Chalene Johnson - PUSH: 30 Days to Turbocharged Habits, a Bangin’ Body, and the Life You Deserve!

This book is intended as a reference volume only, not as a medical manual. The information given here is designed to help you make informed decisions about your health. It is not intended as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your doctor. If you suspect that you have a medical problem, we urge you to seek competent medical help.

The information in this book is meant to supplement, not replace, proper exercise training. All forms of exercise pose some inherent risks. The editors and publisher advise readers to take full responsibility for their safety and know their limits. Before practicing the exercises in this book, be sure that your equipment is well-maintained, and do not take risks beyond your level of experience, aptitude, training, and fitness. The exercise and dietary programs in this book are not intended as a substitute for any exercise routine or dietary regimen that may have been prescribed by your doctor.

As with all exercise and dietary programs, you should get your doctors approval before beginning.

Mention of specific companies, organizations, or authorities in this book does not imply endorsement by the author or publisher, nor does mention of specific companies, organizations, or authorities imply that they endorse this book, its author, or the publisher.

Internet addresses and telephone numbers given in this book were accurate at the time it went to press.

First published in hardcover by Rodale Inc. in December 2011.

First published in paperback by Rodale Inc. in January 2017.

2012 by Chalene Johnson

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any other information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher.

Photographs by Dan Mitchell

Family photos by Bosh Images

The TurboFire photo on page 74 is Beachbody.com (page number refers to the print edition)

Book design by Christopher Rhoads

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file with the publisher.

ISBN-13: 9781609613334 hardcover

ISBN-13: 9781623368692 paperback
ISBN-13: 9781623369262 e-book

We inspire health, healing, happiness, and love in the world.

Starting with you.
RodaleWellness.com

To Marge and Bill.

Dad, I know that youre reading this to Mom from the throne where you read all your books. Please tell Mom that I am forever grateful that the two of you taught me how to be a devoted parent, caring friend, loving spouse, and the best version of me. I love you so much!

Several years ago I found myself positioned at the head of a 16-person conference table, housed in an all-glass conference room, of a swanky New York City high-rise building. With my agent, my husband, and a team of strangers assembled around the table, this was my moment to pitch what I knew was going to be a tough sell.

At that point I had sold millions of exercise DVDs and was well-known in the fitness industry for my health club and infomercial programs. Landing those publisher meetings was the easy part. Finding a company strong enough to take a risk on my rather unconventional approach to diet, fitness, and lifewell, that piece required a special fit.

Despite my 25 years of experience in personal and business development, most publishers were only interested in a diet book from me. But my passion for this project was too strong not to be believed. I explained, People dont need another diet. They need to know how to take control of their lives.

What people need is a map, a plan, a system to understand what will truly give them fulfillment and a system to get it. Weight loss, flat tummies, thinner thighspeople pursue those things because they believe obtaining them will bring them happiness. Most assume their weight is the problem when in fact its their out-of-control and overstuffed lives. Instead of giving people a temporary diet plan, PUSH provides you with a customizable plan to take control of your life, not just your diet.

I knew firsthand that people needed a map. I had spent the first 30 years of my life searching for a map, and once I found it, I was able to take control of a lot more than just my weight. My relationships flourished, my confidence improved, I grew my businesses, and I accomplished every goal I set out to achieve.

And this system hadnt just worked for me; it had also worked for hundreds of people (now hundreds of thousands) whom I had coached through it. It gave people what they were missinga plan.

Today, in large part because of this book, I have had the opportunity to teach live around the country via teleseminars, online workshops, and social media. I am humbled to say that PUSH has helped nearly 400,000 people transform their lives. This is my purpose.

The reason for this success is simple. PUSH works.

Some days Im overwhelmed by the countless messages sent to me on social media from readers who have been able finally to take control of their finances, fitness, and friendships.

And a ton of crazy cool things have happened in my life since writing this book. I am so excited to share them with you, not as a brag-fest but as proof that even if you feel incredibly blessed, you still have the capacity and the right to create something even more fulfilling.

Let me keep it real. Bret (my husband) and I went through some pretty gnarly challenges in our business and our marriage, all of which started just as I was finishing up PUSH in 2011. Bret, like many men, had never been one to share his feelings. When something upset him, he was short, irritable. He would always hold it in. I would, of course, follow up with what seemed like 1,200 questions: Whats wrong? Are you mad? Whats bothering you?

We danced this dance for 20 years. I assumed he was mad at me, while he denied he was upset. Though Bret never yelled or became combative, when he was in one of these moods, you knew it. It was in his body language. You could hear it in his voice. He complained about the traffic, the spot on his shirt, the door that squeaked, the missing TV remote, our bills, or the weather. Ironically, the guy with a strong opinion about everything never shared his objections when it came to our business ventures. Yet in all of his rants, the only area I could have an effect on was our financial situation.

Assuming these bad moods must be financially motivated, my natural fix was to tap into business mode and create more income for us. Yet, even a strong month financially didnt guarantee a happy husband. Now Im a realist. It wasnt that I expected Bret to be Mr. Congeniality. But his mood swings were unsettling. As a mother, I wanted a home that felt peaceful and safe. And for that reason, I needed to know what triggered these unpredictable episodes. Despite my incessant probing, he assured me nothing was wrong.