Hammer and Chisel Week 1 Review AND a Chocolate Treat

Let me first begin by telling you all why I’m so excited about this program.  

Muscle burns fat!  It’s a proven fact.  The more muscle our bodies have – the more efficient our metabolism – and this allows us to continue burning fat throughout the day.  AND building lean muscle is the key to changing the shape of our bodies.

So a new workout program that incorporates all three phases of SSP Training is something that I absolutely have to try.  SSP Training includes Stabilization, Strength, and Power to ensure maximum benefits from hardcore resistance training.  Every single muscle in our body is worked with this program!  We have 2 trainers with years of lifting expertise who worked together to create effective – yet simple – exercises to work every part of our bodies with 12 different workouts.  

Nutrition is also simplified with this program.  This is another reason that I love comprehensive programs and why I’m such an advocate for our programs.  The portion system from 21 Day Fix is used to ensure that any goal can be reached.  If you want to lean out – sculpt & maintain weight – or build muscle this program will give you the nutrition guidance specific for your goals.

I want to share with you that I was a little intimidated by this program because of the HUGELY muscular co-creator who could probably bench press me without even flinching.  I wasn’t sure that this would be a good fit for me and I’ve been nervous to begin it since I purchased it in December.  But I’m SO glad that I gave it a go!

Now on to my first week of the program.  It was hard – it challenged my strength and endurance.  But I’ve pushed myself with the amount of weight I’m lifting because I know that change happens when we push ourselves.  All of the workouts have been fun and the time goes fast because there is such a good variety of moves to keep it interesting.  The workouts average 30 to 40 minutes and each has a modifier to show a less advanced option for each move.

And yes – this program will be wonderful for men AND women.  Muscle is healthy for both of us!  We’ve already discussed that weight training burns more fat by boosting metabolism and changes the shape of our body.  Lifting weights also strengthens our hearts – lowers blood pressure – helps prevent diabetes – helps decrease cholesterol – gives us feel good endorphins and strengthens our bones.  In other words why wouldn’t we lift weights!

Now – on to the Chocolate Superfood Treat!
Ingredients:
2 scoops chocolate Shakeology (or protein powder)
½ cup all-natural almond butter
Drizzle of honey
Sunflower seeds
Chopped pecans
Unsweetened almond milk
1 cup old-fashioned oats (OPTIONAL) – I didn’t use the oatmeal tonight

Directions:
Combine all ingredients – add drizzle of almond milk until it reaches the consistency that you prefer.  Roll into balls.  Refrigerate and enjoy!
This recipe makes about 8 balls.