NEXT CHALLENGE GROUP STARTS ON FEBRUARY 27TH!

What is the Beachbody Challenge?

It’s a health and fitness transformation competition. You’ve heard of the Biggest Loser, right? Well, this is similar except that you do it from home and you can use any Beachbody program you choose! Here are some examples of programs that you can use to complete this challenge: P90X, Insanity, Power 90, TurboFire, and P90X2. Beachbody gives away daily, monthly, quarterly and grand prizes for the greatest transformations! Get fit and win money!!! Read more about the Beachbody Challenge HERE.

What is the TurboFire Challenge Team?

I will be personally coaching a Challenge Team made up of five individuals that are taking the Beachbody Challenge and we are all going to be using TurboFire!

To participate in my Challenge Team you must commit to:

1) Following the TurboFire workout program for 20 weeks (requires that you own a legitimate copy of TurboFire)
2) Drinking Shakeology on a daily basis (requires that you purchase Shakeology on monthly home direct from me)
3) Learning basic nutritional theory and eating to fuel your body for workouts and recovery
4) Posting daily accountability in a private Facebook group viewable only by members of the Challenge Team
5) FINISHING! This isn’t about starting, it is about finishing!

You do not need to be on a Challenge Team to participate in the Beachbody Challenge. The Challenge is open to everyone. What I am offering with the Challenge Team is an added measure of accountability and personal coaching. This will give you much better odds of success than taking the challenge alone or doing a diet and exercise program outside of the challenge altogether.

Here is a preview of TurboFire for your viewing pleasure:

In order to register for my TurboFire challenge team, simply click the button below and fill out the form and get ready to get fit. After your registration form is complete, you will recieve an email (within 24 hours) with final instructions for being added to the group and getting your TuroFire and Shakeology ordered and how you can win money in the Beachbody Challenge. Have questions before you register? Email me at ryan@tribasetraining.com

SEE MY TRIATHLON AND RUNNING CHALLENGE GROUPS HERE

This blog post is intended to give you some info on Beachbody’s latest workout supplement, Energy and Endurance (or “E&E”), and also compare the product with another preworkout supplement from First Endurance called PreRace.

So, first I want to give you the background and circumstances under which I am reviewing this product. There are probably quite a few other reviews on E&E out there on the web right now since there are quite a few Beachbody Coaches like myself who have tried it and have opinions. My review comes from a little bit of a different angle as I am an endurance athlete and am looking to see if E&E can be used as a supplement for long endurance events such as half and full marathons, half and full ironmans, or even just Olympic triathlons where you want a performance boost. I am not interested in using E&E on a regular basis for strength workouts like P90X or P90X2.

PreRace by First Endurance

Just prior to the release of Beachbody’s E&E formula, I had just started testing a product from First Endurance called PreRace. I decided to test it for two reasons: 1) I had read Bob Seebohar’s e-book on Caffeine loading protocol for endurance athletes (CLICK HERE). 2) In 2010, I cut out all caffeine from my diet. Because of that, I knew there was a possibility that preworkout supplements with caffeine would have a profound effect on me and possibly produce a huge performance effect as talked about in Bob’s book. Normally, I try to stay away from supplements like this but I think there is a benefit here that can be realized without compromising too much on a desire to stick with a more natural nutritional approach (as opposed to loading up on any chemical that might make you faster or stronger or whatever your goal may be).

My trials with PreRace, though there were only a few, went quite well. I did two or three long runs (10 or more miles) using 1 scoop of PreRace in my favorite race fuel (Generation UCAN) about 60 minutes prior to the training run. Those runs were some of the best runs I have had this year to be sure. I was alert and was able to keep pace throughout the run and even finished the runs with a faster pace in the last few miles than the rest of the run (which is unusual for me). I did not notice any difficulty with not being able to sleep at night (I only used it for runs in the morning specifically to keep from having that issue). However, I did notice that I had a jittery and shaking feeling right after drinking my prerun drink with PreRace in it. I don’t really like that feeling and consider it a downside to the product.

After a few long runs with PreRace, I did a half marathon. My nutrition protocol was 1 scoop of PreRace and Packet of Generation UCAN 60 minutes before the race and the same thing again at mile 6 which would have been about 100 minutes after the first drink (I carried it in a thick concentrated form on a fuel belt). The results were quite good. Despite a limited training schedule leading up to the race (I was considering it an off-season race and not really pushing for a time…or at least pretending that I wasn’t pushing for a time), I felt amazing and alert during the race and ran a personal best half marathon time. I have to say, I was quite impressed with the product.

Below is a picture of the PreRace Nutrition Facts directly from the First Endurance Website

Beachbody’s Energy and Endurance Formula

So, after Beachbody released E&E, being a Beachbody Coach (read as “someone who gets a 25% discount on the products”), I had to give E&E a try to see how it would fair against something like PreRace. When I read all of the pre-release info from Beachbody, it seemed quite promising and somewhat similar to PreRace but I was still unsure how it would really compare. After all, Beachbody does not make supplements or workouts specifically directed at the endurance athlete (although many of their products work quite nicely for it…more than I think they even realize), but PreRace is made specifically for endurance athletes.

So, as of the writing of this blog post, I have used E&E for three long training runs (no races yet). The runs were 10 miles, 13 miles, and 14 miles. The first thing I noticed while taking E&E was that I did not have that jittery, shaking feeling that I got with PreRace. This was a plus for me but I was worried that I would not get the same performance effect if I wasn’t getting that feeling. I was wrong. All three of the runs were amazing and again I was able to crank up the pace at the end of each of these runs. At this point in my training cycle, at my current weight, and with my limited training time, I would not expect to be having long runs this good.

Below is a the Nutrition Info for E&E directly from Beachbody

Some final words

You will notice from the nutrition facts that there are a lot more ingredients in E&E. This is both good and bad in my opinion. Good because some of the ingredients are good things to have in a preworkout supplement (some electrolytes, vitamins, etc). The reason there are more is partially because E&E is intended to be a drink mix, whereas PreRace is intended to be mixed with some other drink such as other First Endurance products. For this reason (this is the bad part in my opinion), E&E has some dextrose and stevia and some other things to make it taste like a drink on its own without adding anything to it or adding it to something else. While I would personally prefer that E&E be formulated more like PreRace so it is just added to another fuel (since that is how I intend to use it), it simply wasn’t intended for that. However, the 20 calories per scoop is hardly a major deterrent in my opinion and it mixes nicely with my UCAN.

In the end, I like both of these products a lot. However, I will be using Beachbody’s E&E for several reasons:

1) Cost: Beachbody’s E&E is $29.95 for 30 servings and is available with free shipping if you do a monthly autoship program (comes automatically every 30 days). PreRace is only 20 servings for $39.95 with no free shipping option. In addition, as a Beachbody Coach, I get an additional 25% off of the price of E&E. You can find out more about being a coach and getting 25% off HERE.

2) The Jitters: I simply don’t get that jittery, shaking feeling with E&E that I do with PreRace. E&E just feels like smooth, solid energy.

3) Performance: The performance effect is essentially the same if not better for E&E.

My Plan

As I go forward using E&E, my plan is to limit the use to once a week at the most (before very long workouts such as runs longer than 90 minutes or before races). I will not be using this before every workout just to get a boost and I recommend you take the same approach. Just like with any other stimulant, your body can likely build up a tolerance and then you will have to take more to get the effect. In fact, if I can get my long workout in on a day when I am well rested from work and other stresses (like during a day off or when I have had several days off) I will likely not take E&E. The less I can use it, the better it will work on race day…that is my opinion and my plan.
Happy training to you all.

NOTE: If you are using P90X2 and you really want to ramp up your training, you should join one of my challenge groups where you will join a small group of people to keep you accountable. The combination of training peaks and an accountability challenge group could be the answer to finally getting the results you are looking for! Plus, you can win money just for working out! SEE THE CHALLENGE GROUP OPTIONS HERE

When you buy a copy of P90X2, you get a nice workout calendar and a schedule that tells you what workouts to do on which day (although P90X2 is a lot less rigid in the schedule than P90X was - see my P90X plans in training peaks here). In addition, on the Team Beachbody website, you can download workout sheets so that you can track your progress with each workout. If you don’t have access to the Team Beachbody website, simply go to my website and click on the “join” button to get a free account (NOTE: after you hit the join button, look for the “try free membership” button. The club membership is nice as well and gives you access to the meal planner but if you want the free membership you have to look for the little gray button).

Anyway, that is all well and good, but what if there was a way to go through the P90X2 workout schedule in an online tracking program where you could enter your reps for each exercise, upload heart rate info for each workout, and add notes about each workout? Well, now there is. I have created three different workout schedule options for P90X2 in Training Peaks and they are available for download for free! I use Training Peaks to provide all of my triathlete clients with their workout plans each week and now I am starting to use it with my P90X clients.

Since the P90X2 guide book has ranges for each phase instead of a set schedule, I have created the following workout options for you.  If you want me to create a different option in training peaks with rest weeks in different places, just ask (ryan@tribasetraining.com).

Ver 1:

Phase 1 for 3 weeks
Rest week on week 4
Phase 2 for 3 weeks
Rest week on week 8
Phase 3 for 4 weeks
Rest week on week 13

Ver 2

Phase 1 for 4 weeks
Rest week on week 5
Phase 2 for 4 weeks
Rest week on week 10
Phase 3 for 3 weeks

Ver 3

Phase 1 for 4 weeks
Phase 2 for 3 weeks
Rest week on week 8
Phase 3 for 2 weeks
Rest week on week 11
Phase 3 for 2 weeks

As you can see, there are some nice options there depending on how much rest you need and how much time you need in each phase.  It all depends on your goals.  Need help deciding what it right for you?  That is what I am hear for and I am happy to help.

Here is an example of what a schedule looks like in Training Peaks:

What can you do with this workout schedule in training peaks?

1- Upload Heart Rate info from dozens of compatible heart rate monitors

2- Enter planned and actual reps on your resistance workouts.

3- Enter daily metrics such as weight, how much sleep you got that night, how you felt during the workout, and more.

4- Add additional workouts (e.g. if you are doing your own hybrid program and adding Insanity workouts).

5- I offer free coaching (as do all Beachbody Coaches), but with the Training Peaks schedule, you can attach your account to me as your coach and I will be able to watch your progress and keep you on track. Email me to find out how to attach your account to me as your coach. ryan@tribasetraining.com

How do you download and use these P90X2 workout schedules in Training Peaks?

1- Go to www.trainingpeaks.com and click on “Products” in the middle of the screen.

2- Click on “Plans”.

3- Click on “Training Plans”

4- In the search box, type “P90X2″ and click the “Search” button. You should see the P90X2 Ver 1, P90X2 Ver 2, and P90X Ver 3 workout schedules in the list.

5- Click the “buy” button for whichever plan you are going to be using. NOTE:  The plans are set at $9.99 because Training Peaks no longer allows plans set at $0.00 like they did when I originally created the P90X plans.  However, I have created a discount code for the full price so they can still be free.  Contact me at ryan@tribasetraining.com to get the coupon code.

6- If you already have a Training Peaks account, you can login on the next page. If not, you can input your info for a free account. There is also a premium account that costs money and has more features if you wish to go that route.

7- Once you have created your account and logged in, you can apply your plan and start it on any date by clicking on the Training Plans icon on the left side of the screen (it looks like a little note pad with a pen). This will bring up all of the plans you have access to. Click on the one that you want to apply and click the “apply” button. Select the date you want it to start or end and the plan will then appear in your calendar.

8- You can now click on any workout on the calendar to input data into that workout.

9- I also recommend that you go to my Training Peaks login page and bookmark it. That way you will always have an easy way to login to your Training Peaks account.

10- Don’t forget to log your workouts in Beachbody’s WOWY super gym as well. Why? Because you have a chance to win money on any day that you log your workout there. How do you log a workout in WOWY? Well, first you need a free account with Team Beachbody. You can get one of those by going here and clicking the “join” button as described at the beginning of this blog post. Then, once you are logged in to your account, go to the “Get Fit” tab and click on “WOWY Super Gym” and log your workout to be entered to win money.

I have also created a presentation with screen shots that will show you exactly how to download the schedules and input data. Download that presentation in PDF format here: Training Peaks P90X Presentation.

If you have any questions about how to use the schedules or if you find any errors in the schedules, please feel free to email me at ryan@tribasetraining.com and I will answer your questions or fix the schedules.

Enjoy!

Ryan Chapman

Beachbody has just announced the release of the new flavor of Shakeology!  Tropical Strawberry Shakeology!  The launch date is Valentine’s Day (Feb 14, 2012).

Want to know the best part?  The new flavor is 100% Vegan!  No animal derived products whatsoever.

I will have samples availabe (for free) starting shortly after Valentine’s Day.  Just send me your info with the form below, and I will make sure you are on the list for a sample as soon as I have them in hand. 

Please make sure you note that I only send samples to those that are signed up as a customer of mine (this is a free process and does not require a purchase).  This just ensures that you will order from me if you like the product and makes it more viable for me to purchase samples and send them out for free.

Also, if you get on Shakeology home direct, don’t forget to check out my challenge groups where you can really ramp up your results with Shakeology and Fitness: CLICK HERE

If you would like a flavor other than the Tropical Flavor, please see this post: CLICK HERE

cforms contact form by delicious:days

This is a going to be a great event for those that want to learn more about what we do as Beachbody Coaches.  Learn more about our challenge groups, Shakeology, new workout programs, and do a P90X2 workout.

Here is the event schedule:

4:00 – Introduction of local coaches and hosts
4:10 – Latest Beachbody promotions and new programs
4:30 – Individual Coaches present their Challenge Group options and promotions
5:00 – P90X2 workout (wear normal workout clothes and bring water and towel)
6:00 – Shakeology and Recovery Drink Tasting and Social Networking time
6:20 – Business Opportunity Presentation

Please see the Facebook Event to RSVP. If you are from the Kitsap area, you may be able to ride with me over to Issaquah. Contact me at ryan@tribasetraining.com

THE NEXT GROUPS START ON FEBRUARY 27, 2012

I will be starting new challenge groups every month as long as this post is active! Below I have an option for almost everyone with a special emphasis on the endurance athlete. Whether your goal is to lose weight, increase muscle, complete a triathlon or running race, or some combination of those, there is a challenge group for you. In these challenge groups, you will get FREE coaching from me, support from a private group of other challengers doing the same thing as you, and a solid nutrition and exercise plan. With this format you will maximize your chances of sticking to your plan and attaining your goals while getting better results than you ever thought possible.

P90X2 Triathlon Challenge Groups

These Challenge groups are for triathletes looking to up their game this season and try out the all new P90X2 workout system. I have created custom training plans for several distances incorporating P90X2 for strength training. P90X2 is built for sports performance and compliments the endurance athlete’s plan like no other workout program. In this program, we will work on building your aerobic base as well as building strength for the season. This will take you through the “base” period of your training season and leave you with a massive aerobic engine on which to build race specific speed. You will receive a FREE 90 day training plan and FREE personal coaching from me as well as support via a private Facebook group for all those that sign up for the challenge. Click below to see the full details of this challenge and get the link to register.

Running P90X2 Challenge Groups

These Challenge groups are for runners looking to up their game this season and try out the all new P90X2 workout system. Think you are ready to tackle a half marathon or a full marathon or want to PR in those distances this year? This challenge is for you.   P90X2 is built for sports performance and compliments the endurance athlete’s plan like no other workout program.  I have created custom training plans for half marathon and marathon distances incorporating P90X2 for strength training. We will work on building your aerobic base as well as building strength for the season. This will take you through the “base” period of your training season and leave you with a massive aerobic engine on which to build race specific speed. You will receive a FREE 90 day training plan and FREE personal coaching from me as well as support via a private Facebook group for all those that sign up for the challenge. Click below to see the full details of this challenge and get the link to register.

P90X2 Challenge Groups

Not a triathlete or a runner?  That is perfectly fine.  You can still get in the best shape of your life with P90X2.  These challenge groups are for those looking to get in shape by following the entire P90X2 workout system and drinking Shakeology on a daily basis.  You will join a private Facebook support group that will be coached by me throughout the challenge. The groups will last 90 days. Click below to see full details of this challenge and get the link to register.

TurboFire Challenge Groups

How about some gym class style High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to really get the weight loss going? TurboFire is a total-body cardio-conditioning workout program with the best music and the best trainer, where you get the best spot in class. The upbeat music motivates you to dial up your intensity levels, doing
kickboxing drills and aerobic exercises mixed with dance moves in a class setting. Your instructor is the highly sought-after, award-winning Chalene Johnson, creator of other successful programs like Turbo Jam® and ChaLEAN Extreme.® Again, you will join a private Facebook support group that will be coached by me throughout the challenge. The groups will last 20 weeks (a huge committment with huge results). Click below to see full details of this challenge and get the link to register.

What is the Triathlon P90X2 Challenge?

This 90 day challenge is for triathletes interested in learning how P90X2 and the nutrition of Shakeology can increase your race performance and give you the best triathlon season yet. I have created custom training plans for several distances incorporating P90X2 for strength training.  If you thought P90X was a good supplement to tri training, wait until you see what P90X2 has to offer.  Tony’s new system is perfect for improving performance in endurance athletes.  If you are still just swimming, biking, and running then you aren’t reaching your full potential.  In this program, we will work on building your aerobic base as well as building strength and a solid foundation for the season. This will take you through the “base” period of your training season (not all the way to your race) and leave you with a massive aerobic engine and a solid core on which to build race specific speed. Following this 90 day challenge, I plan on creating follow-up challenge groups to work on building speed….and the P90X2 system is built for just that!

Here is what you will get when you commit to this Challenge:

1) 90 day Training Plan custom designed to integrate swim/bike/run training as well as P90X2 to maximize results
2) Choice of sprint, Olympic, or Half Ironman distance plans
3) FREE Coaching and advice from a certified USAT Level I Triathlon Coach and Beachbody Coach
4) Support and encouragement through a private Facebook group where challengers can post their progress

To participate in this Challenge you must commit to:

1) Following the training plan provided for your chosen race distance (requires that you own P90X2)
2) Drinking Shakeology on a daily basis (requires that you purchase Shakeology on monthly home direct)
3) Listing me as your coach on teambeachbody.com (instructions for this will come when you register)
4) Posting daily accountability in a private Facebook group viewable only by members of the Challenge Team
5) FINISHING! This isn’t about starting, it is about finishing!

In order to register for this challenge, click the button below and fill out the form. After you have filled out the form, an email will be sent to you describing what you need to do to be added to the group. If you do not already have P90X2 and Shakeology, don’t buy them until you have received instructions in the email on how to get a discount.

Have questions before you register? Contact me here or send me an email at ryan@tribasetraining.com.

SEE MY OTHER CHALLENGE GROUPS HERE

What is the Running/P90X2 Challenge?

This 90 day challenge is for runners interested in learning how P90X2 and the nutrition of Shakeology can increase your race performance and give you the best race season yet. I have created custom training plans for half marathon and marathon distances incorporating P90X2 for strength training. If you are just running and hoping to get faster, you are not reaching your full potential.  Tony’s new system is perfect for improving performance in endurance athletes.   In this program, we will work on building your aerobic base as well as building strength and a solid foundation for the season. This will take you through the “base” period of your training season (not all the way to your race) and leave you with a massive aerobic engine on which to build race specific speed. Following this 90 day challenge, I plan on creating follow-up challenge groups to work on building speed….and the P90X2 system is built for just that!

Here is what you will get when you commit to this Challenge:

1) 90 day Training Plan custom designed to integrate run training as well as P90X2 to maximize results
2) Choice of half marathon or full marathon distance plans (shorter distances considered, just ask)
3) FREE Coaching and advice from a certified USAT Level I Triathlon Coach, Newton Natural Running Coach, and Beachbody Coach
4) Support and encouragement through a private Facebook group where challengers can post their progress

To participate in this Challenge you must commit to:

1) Following the training plan provided for your chosen race distance (requires that you own P90X2)
2) Drinking Shakeology on a daily basis (requires that you purchase Shakeology on monthly home direct)
3) Listing me as your coach on teambeachbody.com (instructions for this will come when you register)
4) Posting daily accountability in a private Facebook group viewable only by members of the Challenge Team
5) FINISHING! This isn’t about starting, it is about finishing!

In order to register for this challenge, click the button below and fill out the form. After you have filled out the form, an email will be sent to you describing what you need to do to be added to the group. If you do not already have P90X2 and Shakeology, don’t buy them until you have received instructions in the email on how to get a discount.

Have questions before you register? Contact me here or send me an email at ryan@tribasetraining.com.

SEE MY OTHER CHALLENGE GROUPS HERE

What is the Beachbody Challenge?

It’s a health and fitness transformation competition. You’ve heard of the Biggest Loser, right? Well, this is similar except that you do it from home and you can use any Beachbody program you choose! Here are some examples of programs that you can use to complete this challenge: P90X, Insanity, Power 90, TurboFire, and P90X2.  Beachbody gives away daily, monthly, quarterly and grand prizes for the greatest transformations!  Get fit and win money!!!  Read more about the Beachbody Challenge HERE.

What is the P90X2 Challenge Team?

I will be personally coaching a Challenge Team made up of five individuals that are taking the Beachbody Challenge and we are all going to be using P90X2!

To participate in my Challenge Team you must commit to:

1) Following the P90X2 workout program for 90 days (requires that you own a legitimate copy of P90X2)
2) Drinking Shakeology on a daily basis (requires that you purchase Shakeology on monthly home direct)
3) Learning basic nutritional theory and eating to fuel your body for workouts and recovery
4) Posting daily accountability in a private Facebook group viewable only by members of the Challenge Team
5) FINISHING! This isn’t about starting, it is about finishing!

You do not need to be on a Challenge Team to participate in the Beachbody Challenge. The Challenge is open to everyone. What I am offering with the Challenge Team is an added measure of accountability and personal coaching. This will give you much better odds of success than taking the challenge alone or doing a diet and exercise program outside of the challenge altogether.

Here is a preview of P90X2 for your viewing pleasure:

In order to register for my P90X2 challenge team, simply click the button below and fill out the form and get ready to get fit.  After your registration form is complete, you will recieve an email (within 24 hours) with final instructions for being added to the group and getting your P90X2 and Shakeology ordered and how you can win money in the Beachbody Challenge.  Have questions before you register?  Email me at ryan@tribasetraining.com

SEE MY TRIATHLON AND RUNNING CHALLENGE GROUPS HERE

My wife and I are doing a Primal Blueprint challenge for 5 weeks to see how it works for us and it has challenged us to find new recipes and meals to meet the primal nutrition guidelines. 

Yesterday she decided to make a Primal soup that she pretty much just made up and it turned out UNBELIEVABLE in my opinion…so I thought I would share.  Trust me on this one, whether you are going Primal or not, if you like healthy food that tastes REALLY good, then MAKE THIS.  Although I just call it Chicken Vegetable Soup, it is not like what I would think of if you just told me you made Chicken Vegetable Soup. 

Chicken Vegetable Soup:

Ingredients:

NOTE: All amounts are approximate, since she didn’t measure anything…so use your best judgement

butter, 1-2 Tbsp

onion, 1 each, chopped

proscuitto, 4 slices, chopped into ~1/4 wide strips

chicken broth, 6-8 cups

cauliflower, half head, cut into 1/4″ wide chunks

rhutebega, half of medium, cut into 1/4″ chunks

dried thyme (or herb of your choice), 1 tsp

dried parsley, 1 tsp

ground pepper, 1/2 tsp

roasted chicken, meat from ~ 2 chicken breasts and 2 legs (bones removed), cut into 1″ x 1/2″ strips

whipping cream, 1/2 cup

shredded cheese, 1-2 handfuls

salt to taste

Directions:

In a large soup pot (probably 3 qt), melt the butter to cook the onion and the proscuitto.  Cook for 1-2 minutes (when onion looks soft and slightly browned, then add chicken broth.  Add cauliflower, rhutabega, herbs, and pepper.  Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer for 10 minutes or until the veggies have softened.  Add chicken, whipping cream, cheese and cook for another 5-10 minutes.

Super easy and super good.  I hope you enjoy.