Kick your taste buds into motion this morning with a Cajun Chocolate Vi-Shake!

Ingredients:
8 oz chocolate almond milk
1 scoops Vi-Shape Shake Mix
1/2 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
4-6 ice cubes

As with all of the recipes that we post, feel free to modify the ingredients to your liking. Don’t forget to let us know what you think about this shake!

The post Recipe of the Week: Cajun Chocolate Vi-Shake appeared first on The Challenge.

Nearly 20.4 million Americans now practice yoga. That’s almost a 30 percent increase from four years ago, according to the Yoga in America study, performed by Yoga Journal.

It’s no wonder: There are plenty of benefits of hitting the mat.

Yoga is a great way to increase your flexibility, strength, balance and coordination. Not only that: Regular practice is known to help you shed a few lbs., relieve stress and improve sleep. In fact, practicing yoga for 90 days would make for a great Active Challenge that would enhance your mind, body and spirit.

If you are new to yoga, the best way to learn is to take a class to learn firsthand from a qualified yoga professional. Steer towards classes with names that include the words “beginner” or “level one.” There are many styles to choose from, so take a few classes at different studios until you find one that’s best for your body’s needs and your lifestyle. Here are a few to consider:

Hatha: Ideal for beginners, hatha yoga focuses on basic postures and breathing at a moderate pace.

Bikram: Also known as “hot yoga,” this sweaty 90-minute practice consists of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises that take place in a room heated to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Vinyasa: This popular style is very active and focuses on the coordination of movement and breath.

Iyengar: This style will build strength and flexibility in the body through synchronized breathing and poses, focused on precise body alignment.

Restorative: In this meditative class, you’ll use props such as blocks, blankets and yoga bolsters to help your muscles stretch out and relax.

And remember, when it comes to yoga, it’s all about the journey, not being perfect on day one. That’s why it’s called a yoga practice. Hope to see you at downward facing dog!

The post Try a Yoga Challenge appeared first on The Challenge.

It’s ok to have dessert any time of the day! Try this Cherry Cheesecake Vi-Shake and curb your sweet tooth cravings without lifting a fork.

Ingredients:

• 6 oz. skim milk
• 2 scoops Vi-Shape shake mix
• 1 cup frozen cherries
• 2 oz. fat-free cream cheese
• 2 dashes cinnamon
• 5 ice cubes

As with all of the recipes that we post, feel free to modify the ingredients to your liking. Don’t forget to let us know what you think about this shake!

The post Recipe of the week! ‘Cherry Cheesecake’! appeared first on The Challenge.

Hate to exercise? Despise the gym? Here are four workouts that will get you sweating—without a treadmill or dumbbell in sight.

Hike a trail: Get off the beaten path (literally!) and head to a hiking trail. A walk in the woods offers a mental retreat from every day life, plus climbing hills engages your butt, leg and core muscles. But don’t worry, the beautiful scenery will distract you from all the work you’re doing.

Bike to work: Swap miles in your car with miles on the bike. A bike commute is the perfect way to get your workout in, while complementing your day-to-day life. Try different routes each day for a change of scenery and to vary your terrain.

Catch a wave: With the sand, water and sun as a backdrop, surfing is the ultimate beach escape. It’s also a total body workout. You use your shoulders, back and arms for paddling, while riding on the waves tones your arms and abs. Take a class, or sign up for a surf camp to learn the basics.

Pick up a racket: Serve up the perfect workout with a tennis game with friends. This sport recruits every single muscle in your body, not to mention the anaerobic benefits that come from sprinting across the court. With some friendly competition, you will be more focused on the game than the work.

The post The No-Gym Workout appeared first on The Challenge.

Don’t forget to include ViSalus in your Cinco de Mayo plans this year!

Whether you’re going to a party, barbeque or just spending times with family and friends, ViSalus can really add some additional fun to your Cinco de Mayo celebration!

Here are two Vi-style Margaritas that are sure to add some life to whatever you have planned for the big day!

ViSalus Strawberry Margarita

• 16oz water
• 1 packet of ViSalus PRO
• 1 packet Strawberry Phyto Power Flavor Mix-Ins
• 6 Ice Cubes

Frosty Strawberry Cinco de Mayo Vi-Margaritas

• 1/4 cup strawberry fat free sorbet
• 3-5 ice cubes
• 2 Scoops Vi Shape Nutritional mix
• 1 Cup Almond Milk
•  Juice from lime
• Strawberry and fresh lime slices
• Place sorbet ,2 Scoops Vi Shape Nutritional mix, ice, Almond milk and lime juice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

Remember- you can always alter each recipe to your liking. Also, don’t forget tell us how your Vi-Drinks turn out and which one is your favorite in the comment section below!

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone!

Frosty Strawberry Cinco de Mayo Vi-Margaritas Recipe Source

The post Cinco de Mayo Vi-Drinks appeared first on The Challenge.

Nothing is more frustrating than starting a workout regimen only to be sidelined by an injury. Here are some tips to help safeguard your body.

•  Progress slowly: Many people are too ambitious at the start of an exercise routine—working out too long or too intensely—and give up when they feel sore or get injured. Remember this: Your body needs time to adjust to exercise. Go slow. Over time, you will build up your strength and endurance.

• Start and end right: Begin each workout with a 5-10 minute warm-up consisting of gentle exercises and stretches. This will gradually increase your heart rate and circulation while loosening joints. Alternately, a cool-down after your workout helps promote recovery and prevent soreness

• Learn proper technique: Correct alignment minimizes aches and pains. Educate yourself on proper form by hiring a personal trainer, taking a class or reading books, magazines and web sites from credible sources

• Mix it up: Cross-training is the best away to avoid body burnout. Engaging in a variety of activities allows you to use different muscles and minimize overuse impact to your joints and muscles. Try alternating cardio, strength-training and stretching into your routine

• Listen to your body: Feeling pain is your body’s way of telling you to back off. Exercise may feel mildly uncomfortable at times, but it should never hurt. If something is bothering you, stop and evaluate what’s going on

• Take a break: After strength training, muscles need at least 48 hours to recover and rebuild. If your body is feeling particularly sore or tired, a day off will serve you well

The post How to Prevent Injuries appeared first on The Challenge.

Did you know that most of the diseases and ailments we suffer today are lifestyle diseases? They are directly related to and connected to one’s nutrition and fitness level. So says Dr. Michelle Craft of The Wellness Connection Healing Center in Rapid City, SD.

We checked in with Dr. Craft to get her expert advice on how we can all live a healthier lifestyle. Here’s what she had to say.

Eat Clean

Choose whole foods. Eat fresh organic fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, brown rice, quinoa and whole organic grains, nuts and seeds, beans, and good fats such as avocado and olive oil. Eliminate all processed food, sugar and meats for optimal health. Use the appropriate Challenge Kit for your health goals on a daily basis. A Vi-Shape® shake a day keeps the doctor away. J

Drink in Pureness

Drink water only; it’s what 98% of your body is made of, and all it needs. Choose only pure water for a pure body. Eliminate sodas and drinks with high-fructose corn syrup, which have been linked to pancreatic cancer, diabetes and obesity. I recommend ViSalus Neuro® as a daily drink which provides you with healthy necessary B vitamins, green tea extract, DMAE and Rhodiola to boost your immune system and naturally rehydrate you.

Get Moving

Move your body daily! Strive to increase your heart rate, stretch and improve flexibility, increase respiration and oxygen exchange, improve your balance, strength and endurance. Choose an exercise that you like to do so you will be successful at it. Commit to your 90-Day Challenge and make it a goal to challenge yourself a little more with each successful Challenge! 

Get Your Daily ZZZs

In our fast-paced culture we stay up late and get up early. Ensure you are getting enough rest and time for your body to recharge. This alone will change your ability to respond to stress, and boost your immune system.

Feed Your Mind

Keep learning! Make it a goal to read at least one book a month and turn off your TV. Listen to leadership audio CDs such as SUCCESS Magazine’s monthly CDs while you drive. Watch one great movie a month that focuses on someone overcoming a challenge or health issue, or an uplifting story that will inspire you to take action. Choose wisely what you feed your mind.

Meditate Daily

Give thanks for your life and set your goals for your day. Practice gratitude and forgiveness. These two things will heal your heart and light up your life.

Align Your Spine

Keep your nervous system healthy and your spine flexible. I believe the spine is the conduit between spirit and body, and it’s important to have those things in alignment. Your body was made to be able to fulfill your soul’s purpose, so keep it healthy! Regular gentle spinal care will keep you stress-free, increase your ability to respond to challenges, decrease risk of injury and improve your immune system.

Stand Tall

Posture is extremely important to your overall physiology. Bad posture has been linked to many disease processes and can be changed in an instant. Lift your face up to the sky, sit taller, and bring breath from the base of your pelvis up your entire spine and through your heart area. Now smile. You are officially taller and healthier!

Don’t Smoke

Avoid tobacco at all costs (and it sure does cost A LOT). We all know it leads to lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. Do this for your personal health and for your loved ones. Smoking has detrimental effects on your nervous system and skeletal structures, as well as on your lungs and heart. Stay smoke-free because you and your family are worth it.

Give

Volunteer and give back. Give of your time, your money and your heart. Volunteering and donating to your favorite cause will improve your overall quality of life. When you organize your time in a successful way there is always time to help another. Life is meant to be abundant for all so share whatever you have to give.

The post 10 Healthy Lifestyle Tips appeared first on The Challenge.

This Snickerdoodle Vi-Shake will remind you of grandma’s baking but without all the sugar!

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops Vi-Shape shake mix
• 8-10 oz. skim milk
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tbsp. hoeny
• 4-6 ice cubes

As with all of the recipes that we post, feel free to modify the ingredients to your liking. Don’t forget to let us know what you think about this shake!

The post Recipe of the week! ‘Snickerdoodle Vi-Shake’! appeared first on The Challenge.

Many of us grew up enjoying big weekend brunches. Who didn’t love indulging in fluffy Belgian waffles, yummy pancakes, omelets and sausages?

Brunch doesn’t have to be a belt-busting, calorie-laden affair, says Lauren Schmitt, MS, RD and certified personal trainer in Los Angeles, CA. We checked in with Lauren to find out how we could modify our beloved brunch with healthier options that don’t skimp on taste. She suggests incorporating nutrient-rich foods, whole grains, fruits and lower-fat dairy products.

You can build a better brunch with these deliciously different and nutritious choices:

•  Vegetable omelet with spinach, onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, tomatoes and zucchini
• Whole grain waffles with all-natural peanut butter and fresh banana slices
• Turkey or vegetable morning sausage with a slice of 100% whole wheat toast and fruit
• Scrambled eggs with a multi-grain tortilla, salsa and avocado
• Whole wheat or buckwheat pancakes with apple sauce
• Low-fat yogurt parfait layered with oatmeal, berries, apricots and a sprinkle of cinnamon

The post Rethinking Sunday Brunch appeared first on The Challenge.

Here’s a handy checklist of everything you need to hit the gym.

Workout Clothes (check out the Vi-Store for some great options!)

• Breathable T-shirt or tank
• Shorts, track pants or yoga pants
• Sneakers
• Socks
• Sports bra/underwear
• Headband and/or hair elastics

Gear

• iPod or other Mp3 player
• Heart rate monitor
• Activity-specific accessories, such as a yoga mat, weight-lifting gloves, tennis racket, etc.

Shower Essentials

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body wash/soap
• Deodorant
• Hairbrush/comb
• Facial wipes
• Towel
• Shower shoes
• Change of clothes

 Fuel

• Water bottle
• ViSalus GO™
• ViSalus PRO™
• ViSalus Nutra-Cookie™

Extras

• Combination lock
• Plastic bag for dirty gym clothes

What’s the one thing you can’t go to the gym without?

The post What’s in Your Gym Bag? appeared first on The Challenge.