My Gypsy Summer.. (part one)

When summer began, I was caught up in my obsession with "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding"... It's a spectacle and I decided that I'd like to make my summer be one as well. With just under a month left of summer, the whole "gypsy" thing has become WAY more than just an album title. Here have been the highlights thus far:

San Diego, California

We traveled down the coast to celebrate Katy's 26th Birthday. Highlights included: Tim McGraw with The Band Perry and Luke Bryant. Katy's Birthday. Johnny B makin it rain. Bubs.

Los Angeles, California

Last minute trip down to attended the Beachbody Coach Summit. Workouts with amazing trainers like Brett Hoebel, Shaun T, Debbie Siebers, Tony Horton and Leandro Carvahlo and great speakers including CEO Carl Daikler and Beachbody coach Marlee Matlin.

Soledad, California

Why? Because it's happening there - haven't you seen the billboard? Fireworks at the classiest 4th of July party (complete with Jalapeno eating and Cha Cha Slide competitions) - not to mention a special cameo from a pretty rad guy

Savannah, Georgia

Spent most days at Crossfit Hyperformance or playing with Baby Riley. Couldn't have asked for a more perfect visit to see one of my best friends, Quinn (who just so happens to be an amazing mother - check out her blog: here) 

 Las Vegas, Nevada

PF Changs, Moon, Wet Republic, The Earl of Sandwich, Kaskade at Marquee, Planet Hollywood Pool Party, Ray J, Oh Canada, Vanity

...and the odds and ends

Visiting my cousin Andrea and her babies Will and Delaney

 Ashton Shephard at Club Rodeo, wakeboarding at Anderson Lake, the Normandy, cruising to a birthday dinner in Hermosa, and beach yoga in Santa Cruz

   and a couple of Giants games for good measure

Search for a "soulmate"...

Beachbody's Chalene Johnson believes that one of the steps to guaranteed weight loss is finding a "soulmate workout" (something you look forward to and is almost a treat for you to do).. She says it's important to remember that the first workout program that you try might not be your "soulmate" and that just like dating, you can't just date one person and when it doesn't work out give up on love. Continue trying other workouts, and cross training with a variety of different activities until you find your "soulmate".

After two weeks of 'courtship' with Shaun T, I can say with almost absolute certainty that Insanity is NOT my soulmate workout. It was at this point last time I tried Insanity (about a year ago) that I threw in the towel and "gave up on" the program. I know that I struggle to push play because Insanity challenges me and forces me into plenty of uncomfortable moments. But isn't it true that life begins outside of our comfort zone? With that mindset, I have decided to stick with it and am determined to complete all 60 days! Today marked my two-week Fit Test, where I measure my progress. I decided not to look at my baselines before doing it so that I was truly getting an accurate measure of my new fitness level, not just trying to pound out a few extra reps to beat my previous results. I did the Fit Test and had to use ridiculous amounts of self control to avoid opening my iPhone note that contained my Initial Fit Test results. It was worth the wait.. after 14 days of Insanity (plus my leanwithlinder nutrition plan) here are my results:

Initial Result (Two Week Fit Test)
Switch Kicks: 82 (94)
Power Jacks: 42 (50)
Power Kicks: 88 (94)
Power Jumps: 25 (32)
Globe Jumps: 12 (13)
Suicide Jumps: 15 (20)
Push-up Jacks 16 (24)
Low Plank: 45 (52)

While comparing progress, I felt an insane amount of pride. I guess that even though Insanity might not be my "soulmate" it'll most likely benefit me more than my last two month relationship ;)

If you'd like to know more about Insanity or other great Beachbody workout programs I'd love to chat.. email me at vickiewags@gmail.com or visit www.teambeachbody.com/vickiewags