Beachbody Coach National Wake Up Call: 4 Tips to Running Successful Challenge Groups

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

LISTEN HERE:Building More Than a Challenge Group My Story A few years ago, I was working long days in a dead-end, stressful job but wasn’t making a lot of money. I was unhappy with my body but couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t losing weight even though I was putting in time at the gym. I have the Typical P90X story…I saw the infomercial late one night & was intrigued. I ordered it and then hid it in my closet for 3 months.
Finally I dusted it off and gave it a try but decided that I was way too out of shape to start with P90X so I started with Brazil Butt Lift. After seeing some results…I wanted to give P90X a try again but I needed help!
While searching for P90X transformations…I found my coach and picked her brain about Shakeology and since I LOVE a discount…I wanted to hear more about coaching.
So She sent me the “Decide” video and I can’t explain the feeling I got other than to say…it gave me butterflies. I’ve always felt like I was meant to do something incredible but I couldn’t figure out what that meant…and I was stuck in a rut with my job. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my future and the possibility of leaving the security of my job seemed terrifying.
My intuition told me to dream big and just go for it! .
The idea of getting in shape and helping people inspired me….BUT…my greatest motivation was the possibility of FREEDOM!
Freedom from my job, freedom from the alarm clock, freedom from missing out on family gatherings because of work, freedom of TIME! Freedom to be in charge of my future and create a life by design.
Building More Than Challenge Groups

Challenge groups are the cornerstone of our business! They are, without a doubt,  the most powerful tool we have because they are the BRIDGE that takes people from customers to Beachbody advocate to  coaches. We talk a lot about how to invite people to challenge groups, but how do you run a successful group, keep people engaged & create a team culture?

This is a little embarrassing to admit, but I struggled with Challenge groups. Probably my LEAST favorite activity as a coach was running them.  
I just wasn’t enjoying them and to be perfectly honest, I was going through the motions.
Since I wasn’t really embracing them...I had poor participation and very few success stories.  I realized that I wasn’t TRULY helping anyone...including myself.  
Earlier this year, I lost my way with my own fitness. Even though I was doing my workouts...ok MOSTLY doing my workouts and drinking Shakeology...I wasn’t paying attention to my nutrition or portion sizes. I had zero accountability.  I was a little shocked to discover that I had gained 15 lbs. That 15 lbs was a wake up call- I realized that if I was going to help my challengers, I needed to get back to my roots. I needed to reconnect with why I fell in love with coaching in the first place.  
I needed to be IN a challenge group! I needed to reconnect with the experience and what my challengers were going through.
So I committed to my workouts, I committed to the 3 vital behaviors and really dug deep to work on my greatest asset in my business...ME! Over the course of 2 months, I lost that “happy weight” and got in touch with what makes a challenge group effective.
My Results!
After running two AMAZING Challenge groups, I knew I was onto something.

I’m going to get right into how to run a successful challenge group which will lead to a strong & connected team. The 4 points I’m going to talk about about 1. Do as I do 2.Accountability 3. Connection and 4. Engagement
I would encourage you to write these down….take this information and personalize it to your business.
Let’s jump right into #1


  1. Do as I Do!   
    When you lead by example it creates trust & your challengers will have faith that you are guiding them on the right path.  Since they trust you, they will duplicate what you DO (not what you say). Challenger SEE, Challenger DO!
    I got caught up in the thinking that “I’m
    running  the challenge group so I don’t need to participate”  But as the coach, you should think of your  groups as built in accountability.
    It’s so easy to get swept up in helping others and let our own goals slack (as I have done) But it's important to remember to "put your oxygen mask on first" then help others.
    We are not perfect, we are allowed to have slip ups and be human...but as coaches...we’re the first people to jump right back in! So share that!
    After I gained some weight, I posted about it and got an incredible outpouring of support from my customers who related to my story and were ready to recommit with me !

    With the release of P90X3, now is the perfect time to recommit to your goals. We’re about 90 days away from the Beachbody Cruise! You can start something like a “P90X Dropouts Challenge” and do X3 along with your challengers who couldnt complete the original hour long workouts.
    Share your goals so people want to join you  in the New Year!
    Remember, don’t be a “Do as I say-er”
    Your challengers look up to you! Post YOUR journey along with them. People will follow and duplicate what you DO!
  2. Accountability- It’s all about keeping people accountable to their goals & it’s vital that you remind them WHY those goals are important to them. Let’s be honest, when people start a challenge...they are gung-ho for the first week or two...then reality sets in...they are sore...and all of these temptation and excuses set to arise.   
    As their coach, you want to remind them of their goals & reconnect them with their WHY
    every week.
    Something simple that I do is have everyone send me a weekly recap that includes their progress pictures & their measurements every Sunday. It’s a great way to track progress...but MORE importantly it’s to realign their actions with their goals. Trust me, they have a lot more incentive to stick with it when they know they have to hop into a bikini every Sunday!
    Make sure you are tracking your challengers results and who is sending in their weekly recap- there are many ways to do so. I am a paper/pen girl so while it might take a bit longer to do...I make a spreadsheet on a legal pad and check off their names as they send in their progress pics. You can also use Excel or Google Drive to make a spreadsheet & my friend uses an App called EverNote to create a personal folder with each challengers info. Find the way that works best for you!
    Now, I can already hear some of you saying “But what if my Challengers won’t send in a weekly picture?” It’s important that you set the expectation and tone for the group right in the beginning. During “pre-season”, the week before we start, everyone is ramped up and ready to go. I let them know what I need from them and share the WHY behind it. If they know that sending in a weekly picture is going to help them get better results, they are going to do it.
    Another trick: When people have one foot in the Challenge Group door but aren’t quite committed to all of the requirements, I say “Ok, I understand if you cannot participate this time around. I’m looking for success stories to feature on my blog & to send into Beachbody so for the group, I ONLY want people who are 100% committed to the recipe for success.” Chances are...they will message you back with a commitment.
  3. Connection: The MAGIC of Beachbody happens when people CONNECT and form a community. People coming together….forming relationships and encouraging each other. It’s so important that your challengers feel connected to not only you...but to the other challengers as well.  
    But before you assume that everyone is going to be insta-friends, step into their shoes for a second...think about their experience. Maybe they have never been in a Facebook group before...maybe they are really nervous to just start posting and talking to strangers.
    One of my FAVORITE ways to start a challenge group is with an ice breaker. Now, I know, Ice breakers can traditionally be a little dorky but you can really have fun with this. You want it to be something that is personal enough that they start to get to know one another...but not too personal that they would be nervous about posting. I start with a Pet post: everyone posts pictures of their pets. They have a lot of fun getting to know one another and commenting on the pictures. OR You could have them post a family picture...you could even do seasonal or themed  posts. Just something fun that gets the conversation started.
    Next, I encourage them to add each other on Facebook & exchange contact information so they can encourage one another. My goal is to create a mini community- a place that’s friendly where they feel safe & supported.
    The Challenge group guides are a GREAT template full of ideas...but if you have just been copying & pasting the posts...you are missing out! And chances are...you are not really connecting with your challengers.
    I am not a fitness robot & I don’t look at my challengers like they are “just a challenger”  They are interesting, hilarious, fun, caring people who are wives...moms...sisters.... So my challenges are NOT just about fitness..they are a reflection of who I am and who my challengers are…

    Find fun ways to make the groups more personal. No one knows your customers like you- and chances are...if they wanted
    you as a coach...you have a lot of the same interests so why not share!?  I post do fitness & nutrition tips, but I also post about workout clothes, our favorite tv shows...what they like to do for fun...where would they like to travel?
    Get to know them better! Get to know what motivates them, what makes them happy or excited?

    Challengers who have a great experience and love the organization can go on to become some of your best coaches so be aware of the experience you are giving them.
  4. Engagement-  This kind of piggybacks on the last point but it’s more about how to encourage your challengers to show up everyday AND how do you keep them engaged AFTER the challenge ends. They can have great relationships with the other challengers, but unless they are checking in daily...they are less likely to follow through with the entire challenge.
    In the beginning of the group, I set the expectation that they need to make the commitment to check in everyday- even if it’s just a quick post. Accountability is KEY to not only their success but the success of the group!
    The stronger the relationship a challenger makes with me and the group and the MORE often they engage….The more dedicated and accountable they feel...which in turn means the better results they see.

    Establish Your Back Up Plan! When people miss a workout or get derailed, they want to hide from the group but that’s when they need support the most! So I talk to my challengers in the beginning about setting up a back up plan. I simply ask:
    “If I notice that you stop posting in the group, how would you like me to support you and get you back on board? Message you? Call?”  
    Be that little angel on their shoulder that encourages them to jump right back in!

    Recognition is another fun way to encourage people to engage. I post fun shout outs for the person who emailed their progress pics first! Or recognize the challenger who is always first to encourage others!

    Create a build up! I create reasons for them to come check the group to find out what's going on. (Ex: Recipe ideas, how you do your meal planning) “Check back on Friday for my infamous Shakeology recipe!”  “Tune in Sunday for my top meal planning tips!”

    Talk about Life after the Challenge! The challenge group is NOT just about a quick fix for 30, 60, 90 days...it’s about creating healthy habits. To me, a challenge group is only the beginning to a new lifestyle. I want my challengers to CONTINUE working out, drinking Shakeology and engaging in the network AFTER the challenge so I invite them to my general fitness group and empower them to help inspire others by posting their results, favorite shakeology recipes or meal ideas.
    I also give them the option to be a Challenge group graduate in my next group so they can continue on their journey. Even though they don’t have the title “coach” they have already have a lil experience under their belt  so I encourage them to share their journey and share tips that helped them through the first round. The experience strengthens their resolve to reach their own goals and opens the door to them becoming a coach!

    And lastly, have fun with your groups: be creative with your verbiage and make it enticing. Anytime there is a new program or I try something new with my group, I invite people to be a part of my “BETA” or “TEST” group! People love to be in on the ground floor! They love to be the “first” to try something. And  since it’s something I’ve never done before...I ask for a LOT of feedback. I ask that they help me by really tracking their progress and checking in OFTEN to share what they thought about the workout, a recipe, etc...! People love to give feedback, their opinions and know that their voice is being heard.
    Start a P90X3 TEST group and have everyone check in with a mini review of each workout.

    Challenge groups are the bridge between customer and coach. Good challengers make GREAT coaches!  Really honing in on the challenge group experience and how I’m connecting with my groups has made all the difference in my business. Not only am I excited about running groups, but I feel GOOD knowing that my challengers put faith in my as their coach & Im able to deliver! Take these 4 tips & look at your current challenge groups. How can you make them more effective and a better reflection of who you are? Remember, the speed of the leader is the speed of the pack & if you are leading with your own fitness...your challengers will follow in your footsteps. Together, you can accomplish great things!


DREAM BIG
I’m so thankful that I found Beachbody because it has not only helped me gain confidence and lead a healthy lifestyle…but it’s given me so much more! Freedom! Waking up every morning with purpose and passion is so much more than I could have ever dreamed of. Right now, we are stay at home pet parents but it’s such a blessing to be able to say that both Jay & I will be stay at home parents one day. And in June, I will be able to walk across the stage at Summit at burn my mortgage! True financial freedom!



Fitspiration of the daily: Good Moods

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Sometimes my inspiration to workout comes from the AMAZING mood I KNOW I will be in AFTER my workout. I'm not gonna lie...this week was challenging with cramps and a serious case of PMS haha but with my trip coming up in only 5 weeks...It's NOT the time for excuses.
Even though I feel so bloated, I am so glad that I pushed myself and didn't lay around in bed like I wanted to haha

Taking a weekly accountability pic has really helped keep me on track- every Thursday it reminds me of my goals and why I am working so hard. If you feel like you are having trouble staying motivated, I highly recommend it. It's really easy to get off track especially in the winter when you can bundle up and wear those cozy over-sized sweaters (which are adorbs!)
Motivation is required weekly- you're not just going to start out and magically stay motivated and excited. You have to stoke the fire.
Anyway, have a great weekend everyone and remember your goals! Don't let the weekend be your "weak" end of the week! 

Working Out Even When You Don't Feel Like It

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

So how to you workout even when you don't feel like it?
It's been a rough week...I think my cramps are trying to kill me from the inside haha
Feeling bloated and in pain is even to make anyone want to curl up in bed all day which is pretty much what I did...BUT I have to trip to Mexico coming up in about 5 weeks. Honestly, the thought of NOT having a good time because I feel self conscious in my bikini was enough to make me hop up and get it DONE!
Sometimes you just have to decide what is more important to you!




 PS I know these socks are so dorky but sometimes I cannot stand those ankle socks!! They always seem to slide down & bug me during my workouts. I would have my stripe knee high socks on BUT they ALL got lost in the move *sad face*
My baby Winston!
Add me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/katiheifner 

P90X3 Test Group

Monday, December 9, 2013

I found this really awesome fitspiration for my CLOSET on instagram and it inspired me to make my fitness clothes look prettier. Something about having something cute to wear makes me more excited to workout AND when it's all pretty and organized...I have no excuses 
 It didn't take that long and in the process, I found some SUPER cute things that I totally forgot about because they got buried in a drawer. Now they are all on display and BONUS: I found some cute thing that don't fit anymore that I can donate =) I get more closet space & hopefully make someone very happy. Win Win! 
 Tomorrow is the BIG Day!!! P90X3 is coming out and I cannot wait! Seriously 30 min a day- I can handle that. I will always have a place in my heart for P90X because it changed my body so much...but MAN that was hard! It was a serious commitment of time (especially on Yoga day! And just being honest...I hardly ever did the full 90 min! hhaha)

Tony Horton actually did a National Coach call talking about the workouts! To hear it, Simply dial (832) 225-5065 

MAKE ME YOUR FREE COACH and I will send you INFO to order P90X3 to start your 2014 off the right way.  If you have questions and would like to talk about joining one of my online fitness accountability groups please CONTACT ME HERE.
Product links. NOTE: These will NOT be active until end of day 12/10 when the products are live in the store.

More exciting news! I'm going to be running a P90X3 TEST group! I've done a couple of the P90X3 workouts at Leadership during a sneak peak and I KNOW you ladies are going to love it. It's NOT a graduate program so don't break out in hives if you've never done P90X OR if you tried it and sucked at it hahah And the best part about it....everyone has 30 min to workout. Yay! Simple & effective!



MEET P90X3

So what's the scoop?!

Well for starters, YOU CAN NO LONGER USE THE EXCUSE THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TIME TO WORKOUT! 30 minutes a day for 6 days a week is totally doable and everyone can find 30 minutes in their day to get a workout in!

Muscle acceleration explained: Many P90X fans were hooked on the science of muscle confusion – which introduced variety to the workouts and prevented plateauing. P90X3 takes a hint from that success and from studies showing the most dramatic body transformations happen within the first 30 minutes of exercise. Enter muscle acceleration, a Tony Horton-approved highly-structured schedule with an incredibly high level of intensity and an unprecedented variety of moves. The gurus behind P90X3 combined exercises and added some twists to maximize your time and keep every muscle challenged for a full 30 minutes.

The base kit includes 16 workouts so you are never going to get bored.
Everything from cardio to strength, pilates, yoga and MMX there is something for everyone!  

The ideal P90X3-erIt may seem lofty to proclaim, but P90X3 is indeed a workout for everyone.  Everyone searching for tighter abs and leaner muscles, that is. But fitness novices and experts need not be afraid by P90X3’s come-one-come-all invitation. You don’t have to have any previous P90X experience in order to get killer results. For the beginner, the variety of workouts in P90X3 is the perfect place to discover their fitness style. If the move can be modified there is a cast member showing you how. But don’t expect to be an expert on day one. (Yes, fitness veterans will still be challenged.) As Tony says, ”You don’t get off easy, you just get to finish faster!” 


It doesn’t stop thereAnd of course there are some bells and whistles too good to ignore. First off, the Coach exclusive: If P90X3 is purchased through me as your coach any time from December 10th – 31st (including Challenge Packs), you will receive a exclusive P90X3 baseball cap. What better way to spread the word about this revolutionary program?  
And last but not least, we have the app: Yes, now for the first time the P90X app is available on Android and iOS (will be available 12/10 on Android) The app includes P90X guided workouts, tools to track your reps, weights and progress. Launching soon, is the P90X3 addition – which brings you workout specific tracking modules, scheduling options and the motivation you need to power through the 90 days. P90X3 scheduling and tracking will be available on the app for Android on 12/10 and is coming soon for iPhone. Check out the app and get ready to bring it!
So when can you get it? 
You're in LUCK! You can score your very own P90X3 on December 10th.  P90X3 will be released on my site in which you have a couple of options.  There will be an introductory price of $180 (after Dec 31st...it will increase to $205)
The Challenge Pack which includes the 90 day workout, the nutrition guide, program manual, schedule of workouts, shakeology, free 30 day trial of the club membership, free shipping and a discounted price when you get the package. 
Or your second option is to purchase the program alone.  That is $119.00, and the equipment needed are weights, bands and an optional pull up bar but you can use a band with an over the door attachment if you don't have one!  I did my whole first round of P90X with the bands and got amazing results.
If you would like to be notified when you can officially purchase the workout please go to my site and create a FREE account and I'll shoot you an email once it's released! X3!
To apply for my P90X3 Test group, please submit the following:

P90X3

Saturday, December 7, 2013

P90X3 Details


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Yayyyy!! P90X3 launches on 12/10/2102 and I have 22 facts to share so you get a better idea of what the program is like:  

1. All workouts are 30 minutes long

2. The warm-up is 2 minutes and then constant work for the remaining 28 minutes
3. There is a separate warm-up disk called Cold Start if you need a longer warm-up due to environment, time of day, etc
4. P90X3 is a separate program from P90X and P90X2, not a harder version
5. Anyone can start on P90X3, even beginners
6. The nutrition plan goes back to nutrition basics of Power 90 and healthy eating
7. There are 16 workouts in the P90X3 base System 
8. The Deluxe package has 4 extra routines for a total of 20
9. P90X3 will include a new Pilates based workout…
10. P90X3 will also include an all new Isometrics workout- A New Strength/Balance/Flexibility workout with Static Holds
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11. And it will include CVX: Cardiovascular Extreme – a Cardio workout with weights
12. And P90X3 has MMX – a Mixed Martial Arts Extreme that expands the Kenpo workout
13. Includes Agility X- All new agility programming
14. And yes, Yoga is still part of the program, but it’s only 30 mins
15. There are 4 schedules in X3- classic, lean, doubles, and bulk
16. 39 out of 40 people in the Test group lost 10% of their body fat %!!!!! (Whoa! How awesome is that?!) 
17. If you’ve done P90X or P90X2, you’ll see similar moves and all new stuff too
18. Equipment needed will include weights or bands (a pull-up bars is great like in P90X, but optional)
19. Every move in X3 has a Beginner/Modified, In between move, and Challenging/Hard
20. This program is based on science that suggests the first 30 minutes is the most effective part of any exercise routine, so we accelerate the workouts to create the most effective 30 minute routine
21. Ab Moves- Most of them are athletic in nature, some are standing up and many are front facing instead of being on your back
22. P90X3 will be available December 10, 2013
p90x3 results 300x300 P90X3 Details
MAKE ME YOUR FREE COACH and I will send you INFO to order P90X3 to start your 2014 off the right way.  If you have questions and would like to talk about joining one of my online fitness accountability groups please CONTACT ME HERE.
Product links. NOTE: These will NOT be active until end of day 12/10 when the products are live in the store.

Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Prepare your tastebuds for Peanut Butter Banana Ice cream!
I can't remember where I found this recipe...but it's uhhh-MAZING!
I wish I could give credit because whoever came up with this is a genius!

- THEME BY ECLAIR DESIGNS -