Today, marks the start of the GNC’s newest program: The Total Lean Challenge.
For 12 weeks, GNC will be offering meal plans, workouts, exercise video instruction, and helpful links on their blog to help you stay on track and motivated in 2013. GNC will also be giving away $10,000 in Total Lean and other GNC products and merchandise throughout the 12 weeks on twitter.
Follow the hashtag #RespectYourself as this challenge encourages you to respect yourself by making exercise and healthy eating a part of your lifestyle.
Interact with other challengers and GNC community managers GNC_Kelly and GNC_Dan using #RespectYourself with questions and updates on twitter. Or, post to the GNC facebook page.
Sign up for the challenge HERE. It’s FREE!
Questions? Check out the FAQ for more information.
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I have been using the Total Lean products for months now. In fact, after a chilly run this weekend, I was desperate for protein and had some spinach to use.
3/4. of unsweetened almondmilk
1/2 frozen banana
5-6 ice cubes
1 serving of Total Lean 25 French Vanilla
handful of spinach
I have a tough time drinking smoothies in the winter–I’m too dang cold! But, they are so easy to make. The Total Lean protein powders taste good too. I think it’s tough to find a protein powder that’s tasty and beneficial. Each 200 cal serving has 25 g of protein and 8 g of fiber.
Don’t worry, Cooper got a snack after the run too!
He waited for me patiently while I grabbed a few items at Trader Joe’s. I saw these natural, peanut butter flavored dog treats and had to get him a box! They are shaped like cats, fire hydrants, and shoes! Not to offend cat lovers reading–Cooper is very interested in cats, though I’m not sure what he would do if he met one…
I’m trying out a new, weighted jump rope for home workouts. This model won’t help me PR my double-unders, but it will strengthen my arms with the added weight.
My arms get tired jump roping with a light weight rope, so this is a nice challenge.
I have a feeling Spencer may snag this for his upcoming road trips this season! But, I will be creating some home workouts to share first!
The GNC Total Lean Challenge Week 1 is up! Do you recognize someone in the video? 
Your turn:
Are you committing to any challenges or programs in 2013 (ex: squat-a-day, whole30, etc)?
*FitFluential LLC compensated me for this campaign. All opinions are my own.
I’ve started my second Whole30 with the new year. I think this one is MUCH more challenging than the first. I imagine because the first time I was full of motivation and it was so new and exciting. I’m going to tough it out, though. I know it’s worth it.
I think thicker/heavier jump ropes are so much easier to learn DUs on, but once you can do them the heavy jump ropes just mess everything up haha. But they sure to fire up your shoulders. Enjoy it!
Gaby@eatdrinklift.com recently posted..Someone Call the Wahmbulance
The Whole30 looks like a wonderful way to get your inside and outside right. I’ve even be considering for the pregnancy–but my willpower isn’t exactly at it’s peak right now!
I’m hosting my first DietBet with over 90 participants that started today! First, of hopefully many, health related challenges this year
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } recently posted..Tour of my new studio Apartment
What a great turnout!!! Congrats!
Hmm interesting never thought of a weighted jump rope…guess it would be an added challenge if you have mastered the unweighted jump rope already!
Ed recently posted..Veggie Grill Review
It is! My arms burn!!
That jumprope looks awesome! I still need to work on DUs…any pointers?
Kat recently posted..Are you ready for #goalgetter2013?!
Practice!
Reminding yourself to jump just a tad higher but still keep your legs fairly straight helps you go longer. When I first started, I would donkey kick–meaning bending my legs to increase hang time but you tire really fast! Getting a good speed rope helps!
I should look into the GNC challenge! I’m currently doing a Pull Up challenge and hoping I can do much more in a row than when I started by the end of it! LOVE pull ups. And following along with a bodyweight exercise challenge daily from my mom (www.chalmersfitnessusa.com) – all good things! Love that weighted jump rope too – I feel ya on jumps as it’s usually my arms that give out first before catching my feet or my legs getting tired! That’d be a great addition to at-home workouts.
Bonnie recently posted..Sick & Stationary
Oh fun! Pull-ups are such a fantastic strength move! I have no doubt you will string them together and PR! I love that your mom is such an active and influential fitness guru!!
Just started Whole30 on January 1st. Loving it so far. It’s real food and I am feeling great.
Elle recently posted..Another Winner From Tommie Copper… Long-Sleeved Compression Shirts
That’s awesome Elle! I bet your energy is through the roof!!
I’m challenging myself to take in protein within 30 minutes (or less) of a workout. I have previously been really bad about this and kind-of screwed up my metabolism. So here’s to upping my protein intake in 2013! Weighted jumprope looks intriguing – what a great idea!
That is a GREAT goal Beth! I too have often struggled with refueling post workout but I know it is a must for muscle repair and recovery! Good for you!
I have joined a fitness boot camp for 12 weeks to jump start me in 2013. It’s a class with few pieces of equipment so I can do everything at home after and stay on track. And I bought protein powder mix to drink and keep me full of nutrients!
Sarah Z recently posted..Playoff Apps: Pickle & Olive Rolls
You are set Sarah! Wishing you the best start of 2013!!
Whole 30 and just signed up for another marathon.
For those of you thinking about Whole 30′ing I recommend it!
Candice@allthingsyogi.com recently posted..5 New and Healthy Foods Items to try/add/ enjoy.
Thanks for the rec Candice!! I hear nothing but positives!
I’m doing what I call 30 for 30. I have to do at least 30 minutes of planned and intentional exercise for 30 days in a row. Most will be more than 30 minutes but none can be less. I don’t have trouble getting into the gym, but this truly keeps you honest! So far I’m 7 for 7.
julie clarke recently posted..Game On!
Julie that’s awesome!! I love how you are holding YOURself accountable and making it fun!!
This looks great! Right now I am doing a 4 week contest on Dietbet and just started Tina’s Best Body Bootcamp. I’ve flooded my January with motivation!
Fancy Nancy recently posted..Chase the Carrot…Rewarding Success
Your 2013 is off to a fantastic start Nancy! keep it up!
i’m signed up for the challenge-but will modify a bit! also doing tina’s best body bootcamp. trying to get down to my goal weight before Eugene! i won some leanshake on the twitter chat and can’t wait to see what i get-i LOVE that stuff. i’ve been meaning to get more-just haven’t been around to do it!
elizabeth recently posted..December Monthly Recap
I think you are looking fantastic E!! I hope you get a TL flavor you like!!
My fav is still French Vanilla!
I love the idea of this lean challenge! I will definitely be following along with that! I look forward to more of those home workouts, I just love them!
Jentry Nielsen recently posted..Motivational Monday for Those New Year’s Resolutions
Awesome!! There will be new ones posted weekly!!
Thanks for the review on this, I just purchased my first round of protein powder, ever! (I have been so torn/confused as to which brand to purchase, and I like the high protein/low sugars in these.
I got the Lean 25 chocolate and the vanilla.
I am training for my first half, and I am joining a new gym (similar workouts to Crossfit, as well as TRX classes, MMA and strength training) I am so excited to get started!
I cannot wait to make all kinds of protein bars, balls and shakes!
Sounds like your 2013 is filled with activities! How do you like the Total Lean 25 protein powders? When is your half?!!
I havent received the Protein powders yet, hope to get them today and be able to start incorporating them into my meals this weekend.
My Half is in May, around a lake in NH, should be a beautiful run!