F2M2

First, I want to say thank you to all who have helped me out regarding last week's "Call To Action" blog!  And just a reminder - they are drawing the winner on May 1st, so if you haven't already done so, please sign up for Tanji Patton's newsletter using my email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) as the "Referrer's Email".  Thank you!  Sign up here ---> http://goodtaste.tv/newsletter/

The only other thing on my mind right now is how well my Pure Strength group is doing on their challenge.  They are eating clean and turning into lean, fit machines!  We have been on this challenge together for 6 weeks, with 4 weeks to go.  We have all had our tests, temptations and frustrations, but we have survived them . . . however, not without the help of each other.

We have men and women at EVERY fitness level - those who needed to lose 50-60 pounds, some who needed to lose those last 10 pounds, and some who are simply increasing their fitness level with the help of a clean diet.  Together, we have lost 138.2 pounds, over 20 inches off of our chest & hips (each), and over 12 inches from our thighs.  If you ask me, that is an awesome accomplishment!!!  We will have before/after pictures of a few in the next newsletter (I switched to quarterly newsletters, so it will be out by mid to late March).

I am so very proud of this group of women and men.  We have all worked very hard toward this goal . . . and I can't wait to see the final results! There is one thing that has really made the difference with this group - it is the support of one another to get through those tough times, to encourage each other to make good food choices, and to hold a buddy accountable if they don't make it to the gym.  If you have tried weight loss challenges and have not been successful, then you probably need a little help to get you through . . . so, find your buddy, and get on board!  And if you find you need more than just a buddy's help, join us!  The next session starts up in April and we would love to have you…:))


Have a great week…:))

Ok peeps, I need some help with a little endeavor.  Tanji Patton (the former SA news anchor) is having a contest - the person who can get the most people to sign up for her newsletter will get a big fat Viking mixer!!!  I know what you're thinking . . . "Margie does not cook and she sure as heck doesn't bake!"  You would be correct.  However, I know people who do and I would love to win this for a very special person who could really use this mixer.  In fact, signing up for the newsletter is a win/win because you will get great recipes and "wine pairing ideas" - so, you can't lose!  :)
Sign up here ---> http://goodtaste.tv/newsletter/

I would love it if you could help out on this one!  Click on the link below and enter your information to receive the newsletter.  In the last box, "Referrer's Email" - please put my email - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thanks to all of you!  OH!!!  And the drawing is March 1st, so please do this at your EARLIEST convenience….like now...;))

Have a great week…:))

How many of you work (or live) in an environment where there is a candy jar nearby . . . or a little tray nicely decorated with colorful (sugary) treats? It's hard for you to walk by and not take one of those little treats, isn't it?  I mean . . . how much bad can one teeny tiny piece of chocolate or candy do to your body?  Right? How about this - each one of those bite sized goodies can be anywhere from 80 to 150 calories.  What do you think those calories consist of?  Definitely not what your body needs.

Think about it --- in those 150 calories you are basically getting zero nutrition.  And are you likely to JUST have ONE candy . . . throughout the day?  I'm going to put my money on 'no'.  That 150 calories can go a long way in terms of nourishment for your body AND actually make you feel satisfied when you make healthy choices.

Many of you will have some sort of Valentine's celebration that involves food.  Good guess, huh? ;))  So with that in mind, just do your best to stick to two to three 150-200 calorie meals on Tuesday in an effort to save up your calories for dinner.  And if you think you're going to go a little crazy on Tuesday, be sure you work on a calorie deficit today (Monday) - eat smaller, healthy meals, and get your workout(s) in to get you ready to take on a little extra during your Valentine outing. 

And if you're like me, working your booty off on Valentines day & night - be sure to plan ahead and pack healthy meals and snacks to get you through the day.  You will no doubt be surrounded by unhealthy treats at a time when you are tired and ready to reach for anything . . . have your survival food kit armed and ready!  Your body will thank you! 

On a side note:  I will not be teaching Monday's (2/13) 10:30am Bootie Kick class because I will be teaching a class at the downtown location. Since I will miss you at 10:30am, M2 is bringing out the CRAZY pants for the Monday 5 and 6pm kickboxing classes!!!  Don't miss it - I will be looking for you!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!


Have a great week…:))

It is not uncommon that I get a few emails a week asking for help because someone has hit a plateau in their exercise routine.  In recent weeks, it seems like that number has doubled.  Many individuals who come to kickboxing, run on the treadmill, use the elliptical, etc. - start feeling really excited and motivated when they start losing weight . . . but that motivation quickly turns into frustration when the weight loss slows and they hit that fitness plateau. 
     If you are coming to the gym and doing the same exercises every day - you will start to see results . . . in the beginning.  At the point when you're body has grown accustomed to the routine, it will stay stagnant . . . just like your exercise routine.  That is an indication that you need to change things up, push yourself harder, adjust your diet, and introduce weights (if you haven't already) in your routine.  The point of a workout is to challenge your body and work it differently, so that you are working each muscle - and working it differently.  My kickboxing routines are altered within the week to adjust for exactly that . . . and to keep you interested and focused on the next move.  M2 always has a strategy…;))
     The point here is that you can't expect your body to burn more if you are not working harder.  And working harder includes altering your diet and making your workouts more challenging.  One way to get the best of both worlds is to try Pure Strength.  If you need this challenge (who doesn't?), sign up for the last half of the Winter session - there are 6 weeks left!  My PS groups are currently on a diet challenge and I have to say - doing it with the support of a group has been really helpful to all of the participants.  For those of you who have approached me and asked about Pure Strength (and there are quite a few of you), now is a great time to try it out - sign up for a half session and find out what it is all about. 
     I realize starting anything new is scary, but there is NO reason to not sign up for this class.  We have men and ladies at all different fitness levels (from beginners to distance runners) and you go at your own pace . . . with MY guidance.  I won't leave you stranded and I won't ask you to do something I know you can not handle.  Find someone who attends PS and find out first hand.  It floors me when I think of how frequently I hear someone say that they don't think they are ready for a class like this . . . that is EXACTLY the purpose of this class - to help you achieve your fitness goals in a balanced way.  The goal is to build muscle - not so you can compete in muscle competitions (we're not that extreme), rather so that your muscle can burn fat more effectively.  Weight training in this form is essential to losing weight - right alongside a cardio routine like kickboxing.

You have this week to get on board as we begin the last 6 weeks next Monday, February 13.  Sign up today and try it out!!!

Pure Strength Classes
Choose 2 or 3 days a week - pick any day and time that works for you.  Classes are offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5am or 3:45pm.

2 classes/week - $200
3 classes/week - $300