Welcome to Freedom - Where Results and Success Can Be Found!

I would like to welcome you to Fitness 2 Freedom.  If you are looking to get the results that you've been seeing on television and hearing people talk about, you've found the team that can get you there.  I'm here to tell you that what you see is absolutely true and can be achieved in as little as 90 days!

My name is Jeff Buckman and I am an Independent Beachbody Coach.  It all began in 2008 when I first purchased P90X.  As you can see from my picture above, it worked!  Then, in the summer of 2010, it all changed for me.  You see, my neighbors knew I had achieved crazy results with the program.  They wanted a piece of the action too.  Four of them convinced me to start the program over with them.  I cordially agreed.  They came to my basement six days a week, for three months.  And two of them lost over 25lbs. each!  After that, I wanted to learn more about how I could help others reach their health and fitness goals.  I then came upon the Beachbody Coaching opportunity and the rest is history.

I'm here to tell you that what you see works.  No matter if it's P90X, Insanity, TurboFire, or any other Beachbody program, what you see is what you'll get if you put in the time and energy.  It's time to Decide to be more healthy and fit, Commit to a workout program, and Succeed in achieving the results you've always wanted.

This blog is not about me, it's about you.  It's about putting your health and well-being first.  It's about helping you achieve your own Freedom.   I'm here to help you set your goals, stay focused on those goals, and ACHIEVE those goals!

Here's how it works....

FITNESS + NUTRITION + SUPPORT = SUCCESS

Fitness- Commit to a Beachbody Fitness program.  There's a reason people are achieving tremendous transformations with these products.  They work!

Nutrition - 80% of your results come directly from nutrition.  Unfortunately this is where people struggle the most.  This is why Shakeology is so important - it solves the nutrition piece.

Support - You will be part of an accountability group which I will give you 100% of my support.  Studies show that people achieve better results when part of a group.

Success - If you do the first three, you will achieve unbelievable results. 

Growing up an athlete and serving as a coach for two teams now, I know the value of teamwork and great coaching.  It's my job as your coach to get you fired up and to get in the game.  Stop standing on the sidelines watching others get the results that you want!  Making me your coach is FREE!  Just bring me your sweat and dedication.

Are you ready to Bring It?  It's time to leave it all on the field.  Take that first step - say yes.  I will provide the motivation, accountability, tips on nutrition and exercise, and most importantly, a fun and healthy attitude toward life!

I hope you find this blog useful and informative.  Please let me know if you have any questions or what I can do to help. Click on the "Be My Coach" tab above, or email me at buckmanjeff@gmail.com to get started.

Hope to see you in the game soon.

Jeff

Weekly Beachbody Coach Newsletter

Accountability Partner

If you are having trouble staying motivated, or giving it your best during your workouts, I suggest finding an accountability partner.  Studies show that people achieve their goals at a higher rate if they have someone to hold them accountable and to provide motivation.  So ask your neighbor, friend, or spouse to join you.  And your partner does not have to physically work out with you in the same room.  Begin the workout together and check in each day to see how things are going.  I guarantee if you talk to them and they’ve already worked out and you haven’t, you’ll be pushing play as soon as you hang up the phone!  Give it try and make it a healthy competition between the two of you.   

Climbing the ladder

Ever heard of Michi’s ladder?  It’s not really a ladder.  And Michi isn't really a "who" - it's a "what."  Michi is a Japanese word: michi: n. road; path; method; "The Way."  Michi's ladder is a guideline, a tool to help you find the method or "way" to your health and fitness success in Beachbody programs. The ladder has 5 levels and each tier lists about 50 foods. The higher up on the list, the cleaner the food, so aim to take your diet to the top and you’ll see results quicker!  You can see Michi’s ladder here: http://www.teambeachbody.com/eat-smart/michis-ladder.

Improving Yourself

So what book are you currently reading or what audio are you listening to?   Is it filling you full of positive thoughts and revving up your motivational engine?  I highly recommend tapping into something that does.  Turn off the TV.  Put down the cell phone.  You’ve been working on the physical part of you with the workouts, now it’s time to improve the mental part.  Just 10 minutes a day is all it takes to make changes for the better.  Start with some of my favorites:  The Slight Edge, Good to Great, Think and Grow Rich, and The Fred Factor.  Consider it your summer reading course without having to do the book reports!

Coaching

I get asked a lot what exactly is a Team Beachbody Coach?  Well, honestly, it’s someone like yourself.  I was a customer once.  I bought P90X off an infomercial I saw on TV.  And I had such great results with the program that I was recommending it to others.  Then I came across the Coaching opportunity.  It’s exactly what I was doing before – sharing my experience with a product.  But now, I get paid for it!  I help others to get healthy and fit while working on my own health and fitness and I receive money for it.  Sweet!  And you certainly do not have to be in top shape or have had a dramatic transformation.  In fact, the best coaches are ones that are continually working towards their goals.  Team Beachbody is growing like crazy.  With P90X2 coming out in the fall, now is a great time to get onboard.  If you would like more information about becoming a Beachbody Coach, email me at buckmaneff@beachbodycoach.com.  I would love to have you on my team helping to end the trend of obesity across this nation!

My Weekly Beachbody Coaches Newsletter

Are you ready to Bring It – again?

This just might be the hottest thing since Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, which my wife made me watch, I swear!  Anyway, P90X 2 is coming out in a few months and they’ve just released a trailer for it.  Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/j5ahpj.  From what I’ve heard and seen, it’s going to be even better than the first one.  And keep in mind that Tony Horton is 52 years old doing these exercises!  It will be available for pre-order soon.  Contact me if you’d like to get on the list of when it becomes available.

It’s about to get Tropical

Just released last week at the National Conference was the Shakeology Flavor – Tropical.  It will include new ingredients this time, such as pineapple and papaya.  Should be tasty.  Many wonder why the simple flavor of vanilla isn’t offered.  Simply put, they cannot create a true vanilla flavor without including other chemicals and non-whole food ingredients.  To do so would go against their integrity of making a product that is 100% healthy and good for you in every sense of the word.  I’m glad they’ve decided not to compromise just for the sake of money.  What a great company.  The new flavor will be available at the end of this year. 

Success Challenge

I’m laying down a challenge before you – the Success Challenge.  It’s a 30-day challenge to focus on three areas of your life: fitness, nutrition, and personal growth.  Here’s how it works.  Step 1 -  I want you to schedule your workouts for the entire month of July.  Most of us have calendars and know at least what’s happening one month in advance.  So pencil in your workouts every day for the entire month.  That way you know what’s coming and you won’t create excuses to miss any.  Step  2 -  Each week I want you to set your meals for the day.  Yep, pencil those it too.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I find it’s easiest to do this on a Saturday so I can grocery shop for the week at one time.  And if you looked at my fridge you would see a weekly calendar with my meals listed on it.  This way you won’t have to think about what to make because you’ve already bought the ingredients and know which meal to make on which day.  Saves a boat load of time throughout the week!  Step 2 – Focus on your personal development.  Listen to 10 minutes of audio or read 10 pages a day of some sort of positive personal development.  Need help some books to read?  Shoot me an email and I’ll send you a great summer reading list.  Ten minutes a day can make all the difference in your life.

So who is up for the challenge?  It’s only for 30 days.  Try it and I guarantee you’ll feel better, look better, and live better.  The challenge is doing it for 30 days.  The success is what you’ll have achieved at the end of it.  Send me an email if you’d like to take part so I can help keep you motivated through text and email.

Recipe of the Week – Sunset Sweet Potato Drop Biscuits

Mashed sweet potatoes keep these biscuits tender and low in fat; the moisture also eliminates the need to add eggs or dairy.

1 cup mashed cooked sweet potatoes or yams

3 Tbsp. canola oil

1 Tbsp. maple syrup

1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

½ tsp. sea salt

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

Nonstick cooking spray

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Coat baking sheet with nonstick spray.

Combine sweet potatoes, oil, vinegar, syrup, and salt in a large bowl.  Sift in flour, baking powder, and nutmeg.

Cut dry ingredients into sweet potato mixture with a fork until the mixture comes together.  Stir in 2 to 3 Tbsp. of water, or enough to get dough to hold together.

Drop golf ball sized rounds of dough onto baking sheet.  Bake 15 to 17 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and firm to the touch.  Serve warm (12 servings).

There's a Coach in all of us

I need help.  Okay, no comments from the peanut gallery on that one!  But I do need help, and not in the way you think.  Here's what I need help with - helping others.  Yep, pretty simple.  But I can't do it alone.  And I bet you are asking yourself just who exactly am I helping and why do they need help, right?  Good.

There's an issue out there that keeps getting swept under the rug.  It's an issue that is getting bigger and bigger everyday, literally.  It's an issue that most of ignore all of the time and some of us ignore some of the time.  It's an issue that costs the U.S. millions of dollars of year, for no good reason.  Still curious?  The issue is our health.  Gee, no secret there. 

When I mention your health or somebody else's health, why does it make you cringe?  It's almost taboo to even speak about it.  And to even mention that someone is overweight...whoa!  Look out!  Don't dare go down that path.  But why not?  Shouldn't we all care about each other enough to mention to someone - "Hey, I want to see you outlive me, so is there anything I can do for you?" 

Try it sometime.  Go up to someone and say that.  I bet you'd be surprised at their response.  Most,  if not all, of us are looking for answers.  Ever heard of the Ab Rocker, Thigh Master, Shake Weights, and all of the other crap that people buy looking for a hope and a prayer?  The problem is, those things don't work.  Why not?  No accountability.  No support.  No one there to talk to.  Just a product you buy, which then gathers dust in the closet.

So this brings me to the point of today's blog.  I need help.  You see, I work for a company called Beachbody.   And I'm a Team Beachbody Coach.  And my job is to provide the tools, support, and motivation for people looking to achieve results with their health and fitness.  Let me give you an example.  I recently helped a neighbor lose 25lbs. by using P90X.  Here's another one - a customer of mine used Shakeology and lost 22lbs, thus canceling his knee surgery.  I can go on and on.  I'm not a personal trainer.  I'm just someone who had great experience with a fitness product and I help point others in the right direction, provide answers, and give support throughout their fitness journey.  And that's why I love being a Coach.  Helping others get in the best shape of their life while getting rid of all the medication, pills, and diets they've been on for years - doesn't get any better than that!

The real reason I need help is that I cannot keep up with the demand.  Right now there are about 60,000 Beachbody Coaches across the U.S.  That number is projected to reach 1 million.  Yea, I know. 
With two-thirds of the population 30 or more pounds overweight, there's a whole lotta people that's gonna need our help! 

So this is a call to action.  I need you.  But I only need you if you are willing to help others while helping yourself.  This is not a get rich quick scheme either.   This is only intended for those looking to make a difference in the lives of others while getting healthier and fitter at the same time.  Do you get paid?  Absolutely.   And you get paid well.  But that is not the focus - it's the byproduct. 

So come join me as a Coach.  My team is driven, focused, and looking to end the trend of obesity across this nation - one person at a time.  Send me an email to buckmanjeff@beachbodycoach.com if you are interested.  I sure could use the help.

Weekly Beachbody Coaches Newsletter

Be Yourself

I’m certainly guilty of this.  I’ve been thin and lanky my whole life.  There was a time when I was deadset on bulking up, for whatever reason.  But now, I’ve learned to be satisfied with the absolute best that I can be. Will I ever be over 200lbs?  Nope, not even close.  So whatever your body type, whatever your goal, be the best that you can be.  Don’t strive to be or look like someone else.  If you were meant to look like that you would have been made that way.  Once you accept that, you have no idea how happier you’ll be and how much faster your results will show up. 

No Sweat?

Most people think you have to sweat in order to have a good workout.  Not the case.  Sweating does not indicate how many calories you’ve burned or how much fat you’ve lost.  Sweating just tells you that your body is looking to cool off.  If you are not a sweater, which I am not, it doesn’t mean your workout isn’t working.  Instead, focus on your heart rate.  That is a true indicator of how your internal engine is working.  For your cardio days, use the following chart as a guide.  To burn more calories, aim for the higher end of your target heart rate zone.

 

Product Review – 10 Minute Trainer

10 Minute Trainer has climbed to the top of the charts.  It’s the #1 infomercial on television right now and it’s on fire!   Tony Horton created this amazing workout for those who do not have a lot of time, especially for a program like P90X.  It’s perfect for those looking to achieve great results, but who want to condense their workout time.  The idea behind this program is Super Stacking.  It’s a concept that combines several muscle groups and exercises into one routine, which allows you to get the same workout, but in less time.  People are achieving great results with it.  Not convinced?  Here’s what Mark Steines of Entertainment Tonight says about it after he used it recently: http://bit.ly/jqt5G6.

Father’s Day

As a father myself, I’m looking forward to showing my son all the finer things in life, such as Cardinals baseball, barbecuing, camping, and being healthy.  I want to be around as long as possible for my son and to be around for his children as well.  Dads – if you are a bit overweight or looking to be healthier, or if your dad fits that bill as well, the time is now to be healthy and fit.  Ladies, if your husband or father could use the help as well, listen up.  Show everyone you love them with a gift this Father’s Day, whether for yourself or others– a gift that brings health, wellness, and a longer life.  Let me help you find the right product to improve your energy, lose weight, help you feel better, and extend your life.  There is no reason why we all can’t be on this planet together even longer. 

Question of the week

Remember, submit a question to me and if it’s answered in an upcoming newsletter you will win a prize!  There’s no limit as to how many questions you can submit, so dig deep and send your questions to buckmanjeff@beachbodycoach.com.

Team Beachbody Super Saturday Event

If you are wondering what Beachbody is about, this is an event you cannot miss. The company behind all of the revolutionary health and fitness products such as P90X, TurboFire, Insanity, and Shakeology is Team Beachbody! The coaching network, unlike virtually every other health/fitness company out there, provides a community of support! This is our "quarterly" update. Are you interested in getting healthy and in shape? Are you curious about becoming a coach and would like to join our local coaching community? Whatever your interest, you are welcome to join us for this event! There will be new products announced, new incentives for coaches, and a lot more! Come learn about our simple, proven plan for success. Most of all?? We are going to have fun!

A workout will follow - so if you'd like to sample one of our workouts bring a bottle of water and a towel! The event is FREE FOR ALL! 

Time: Saturday, June 25th from 10am to 1pm


Location: The Crux, 2396 Hwy A, Washington, MO 63090

This event is happening all across the country.  Let me know where you are and I'll find one near you!

Weekly Beachbody Coach Newsletter

 

The purpose of this newsletter is to provide you with the tools you need to reach your health and fitness goals, whether related to nutrition, fitness, or motivation, as well as to give you the most recent Beachbody news and updates.

Your “Why”

If you are reading this, you obviously are committed to your health and fitness.  Why?  The reason I ask is simple… in order to achieve your goal you must have a reason behind it.  Think about why you purchased a Beachbody product – aside from probably seeing an infomercial.  You went to the website or you picked up the phone.  Why?  Write it down.  Then post it where you will see it – everyday – preferably first thing in the morning.  This will keep you striving towards that goal.  If you don’t see it, you won’t be it.

Use Your Legs

If you are like me, you dread workouts that focus on your legs.  I’m not sure why I dislike them so much.  Maybe it’s because the workouts make them feel like they are on fire.  And then when I’m done, I can hardly walk.  But, a solid leg exercise once a week is key when it comes to staying in shape.  Why?  Because your legs are the largest muscle group in your body.  And that translates into burning more energy during the workouts, which of course translates into losing fat.  So don’t skip those leg workouts.  They are essentially to losing the pounds and inches we all desire. 

Snack Attack

3pm.  That’s when my snack attack hits.  When is yours?  My body is usually all revved up my morning workout and is kicked into high fat-burning gear at this point.  So what should we reach for when the attack comes?  Keep it light, with a bit of protein, and a touch of carbs.  How about some yogurt with granola sprinkled on top?  Or almonds with cranberries?  An apple with peanut butter?  It’s easy to walk over to the pantry or vending machine and grab something quick and probably not so healthy.  But don’t give in at this point.  Stay strong, eat healthy, and reap the rewards.  Besides, eating these things will make you feel better in the long run than say a King Size Peanut Butter Cup. 

Coach Summit

In ten days the biggest event of the year for Beachbody will occur – Coach Summit in Los Angeles, CA.  This is where over a thousand coaches like myself will gather to not only learn how to be better coaches, but also learn about the latest Beachbody products and releases.  P90X:MC2, for instance, is coming out later this fall.  That’s going to be huge.  Also being released is the new Shakeology flavor.  Rest assured as soon as I find out what’s coming down the pipe you’ll be the first to know.  But the biggest reason I’m looking forward to this event is the relationships that I build with the other coaches who are committed to helping others get healthy and fit.  This company is amazing and we’ve only begun to scratch the surface of impacting lives across this great nation of ours.  Stay tuned!

Question of the week

Submit a question to me and if it’s answered in an upcoming newsletter you will win a prize!  There’s no limit as to how many questions you can submit, so dig deep and send your questions to buckmanjeff@beachbodycoach.com.

One month results of Beachbody's P90X and Insanity

The proof is in the pudding.  Well, I don't eat pudding since it's not on my diet, but you know what I mean.  After 30 days, here are my results after using the Beachbody products P90X and Insanity.  I decided to kick it up a notch and combine these programs into a hybrid.  As you can see, the hard work is paying off.  The only way to get results is to eat right and exercise.  There are no short cuts, magic pills, or fat loss drops you can take to reach your goals.  It all starts with what you put into your mouth and how much you sweat.  It really is that simple.

I encourage you to start your own fitness revolution now as it's never too late to get healthy and fit.  These are just two of the solutions that Beachbody offers.  Let me help you find the right program and nutritional products for you.

Weekly Beachbody Coach Newsletter

After a little fun in the sun this Memorial Weekend, it's time for another edition of my weekly newsletters.  As always, let me know how I can help you reach your health and fitness goals.  Let's make it a great start to summer!

The purpose of this newsletter is to provide you with the tools you need to reach your health and fitness goals, whether related to nutrition, fitness, or motivation, as well as to give you the most recent Beachbody news and updates.

WOWY – WOW WHAT??

If there’s one thing you gotta do, it’s log your workouts in the WOWY Gym.   WOWY stands for Work Out With You.  It’s Team Beachbody’s online support system.  Here’s how it works.  You log in daily and report what you are doing that day for your workout or exercise.  It could be a Beachbody product such as P90X, or it could be as simple and going for a walk.  It doesn’t matter what it is – just log it!  Do you know why you should do this?  Two reasons.  One, to keep you accountable.  And two, to win money and prizes.  Seriously.  Each day Beachbody randomly gives out $300-$1000, plus cameras and ipods, all for just logging your workouts.  Sweet!  Plus you can create your own workout group or get on the message boards to see how others are handling the workouts and get the support you need. It’s quick and easy.  I literally log my workouts each morning as I’m sitting in front of the computer eating my breakfast.  I timed it one morning and it took me eight seconds -  eight!  Ready to get started?  Click here.  You can either choose the free membership or the club membership (club membership allows access to personal trainer chats and meal planners, as well as 10% off Beachbody products for just $3/week).

Baseball, BBQ’s, and your beach body

Well, looks like summer is officially here!  You know what that means…picnics, barbecues, baseball games, carnivals, and more food-oriented events than you can fit into your schedule.  So how do you beat the odds and meander through all of those gatherings without over-indulging yourself?  That’s easy.  Eat before you go.  I know, I know.  How boring is that?  I mean, after all, those nachos wont’ kill me.  Neither will that cotton candy, right?  Chances are, if you are reading this you have probably been focusing on your health and fitness lately.  So why give in now?   Those ten minutes you spend eating that crap is not worth the sixty minutes of exercise you’ll need to do later to burn it off.  And who ever feels good after eating a tray of nachos anyway?  Save your money and your waistline and eat before you go.  Besides, it’s summertime, which means fruit is always in abundance, so make that your dessert.  Just think how good you’ll be looking at the pool!

The new Fit50.com

I became a Team Beachbody coach in October of 2010 after four of my neighbors completed P90X with me.  It was my second time through, but their first.  One guy lost 25lbs. in 90 days.  After that, I really felt compelled to help others achieve their health and fitness goals.  Enter Fit50.com.  I stumbled across this website after Googling key words such as “healthy” and “fit.”  This website was created by Chad Graue, who is also a Team Beachbody Coach.  After talking with him about the Beachbody coaching opportunity, it was a no-brainer.  I’m in.  I’m part of a great team of coaches who are all focused on helping others achieve their health and fitness success.  The website was recently revamped, so take a look around as another source of information to help you on your journey.  We’ll be adding things each week to further supplement our customer’s needs.  And if you know of any family or friends that need help with their health and fitness, feel free to send them our way.  And we sure could use the help too.  Let me know if you want more information about the coaching opportunity.

MAKE IT A GREAT WEEK!

Darin Olien and the Shakeology ingredients

There's a reason this guy's been in Oprah's magazine, plastered over social media, and doing television interviews.  These ingredients are hands down the best in the world and Darin Olien has brought them to us.  I've been using Shakeology for 6 months now.  You ought to try it to.  For a free sample, just email me at buckmanjeff@gmail.com.  You'll be glad you did.

Superfoods For Your Good Health: MyFoxLA.com

Killer Tuna Cake Recipe

One word....Scrumdiddy!

Tuna Cakes
Prep: 10 min  |  Total: 26 min (including refrigerating)

2 cans light tuna in water, drained and flaked
1 pkg. Stove Top stuffing (whole wheat, preferably)
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup carrots
1/3 cup light mayo or miracle whip
2 tbsp. pickle relish
3/4 cup water

Step 1:  Mix tuna, stuffing, cheese, carrots, mayo, relish, and water in a bowl.

Step 2: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Step 3:  Heat large nonstick pan sprayed with cooking spray on medium heat.  Scoop tuna mix, using about 1/3 cup for each cake, into the pan.  Use an ice cream scoop to make evenly shaped balls.

Step 4:  Genly flatten cakes using a spatula.

Step 5:  Cook 3 min. on each side or until golden brown, turning cake carefully.

Makes 6 servings, 2 tuna cakes each. 

Week 2 Results from P90X and Insanity Hybrid Workout

Slow and steady wins the race, right?  As Tony Horton says, "Rome was not built in a day and neither was your body."  My goal?  Gain 10lbs. and go under 10% body fat.  Lofty goal, indeed.  But, as I start week 3, I'm beginning to like what I see.  Multiply my results over 13 weeks and I should reach my goal. 

So what is your goal?  You can't reach it if you don't have one.  Draw a line in the sand right now and let's all achieve what we've been dreaming of.  Have a great week all. 

JB