Selecting a workout program..

As far as selecting a workout program.. it really depends on what your fitness goal is. For me, I created a Fitness Program Wish list:

1) I knew I needed to lose weight which meant= majority of the at home program needed to be cardio/ fat burn

2) I wanted something fun that I knew I wouldn't quit after the first day.

3) I typically like programs with female trainers, good music, or that are VERY motivational- another reason to make sure I go back to it on Day 2! :)

4) A program that is versatile with length of time for each workout(some days are crazy, and I only have 20 minutes or even less)! Therefore, I needed something that was good for days when I had enough time to dedicate 1 hour, and good for days when I only had 20 minutes or less! These were all factors I considered when choosing my first program.

I recommend that everyone kind of make a "wish list" almost like you do when you buy a house before you pick a workout program. When I selected my second program, I considered the following:

1) I need to tone/ improve strength

2) I need something that will challenge me, now that my endurance has increased

3) With the last program, there was a 2 minute drill in the middle section of the workout at a high intensity, and I actually like drills and feel that is how I increased some of my endurance levels.

4) I need to continue something with good music/ or a motivational trainer.

Luckily, with pretty much every single Beachbody program, the motivational trainer thing isn't difficult to find. Sean T (Insanity & Rockin' Body), Tony Hortin (P90X), and Chalene Johnson (Turbo Jam & Turbo Fire), are all very motivational. As far as good music,you'll find that more with Sean T, and Chalene Johnson. Once you have made your "wish list" and it reflects what your ultimate goal is, here is a great chart that breaks it down with everything you may have requested from your "wish list". Here is the link to the chart:

http://images.beachbody.com/tbb/tbbredesign/comparison_chart/chart_slider.htm

I understand how important selecting a good program is, because it is an investment in your time, money, & most importantly health & fitness! Click on the tabs above to view which programs fall into each category. For example: If you are looking for something quick, click on the tab "Express" and each program that is "express" will be listed with a brief description. From there, make a list of a few "potentials", and then read the full descriptions of them under "Fitness Programs"

I hope you found this helpful. If you need further assistance with finding a good workout program, message me on facebook or pop me an email at: palmpost02@gmail.com . I check my messages daily!

A common place...

Early 20's & not a care in the world. Trying to prove that we could make it on our own to our families, friends, and anyone else we felt was watching. Something all brought us in one common place, that for a short glimpse of our life- became home. One institution: The United States Marine Corps weaved our lives together during this glimpse of our lives. Whether we were the one enlisted, or the spouse of one enlisted, we were all somehow brought to this place to meet one another, bond on some level, and then move on with our lives.

We came from all parts of the US, and listened to one another's stories about what life was like back home, what our friend's were up to, what our families were like. For those of us married, our friends back home thought we were crazy getting married so young, but here nobody judged or mentioned anything of the sort... it was the norm.

This common place happened to be this spec on the map called, Havelock, North Carolina. Home of Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station. Some of us had gotten there before others, and some came and went... but this was our place, our journey for however long we were there for.

For me, I embraced the Southern roots that Havelock had to offer. Squirming as I jumped into a (probably extremely filthy) river where a huge playground for kids of all ages had been built holding hands with another Marine Corps wife (it was a play at your own risk type of thing). Spending days at the ocean with whoever was able to go on that day. Eating at Bojangles (oh yes, greasy, greasy, greasy)! Finding jobs that would bring home some extra money like waitressing the lunch rush at Andy's Cheese steaks on the Marine Corps Base serving Burgers ("all the way") which included, slaw, chili, mustard, and onions. And during my job interview, I had to have that memorized! I also did some mentoring to further my experience in human services.

Having card nights till all hours in the morning, because nobody was there to tell us we couldn't. Even if it was on the roof of our house! Trying to raise puppies (because it seemed there was an overabundance of strays around town), having not a clue what to do with the poor animal- and here I am 8 years later, and she is part of my family! Attending the Marine Corps ball (even if it wasn't with my husband)! Planning extravagant proposals, yes, a typical weekend :)

Grieving a devastating loss together, and just knowing we weren't alone.

No matter what direction life took us in (for some they are still a part of the Marine Corps, other's have moved back home, some are no longer with their spouse) but that is okay... because that is life- forever changing and always dynamic.

For that moment in time, we shared a common place... Havelock, NC. More than a common place, we shared a short period of our lives with one another...