Fitness Challenge Group can give you the same camaraderie, motivation, and of course accountability that you can find in any gym environment. There are video chats, and even online workouts! I know that when I did P90X for the first time, I would not have been able to stay motivated if I didn't have an online challenge group of people motivating me and keeping me on point. Unlike some free accountability groups, the challenge groups sometimes require a small investment. Regardless, the challenge is real, and it is set up to get you the best results possible because of the amount of commitment that is there versus a group that is just free. Whenever there is money on the line, that's when people take their health and fitness a lot more seriously.
One of my current Online Challenge Groups on Facebook
- CONNECTIVITY, Facebook is all about networking and staying in touch. Connecting with people is as easy as saying, "hey, are you on Facebook, let's connect!". I've done this many times! It doesn't matter if you are at your kids soccer game, a obstacle race, the gym, or traveling....facebook is there to help you stay connected with the people that you meet. So the next time you meet someone who inspires you, motivates you, and is just a downright positive person, then I highly recommend that you connect with that person on Facebook, because the more positive you have in your life, the better your life will be, and that is important to get the motivation that you need to live a healthy and fit lifestyle.
- INTEGRATED APPS, There are a lot of fitness apps out there that you can integrate with Facebook such as Nike Run, Runkeeper, and more. The cool thing about these apps is that when you synch it with Facebook, your friends can LIKE it, and depending on the app, it will motivate you with notifications such as clap or hoorah while you are running or training. Just another way Facebook can get you fitness motivated, and inspired to keep going.
So there you have it! Facebook is not just for gossip, drama, and non-productivity. Facebook can be used to your benefit and can really help with your health and fitness goals, it's all about connecting with the right people. Interested in joining one of my Online Fitness Challenge groups?Message me, and I'll be happy help you.
Workout anytime, anywhere, it's just that simple!
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Colorado Spartan Sprint - Ft Carson, Colorado - 2015
This was my 4th year attending this event and every year it gets better and surprisingly TOUGHER! The event location slightly changed and was moved near Gate 7 off of highway 115, it was a little further, but in my opinion, the terrain and festival area just felt better, I guess because it was in a very remote location in the mountains. The elevation changes were ridiculous!
WATCH FULL VIDEO BELOW!
I arrived in Colorado Springs a few days before after participating and filming the Atlas Race in Kansas City (watch video here). Prior to the Colorado Spartan Sprint, I was able to get my breathing acclimated by running around some of the CO trails, as well as attending an OCR training session at PCR Fitness before the race. Training with my Training Mask at home with my P90X workouts and running helped a lot as it was not as difficult to adjust to the elevation. I was training with a 6,000 ft elevation setting on my mask.
Running the Barr Trail at Manitou Springs after the Manitou Incline
OCR Training at PCR Fitness:
The event at Ft. Carson overall was fantastic other than the weather. Spartan Race had to close down the event twice on Saturday, and once on Sunday because of poor weather conditions such as sporadic thunderstorms and even some hail.
Filming the Elite Females on Sunday
At any rate, the Colorado Spartan Sprint is one of my favorite races of the year, and I plan to continue the tradition every year. Feel free to watch my video from Saturday and Sunday, and if you participated in this event, comment below what you thought was the toughest obstacle, and your overall experience. Hope to see you at the next one! =)
Colorado Spartan Sprint - Ft. Carson, Colorado - 2015
Getting the World Healthy and Fit While Traveling the World
Digital Nomads are individuals who leverage technology to work remotely and live independently. When I began my journey as a Beachbody Coach in 2010, I started out like most people in that business, we all started part-time while earning income through a full time J.O.B. As time progressed, I was able to pick up some momentum in my coaching business by starting a local fit club to help the community get off the couch. It was a great way to meet people while sharing our amazing Beachbody fitness and nutrition products, the very same products that I used to rid myself from the toxic lifestyle that I was living before my fitness journey. FYI, I am not just some Coach trying to sell products, I am far from that. Beachbody has changed my life, and all I do is share what it has done for me. To me, that's not selling (besides, the idea of selling just annoys me lol) when you totally believe and are passionate about something, it's simply sharing. And that's all I do.
After 2 1/2 years of working my Beachbody Business consistently, I was able to rid myself from my 3 jobs, and pursue Beachbody Coaching full time. I eventually took my coaching business all online, and left the fit club business to my coach team. This is where the digital nomadic lifestyle comes in, and something that I have always wanted to do. I always envisioned myself traveling around the world with nothing but my backpack and my macbook, and my dream has finally come true.
Hosting an Online T25 Fit Club while at Cafe Du Monde - New Orleans, LA
There are different types of Digital Nomads out there, some being that they actually still have a job, but they are able to work remotely anywhere around the world. And then you have ENTREPRENEURS. I am part of the latter group as I am my own boss, and do not work under a company, pretty much....I am not an employee for any company. I believe that this is the ultimate in living the Digital Nomadic Lifestyle because you are able to work anytime you want and anywhere without deadlines from a so-called BOSS. Oh yeah, as an entrepreneur, I still set deadlines for myself, but at least it's for me, and not someone else.
I never travel without my Shakeology
Now there are Beachbody Coaches out there that do not consider themselves a Digital Nomad because they actually have a home base, and they are not traveling from place to place, and frankly, not all Beachbody Coaches love travel as much as I do. These types of Beachbody Coaches are just simply home-based business owners, but can easily become a Digital Nomad if they begin to have a keen interest in wanderlust, which is the impulse to wander and explore the world.
Being nomadic is freedom to me. I actually feel AT HOME, when I am not at home. Travel is something that I truly enjoy, and to be able to just pick up and go, and take your work or business with you is something that not too many people can do. My Beachbody business has allowed me to experience what I have always dreamed of, and isn't that what life is all about, doing what you've always dreamed of?Setting goals and achieving them?
One of my favorite spots in Siem Reap, Cambodia
As a successful Beachbody Coach and Digital Nomad, my goal is to continue to help people learn about living the healthy and active lifestyle while promoting the beauty of independent world travel. We all have our own dreams, goals and aspirations. Whatever you do, do it with passion and help people along the way, it will make all the difference. See you on the beaches of the world!
Always off to the next destination - Stay active and never stop exploring!
Would you like to work with me? For more information on becoming a Beachbody Coach on my team and living out your dreams, click here and fill out the Coach Application, then message me on Facebook here! Looking forward to meeting you =)
Start a Fitness Journey today! Live a happier and healthy life, you deserve it!
OCR Legend Hobie Call and I - Atlas Race Kansas City - 2015
This was my first Atlas Race that I have ever attended and filmed for my OCRTUBE.com project. It was fairly small but very well-organized. Hosted at Clinton State Park, it's the very same place where the Ironman is organized, so it was the perfect venue for an obstacle course race.
Watch the Full Race Video Below!
I ended up doing some primitive camping around the lake while I was there, and although the weather wasn't that great with rain and thunderstorms, I made the best of it, and I really don't mind roughing it =). I even did some P90X Yoga and some early runs in the morning, it was great!
I think the best way to explain what an Atlas Race is, I would say that it's a cross between a Spartan Race and a Warrior Dash. For me, there is never too many OCR (obstacle course racing) companies out there, and I for one love helping each and every one of them succeed, and that's why I started my OCRTUBE.com project which is focused on helping the sport of OCR grow by creating "NO BS" race videos, as well as a free athlete community to help network people together in a niche sport. Eventually I plan to work with a handful of select charities to help give back as well. OCRTUBE.com is basically a hobby of mine, I am a Full Time Beachbody Coach, and it is my coaching business that fully funds my OCR passion and projects. It's been a blessing to become quite the Digital Nomad and just travel, film, and race, I'm definitely not complaining =)
2nd Place Female Jennette Gardner
With Michael Mark (Atlas Pro Team) and OCR Elite Joseph Kauder
With Sarah Pozdol, Training Program Director for Atlas Race
Anyways, if you missed the Atlas Race in Kansas City, no sweat, that's why I was there....to film the event and share it with all of you! So enjoy my video and feel free to share it with your friends and family, and don't forget to sign up for the next one by clicking here!
I love doing my workouts everywhere: outdoors, indoors, the gym, the mountains....anywhere! Being from Florida and living at sea level can be a disadvantage though, so by using a Training Mask, it helps me simulate high-altitude training, it's like working out and running up on the mountains.
I know this Training Mask can look a little crazy, and I've scared a few people using it when running on some trails =). It doesn't help when they can hear my Darth Vader type of breathing either ha ha! There is no doubt that it is an attention grabber, but aside from all of that, it's a great thing to have for every athlete, and I highly recommend it.
It is suggested that you limit your Training Mask workouts to 20-30 minutes per session, and use it mostly for HIIT (high intensity interval training), which is perfect for me when I am doing my in-home Beachbody workouts such as Insanity Max 30, Asylum and P90X3. I did go over a bit with this Insanity Asylum Vertical Plyo workout which was about 38 minutes long. I definitely felt the struggle, but it felt good. I did take off the mask a couple times to hydrate during the workout.
In my opinion, I would not use the Training Mask if you are currently having breathing issues at sea level. I would recommend that you get your breathing down first before implementing the Training Mask into your workouts. If you do decide to use it, then just listen to your body, and if it gets to intense, simply take it off. There are 6 different settings from 3,000 ft all the way up to 15,000 ft of elevation training. I mostly use the setting for 6,000, but it all depends on the workout as well.
Check out my video below, and see how I workout at 6,000 ft of elevation indoors in Florida. Interested in the Insanity Asylum Challenge (30 Days) message me here, I have online challenge groups forming now, and I'd love to have you train with us!
Watch Video:
Take the Insanity Asylum Challenge - Become Elite in 30 Days! Free Coaching!
