Boy, was I wrong.

So as most of you know, Lindsay has been a Team Beachbody coach for a few years now. For the majority of those years, I have been extremely skeptical of that whole process. I had the same reaction that most people have to a multi-level marketing company. Some of those reactions included: “That’s just another pyramid scheme!” “That’s too gimmicky!” However, over the last few months, I’ve changed my mind about this company. 

My mindset started to shift when I found Bodybeast, which is an at  home bodybuilding type program from Beachbody. Before this workout program, I was never a real DVD workout fan. I started that program and did it in totality. I loved it. During this time, I also started to be much more diligent about having Shakeology daily. It not only tastes amazing but it is all natural and its ingredients are sourced from  high quality verified farms. It has a whole host of benefits but the main reason I drink it, is to ensure that I’m getting what I am missing from my normal diet. It is like drinking a multi-vitamin. So, the products started to sell me on the company. I went ahead and signed up as a coach because we were killing some Shakeology each month and wanted the discount. And so it begins....

Each year, Beachbody has what they call their Coach Summit. Lindsay had wanted to go for a couple of years but it was never really been close to us. Last year, they announced it was coming to Nashville so she signed us up. We drove to Nashville to attend this summit and it was a truly amazing experience. From beginning to end, it is clear that Beachbody truly cares about their coaches. The whole weekend was spent giving back to them. This wasn’t the biggest selling point for me though. It was being around 25,000 other like-minded individuals who truly cared about the people they are helping. The overall theme of the weekend was Every One Matters. They lived that slogan throughout the weekend and its clear that everyone in the company from top to bottom believe in that motto daily. The other thing that blows me away about this company is that they truly exist to help people. Each of their products is designed to lead somebody to a healthier life. They offer a vast array of products and you’d be hard pressed to not find a product that works for you. After this weekend, I am completely blown away by this company and can't wait to have others share this company with me.

After listening to Dewitt Jones speak at Summit, it is clear to me that my passion for helping others needs to be rerouted. I have spent the last 10 years in public safety, which is a reactive line of work. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy doing public safety, but I feel like my passion is helping others before their life becomes a crisis. I am committed to helping others find their best self and maximizing their potential. Beachbody will be one of the main vehicles I use in helping people achieve their best. Please reach out to me if you need help on your journey. I am here to help.

In health,

Tim

Shaun T vs. Chalene: 30 Day Challenge!

Who doesn't love a good competition? :)

We'll start Monday, August 4th. There will be two groups: one of folks who choose a Shaun T workout program and the other of those who pick Chalene. Whoever has the greatest transformation of the two groups at the end of 30 days wins a prize!!

Rules are simple:
#1 You must follow the program schedule for 30 days of any Shaun T or Chalene program. Don't own a program by either trainer? No worries, we got you! Just go to http://www.beachbodycoach.com/lindsayfarrar and click on the Shop tab (a new window will open) and you can search programs by trainers: choose any program by EITHER Shaun T OR Chalene Johnson!

#2 You must take before and after photos and measurements. You don't have to share these with anyone other than us, should you wish, but they're a must - it's how we'll determine who wins!
If you want in, let us know by messaging us on social media or emailing us! If you need to order a program, do so NOW so you'll have it in time to start August 4th! Not sure which program to get/do, just ask us and we'll guide you to the one that's right for you! :) Let's do this!! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube

Email: fitwithfarrar@gmail.com

Old Mind - Meet New Body

 That precious little creature turned 7 months today...

I've noticed time moving faster for the last 5 or so years....but nobody told me that it would move at absolute warp-speed when you have a baby. WOW.

Honestly, having a child is full of a lot of things that you weren't prepared for (and there really isn't a way to prepare!) One of which, I want to address today....

I went bikini shopping yesterday.
I didn't plan to - I had a doctor's appointment in the big city that morning, so I decided to make a "Mommy Day" of it. I got my nails done and went shopping. First stop was, of course, the shimmering pot of gold that is Target.

In case you haven't been in a Target lately, the bathing suits are out. FRONT AND CENTER, as soon as you walk through the doors.

"Well, I'll just see if anything strikes my fancy."

And something did - a super cute red bikini, and the bottom had navy polka dots! Cute, sassy, love it.

I was realistic. I snatched up a XL top for my bosoms and hesitated with the M, so went for a L for the bottom. Off to the dressing room I went!

My thoughts as I put the suit on:

"Ugh, I need some color. Everything looks better with a little sun."

"Lemme do the ol' lift and tuck on these puppies (boobs). There. Hmm, can I wear this now that I'm a mom? Too much cleave?"

"Ok, there we go."

When I was all strapped in and faced the mirror front-on, that's where things got squirrelly.

"Why does my upper body have to be so damn fluffy?"
"I wish my boobs were a little smaller; they make me look big."
"Ugh, my f**king waist is SO WIDE. When did it become so wide?!?"
"Stand bo-legged, thigh gap!"
"My stretchmarks on my inner thighs are getting darker. What the actual f**k?"
"I really need to do leg day twice a week; my entire lower body is FOR SH*T!"

I bought the bikini. Checking out I calculated how long I had until Memorial Day weekend. Obviously, I workout 6-7 days a week and I try to eat healthfully 80% of the time, and while I really try hard not to fat shame myself or anyone else, that's essentially what I had just done.

Healthy living fail.

Being the self-aware trained therapist I am, driving home, I tried to do some damage control. I focused on the fact that it was only 7 months since I gave birth..

"Getting your body back takes time, Lindsay."
"Even Jamie Eason looked considerably different 7 months postpartum in her Instagram pics"

That helped, but here's what made it click for me...old mind, meet new body:

This lower body helped me to carry a baby to 40 weeks, 5 days and continue working out up until the day I gave birth. Hell, I was doing laps on the stairs with Tim and my doula after my water broke.

This waist and its widened-self is a reminder of what my sweet baby boy once called his home. It's where I kept him safe for 10 months while he grew.

The fluffiness is that layer of fat I have over strong muscles. These muscles are what gave me the strength to naturally deliver Everett. I'll never forget how it felt to reach down and use those "fluffy arms" to pull that boy onto my "big boobs".

My entire life has permanently changed since the moment I became a mother, and maybe parts of my body have too. And that's okay.

Will I still continue leading a healthy lifestyle? Yes.
Will I continue to make goals for myself and my body? Yes.
Will I do a better job of practicing self-love and recognizing my body's achievements? Yes.

In Health,

Lindsay

Find What You Love...No, Seriously. Find it. Then Do It.

When people reach out to us for fitness coaching or advice, they are often surprised that we actually have a lot of questions for them first....

That's because when you are trying to make a permanent lifestyle change in fitness, you have to find something you love.

It's like when you decide to marry someone.....you've tried others in the past and for whatever reason(s), it didn't work, but then you met "The One" and you learned about each other, things clicked, and BAM, you're ready for a life together.

Same concepts apply to making a lifetime commit to health and fitness. For something to theoretically last forever, you have to really love it!!

Dabble around....try the gym, try at home workouts, try group fitness classes, try CrossFit. Even though we are a "fitness duo", we are pretty different in our fitness love lives: he is 99% CrossFit and 1% running/biking, while Lindsay is 99% home workout programs and 1% miscellaneous (usually CrossFit).

Moral of the story is this: when you dabble around and try some or all of the different options related to fitness, chances are, you'll find things you really enjoy and you'll find things that you probably won't ever do again :) That's the point....find what you love, then do it.

In Health,

Tim and Lindsay
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P.S. - Lindsay needs this shirt for Christmas:

Hot Mom/Body After Baby Challenge

Hi y'all! It's Lindsay. At the end of June, I put out a feeler on our Facebook page about hosting a "Hot Mom" Challenge, starting in September. This is both accountability for me after having Everett, but also a way to get other moms involved who are self-conscious, having trouble, not feeling how they want to feel, or just wanting to be healthier after having a baby. There was a HUGE response, so I'm definitely moving forward with the challenge!

Below are the details....everything you need to know! You will have until August 31 to sign up to be a part of this.

Hot Mom/Body After Baby CHALLENGE

• Starts September 9th and runs for 90 days, ending December 7th. 
• You must commit to the following:
• Exercise program; both at-home and gym programs will be offered, but you have to commit to an actual program/schedule. 
• 80/20 Clean Eating (Eating clean 80% of the time, with some wiggle room 20% of the time)
• Taking before and after measurements and pictures (You don't have to share them, but I want you to have them to track your success!!)
• In return for your commitment, you will receive:
• Exercise AND nutrition support, guidance, and coaching
• Private Facebook group to share your victories, challenges, concerns, whatever with myself and the other challenge members 
• I will be logging my food on MyFitnessPal (free website/app) and will give access to anyone who wishes to see how and what I eat. I will also gladly monitor and give feedback to anyone else who logs their food.

There is no charge for participating in this challenge. Yep - this is FREE. Only costs will be related to if you need to purchase an exercise program. 

To sign up, please comment below or message us on Facebook your email address. I'll contact you that way and invite you to the private Facebook group. 

We've hosted challenges in the past with great success...challengers always lost weight/inches/sizes, but more importantly, established healthy habits and felt better about themselves!

LET'S DO THIS!!

In Health, 

Lindsay

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Let's Clarify Some Things, Shall We?

Hello there! The Lindsay-half of Fit with Farrar today :)

The two of us are almost always moving at a bazillion miles an hour.

Guilty.

For the past couple of years, we've grown our knowledge, focus, and interest in health and fitness, and it has and continues to spread out over various mediums.

We take for granted that most people are paying attention and can keep up with our goings-ons, when in reality, that's not always the case.

Thus - this blog post to help clarify!! YAY bullet points!

 1. Fit with Farrar is OUR brand. The term was coined in 2010, initially developed to solely be Lindsay's project and focus on her Beachbody journey. Admittedly, it fell to the way-side for a while, but in March 2012, we decided to take a new direction with it and turn it into what you see today!

 2. Speaking of Beachbody - yes, I (Lindsay) am and will continue to be an Independent Team Beachbody Coach. Beachbody programs CHANGED MY LIFE and I continue to use several of them on a regularly basis (not to mention drink Shakeology every day). The company is absolutely top-notch, the products are like nothing else in the at-home workout market, and I love being a part of their mission to end the trend of obesity. Annnddd, let's be real - the extra income is a bonus ;-) If you're ever interested in the income part, don't hesitate to contact me!

 3. We are not (yet) licensed or certified in nutrition or personal training. We do have a considerable amount of knowledge about both, but we never want anyone to have the wrong impression. We've found that most people don't give a rat's ass that we aren't certified and still want to work with us, BUT - this post is for clarification. So there you go. Note: We both will be getting certified in the near future, and at that point, we will likely start charging for our services (take-home point: get us for free while you can! kidding, kinda)

 4. Our mindset has been and continues to be this: not one type of working out is going to work for everyone and not one type of eating is going to work for everyone. We are focused on individuals and finding what works for them and their individual needs. While we love Beachbody programs and Crossfit, that doesn't mean that's all we can help you with. Our knowledge is pretty vast (and always growing), so please don't think we will pigeon-hold you or that we can't help you because you don't like the stuff we like.

So to summarize (because I love a good summary): Fit with Farrar is a passion we share that we are growing into a business. We think of ourselves as coaches/mentors and will soon have the certifications to back it up. We can help you with virtually anything and everything related to health, fitness, and nutrition: from recommending a workout program, to having you locals come to our house and workout with us, to helping you find a nutrition/meal plan that will help you make the life change. We're here. We want to help.

Love you guys! Thank you for all the support!

In Health,

Lindsay (and Timothy is spirit!)
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Coaching Opportunity

If you're reading this blog - it's probably because you have some level of interest in health and fitness and how it all fits into a "regular person's" busy lifestyle!!

Please take a little less than 5 minutes to watch the video at the end of this post to find out how we turned our journey going from this:

December 2007

To this:

Nearly 100 lbs GONE! Photo Credit: Laura Gordon Photography

....into an income for us!

Hope to hear from you soon!!

In Health,

Lindsay and Timothy
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Lindsay's Beachbody Journey (So Far!)

Hello hello! I hope that our American friends had a wonderful fourth of July holiday.

This time of year, particularly July, makes me feel happy and my heart is full! I always reflect on the time, now two years ago, when my life changed!

It was May 2010 and I was overwhelmed with life - I was working full-time in a really challenging job, I was in graduate school full-time, and I was interning as a therapist part-time. I had an hour commute in and an hour commute out, so Monday through Friday, I was working or on the road 15+ hours each day - and boy was my body showing it! I was tired, irritable, constantly anxious. In my 2nd year, my graduate program *thankfully* focused a lot on self-care...basically that as future therapists, we needed to make extra certain we made time for taking care of ourselves, so that we could better help other people. I took that to heart and realized I needed to find something to do FOR ME!

I researched and researched - I knew I wanted to do a fitness program, and it had to be something I could do at home, because with 15+ hour workdays, I wasn't going to throw going to the gym into that crazy mix. I ended up buying ChaLEAN Extreme. Chalene Johnson seemed fun, nice and cute...someone who would motivate me! 

How could this NOT motivate you?!

I received the program and ended up working out at 3:45 am (yes, you read that correctly) every morning. There was an adjustment period, for sure, but when my body started thanking me with more energy and less irritability, EVEN THOUGH I was still working 15+ hour days, I was HOOKED!

I didn't know when I bought ChaLEAN Extreme that I could have a coach (for free!) to help motivate me. My first coach was a dud and never reached out to me, but this wonderful woman named Bridget did and I switched to her immediately! She mentioned Shakeology to me, sent me some samples - and BAM! I was in Results City, USA!! With working out and drinking the shakes, I had lost 10 pounds, 13 inches, and 4 jean sizes!! Better than that - I was feeling good about myself!! I was more efficient at work, my school work and internship didn't bog me down as much....life was wonderful!

I was sharing my experience with all my friends and family - and taking a lot of selfies :)

And apparently wearing a lot of red!

It didn't take long for me to start getting questions about what I was doing - and I gladly told them! Bridget, my Beachbody coach, kindly relayed to me that if I became a coach, not only could I get discounts on the products, but I could make some extra income by doing what I was already doing - sharing my results with other people and helping them jumpstart their journey.

At first - I was skeptical....really skeptical. I wasn't sure this was right for me - I wasn't a salesperson, I didn't want to have to "sell" anybody on anything, that just sounded icky! Plus - I was already working full time, in grad school full-time, and interning...could I handle another thing added to my plate?!? So again, I did my research, listened to some people's stories, and realized you aren't selling - this isn't like Avon, Thirty-One, etc. You are sharing how you changed your life, and if people want to change theirs too, they can join you. That's all! And you put however much time and effort into it as you see fit. 

So in July 2010, I became a Beachbody coach! Initially, I just wanted to make enough to cover my monthly Shakeology order, and anything else was just a bonus. I did that until I finished my Master's and life slowed down a bit, then I realized I could really devote more time to this and try to help more and more people! I focused less on the money and more on the people, and ironically, my little side-income GREW from that change in focus! I continued to do Beachbody programs....after ChaLEAN Extreme, I did TurboFire, then Insanity, P90X, Les Mills Pump, etc. etc.!

Yep, looking back on all this always makes me smile! Being a Beachbody coach has introduced me to so many GOOD people....they are all positive, motivated, passionate people and I love to surround myself with all the good vibes they put off! 

Super Saturday Event!

P90 "X" me :)

Oh yeah! WORKOUT TIME!

 

One of my coaches, Danielle!

The additional income has been and continues to be a blessing, but what I love the most about it, and why I will continue to be a Beachbody coach is because 1. They are the best: I am a product of the product and I think they make some of the best programs ever, 2. I love seeing other people succeed. I love to motivate people, help keep them accountable, and I love to celebrate their successes with them, and 3. IT HOLDS ME ACCOUNTABLE!!! If you want motivation to stay on top of your health/fitness game - become a coach! Nothing will help hold you accountable like putting yourself out there as a health/fitness coach!! :-)

Thanks for taking the time to read this as I reflect on my journey. I have come so far and I am committed to helping people make the changes they want to make!

Talk to y'all soon!

In Health,

Lindsay

Beachbody Challenge Pack!

Hi guys and gals - it's Lindsay! Most of you know, my fitness transformation/journey began with and continues to revolve around at-home workout programs. Although I have done and will likely continue to do a variety of programs, 99% of them come from Beachbody. I also am a die-hard Shakeology fan and thoroughly enjoy my shake every day :) Using their programs and shakes has done this body good:

When I talk with people and based on their individual goals, needs, personality, etc. and try to recommend a workout, if it is a Beachbody program, I'm often hit with the money excuses. WELL - no more (at least until July 31, 2012!!)

Beachbody is now offering 30-Day Trial Challenge Packs for only $14.95 until July 31st, 2012! You can choose either P90X, TurboFire, or Brazil Butt Lift AND choose your flavor of Shakeology, PLUS get a club membership to Team Beachbody....all for less than $15!! If you decide you don't want to continue, just send everything back within the first 30 days. If you are seeing results and rocking it and want to continue on, then you will be billed the full amount of the Challenge Pack after 30 days.

I'd love to speak to you one-on-one about this, to answer your specific questions and guide you to the right program for you, so please message below or send me an email: fitwithfarrar@gmail.com. If you know what you want/need and want to order right now, here you go:

1. Go to: http://www.beachbodycoach.com/lindsayfarrar

2. Click on "Shop" (a new window will open)

3. Click on the "Trial Offers" button on the left-hand side

4. Choose a Challenge Pack

5. Check out and get ready to rock out!! :)

IMPORTANT: I am not a sales person. I have not, nor will I ever try to hound anyone into investing in a Beachbody program or Shakeology. I am a thoroughly satisfied, repeat customer of Beachbody - I love what their products do for me and simply enjoy sharing that with other people. And for $15 to try it for 30 days, you have no excuse not to at least try :)

In Health,

Lindsay

Southerners = We Don't Care About Our Health???

For those of you, much like us, who were born, raised, and still live below the Mason Dixon line, how familiar does this sound:

• Everything revolves around food. Someone gets married - let's eat! Someone is sick - send them food! Someone graduated college - out to dinner we go! Someone dies - bring their family food!
  
• Gyms are scarce and working out at home is rarely done on the regular. A fitness regimen isn't a priority.
  
• In true Paula Deen fashion - we only eat things that are fried, dripping in butter, or covered in sugar (or all of the above). But hold on a minute, we do eat our greens...so long as they are cooked with ham hock or in some kind of creamy casserole.
  
• Taking the time, money, and effort to buy and prepare clean foods and to exercise regularly is just plain selfish. We've got huge families to take care of and we're deeply involved in our small community - there just isn't time for that nonsense!! 

We can say these things because we're from this place. We live in the same small town we grew up in, and while the aforementioned sound like stereotypes.....we hear each of them, a lot....a lot a lot! 

And listen - the two of us are NOT perfect! We are often in attendance at those events that revolve around food - and ask our family and friends, we do not eat perfectly clean 24/7! 

But what we want to point out is that if you are using any of those above statements as excuses - we are here to call you out!

Yeah - there probably isn't a gym very close to where you live....but get off your butt and do workouts at home. Either create your own workouts or invest in a DVD program - there are so many different kinds, for all fitness levels, for all interests, for all abilities! Or just go outside!! Take advantage of that beautiful countryside - run, jump rope, ride a bike! But don't just do this a couple days a week - get a heart-pumping, sweat-inducing workout at least 5 days a week!

Try to make just as many family/friend get-togethers revolve around activity as they do food! Get a group of friends together to go bike riding. Invite your family on a hike. Bring so-and-so over to try a new workout DVD together!

Typical southern cuisine is pretty spectacular...we will admit! And there is nothing wrong with indulging - "(mostly) everything in moderation"! But there is nothing spectacular about what happens to your body when you have fried chicken, mac & cheese, and a slice of pie EVERY DAY, especially if you combine that with not exercising!! Make these things only once-in-a-while....you'll appreciate them even more! 

And lastly, there is absolutely, positively, 100000% nothing wrong with putting in the time, money, and effort to take better care of yourself! Not only is it good for you, not only will you feel better, you're relationships will benefit from it ten-fold. You'll be a better parent, you'll be a better spouse, you'll be a better friend....the list is endless. If someone has the audacity to criticize you for buying healthier foods, investing in a workout program, or taking a few hours each week to prep food and workout.....either ignore them and strongly consider the need for that person in your life, or share with them why you do this and the great side-effects from it....maybe you'll inspire them! 

In summary, southerners ≠ not caring about our health. Do not let any heritage, any geographical location, any anything determine the importance you place on your health! 

Now, we realize we might hit a few nerves with this post....and we welcome any feedback: good, bad, or indifferent! You can comment below or email us at fitwithfarrar@gmail.com. 

In Health,

Lindsay & Timothy

Top 5 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Since we have maintained a healthy lifestyle and a nearly 100 pound loss between the two of us for about 3 years now, we think people actually forget that we used to be overweight! Yes, we were both pretty svelte when we first started dating in 2006, but the first couple years of our relationship brought on a whole lotta happy weight! Timothy's doctor was threatening to put him on high blood pressure medication and Lindsay just felt large and puffy. 


We say this today because 1. as aforementioned, we think sometimes people forget where we've come from and think we can't possibly understand how hard it is to lose weight, etc. AND 2. (today's blog topic) to address that losing weight, making a healthy lifestyle...all of that is a journey and all too often, people give up way too fast. 

 Here are five tid-bits to address this problem of giving up too fast/too easily and having no commitment:


1. A true change to a healthy lifestyle does not happen overnight. Huge, drastic changes can often set you up for failure. Start off slow!


2. Fall in love with fitness. Find a style of working out or a particular program that you really enjoy; it'll keep you wanting to come back for more!


3. Don't be afraid to reach out for support. Team Beachbody is great about providing an incredibly motivating and supportive community of people on the same journey as you...and the great part is, membership is free (Click here). Getting your partner, friends, and/or family involved is also a great way to go!


4. Plateaus will happen. Period. Don't let them make you want to give up! Change your workouts, play with your diet...sometimes your body just needs a period of shock to help it be rejuvenated to fight fat!


5. Knowledge is power! Educate yourself on nutrition and physical fitness. The more you know, the more empowered you will be! 

When you first start out - the change might be uncomfortable....but we PROMISE, if you stick with it and keep our top five tips in mind, before long it will be second nature. Eventually, you will feel weird or "off your game" when you miss a workout. You won't have such strong cravings for unhealthy foods. Be committed and you just may surprise yourself! 

Here's a visual summary of our journeys thus far:

We'd love to hear about your journey! Also, if you need some extra support or even just some help to get started, please get in touch with us! Leave a comment or email us: fitwithfarrar@gmail.com


In Health,

Timothy & Lindsay

Better Late than Never

I am a morning exerciser - through and through!!! BUT, today started with lots of travel and errands from the get go....so I just did it!! A good 13-hours later than when I'm normally working out, but I GOT IT DONE!!!

Moral of the story - you'll never regret it when you do (no matter when ;-)), but you always regret it when you don't!!

In Health,

Lindsay

Quick Update (and another video!!)

Hi everyone! Quick update on a couple of things :-)

And We're Live (Sort of)

The experimenting has begun!! I know that I (Lindsay) can spend hours on YouTube....so I figured the Farrars needed to get on board!

That being said - we are active on YouTube now! Here's the first test video:

It's almost the weekend....YAYAYAY!

Great Deal on Fitness Products!

Hey guys and gals! Part of Lindsay sharing her passion for health and fitness with others is done by being a Team Beachbody Coach. Beachbody products have been a STAPLE in her transformation and she's relied on them daily to give her killer workouts without having to go to a gym!!

Beachbody has created this great thing called a "Challenge Pack" where you can get the fitness program of your choice, along with a month's supply of Shakeology, a 30-day free club membership, and other goodies for considerably less than what you would pay for all of them individually!!

If you have been thinking about trying P90X, TurboFire, Insanity, etc. or are curious about the nutritional and weight-loss/management benefits of Shakeology....this is definitely your chance to do so and save some cash!

To get yours, just go to:

http://www.beachbodycoach.com/lindsayfarrar

and click on Shop, then Challenge Packs and have at it!

If you have more questions, about the challenge packs, specific programs, getting a Shakeology sample, anything.....just let us know!

In Health,

Lindsay & Timothy